I took your advice, Stephen. I deleted the video and reuploaded it as an unlisted video. I trust that it works this time.
I can't remember exactly how long it took Oscar's toe tapping to subside after that episode -- maybe a week or a bit longer -- but like Jolly, it slowly went away. At least when he has just a mild toe tap, he can sleep. When he's having those leg spasms, I don't think he sleeps at all. The first evening after that episode, he sat on the back of the couch, tucked his head behind his back and fell asleep.
It is such a severe affliction that when vets dismiss it as a reaction to food, I feel like they're trivialising it. I feel that if a dog or cat had the same affliction, they'd do more to find the cause.
I think I mentioned in a previous post that I sent that video to the Eclectus Research Centre. They've been studying toe tapping alongside some avian vets. They seemed pretty confident that in Oscar's case it was the result of too many added vitamins in his food. They say that vitamins slowly build up in their livers until they can no longer tolerate them and the result is muscle spasms.
My vet, on the other hand, after examining him, speculated that it could be the opposite: not enough vitamins and minerals.
Since the last episode, Oscar has been very well. He has not toe tapped, he passed his examination at the vet and appears active and happy. I don't know whether it's because I've completely cut pellets and seed (except for sprouted seed) out of his diet; nonetheless, I've kept him on a fairly strict diet. Only healthy food for him.
The Eclectus Research Centre also suggested cutting pasta out of his diet, so I not longer give that to him.
What a relief thatjolly has made such a great recovery! Your dogged determination is truly inspirational!
Along that vein, you’ve definitely got me thinking about Parker’s barbering, and wondering if there might not be a neurological component. Parker will have a wellness checkup probably July/August. I’ll bring up the idea of some similar cocktail for Parker to start December.
What time of year is the trigger for Parker? What’s going on then, in terms of food availability or sunlight or annual events?
What time of year is the trigger for Parker? What’s going on then, in terms of food availability or sunlight or annual events?
Winter. It’s cyclcial for sure, and that’s a glaring point.
He molts once a year, July/August. The feathers remain for 4 months, and he starts on them around Christmas time like clockwork.
We’ve tried everything, mental stimulation, uv lights, improved diet, blood tests, you name it. I’ve sort of resigned myself to the idea that the underlying cause has long been addressed and it’s just habit now. But the idea that might be neurological is a new hypothesis. Seasonal affective disorder..who know.
I say it’s cyclical. Truth is unlike other ekkies since he only molts once a year. By the time he’s finished barbering, marchish, he’s got nothing else to barber. If there were more, would he continue? Who knows. It’s very telling that once they come in in August, he leaves them alone for 4 month before barbering.
It’s confounding.
I'm glad the video could be of some help. Could you keep us informed of whether your vet comes up with anything?
As you can tell in the video, Oscar also had a bit of wing flipping involved with it. In fact, he started wing flipping the night before he started having the spasms.
Yep, You’re absolutely right. Assuming it’s not habit and the cause hasn’t been resolved already, the challenge remains to identfiy it. The cyclical nature is key for sure.
We don’t even put up Christmas lights at Christmas X-)
Very interesting thought about the produce. Definitely worth consideration.