Gilbert going to the vet today

[GreatBlue320]

Glad to hear that Gilbert didn't do any more plucking today. I hope he continues to heal and that it turns out to be a one-time thing that is easily remedied. Please keep us posted!

 

[Birdman666]

When I got to the appointment I explained how so far, he has only done this yesterday, never before and not today. His first thinking was of course that it is psychological stress, that he is so used to being out with me that going back in his cage is awful for him and stresses him.

I'D BE ROLLING MY EYES AT THAT SUGGESTION... He's an arritanga conure. He'd attention scream to be let out, probably drive you nuts with it. He wouldn't pluck. THIS IS NOT STRESS PLUCKING...

But then during the exam, he seemed concerned about how Gilbert pulled them. He said the pattern is not typical for psychological pluckers but more indicative of a medical issue causing it. He saw how he had chewed his skin and gave me an aloe wash to put on it as it heals to make it more comfortable.

EXACTLY... The plucking pattern suggests it may be GARDIA to me. (That's actually a relatively easy fix.) But I'm no vet... just an educated guess.

Anyhow the long and the short of it is that it may be a multi step process. Today we did the gram stain and we are sending the blood to a lab. After those results come back he said we may be doing X rays.

The vet even commented 'he is really a very laid back bird. it's hard to imagine that he could be stressed enough to be pulling feathers like this.'

YEAH. NOW YOU'RE GETTING IT! THIS IS SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL ISSUE I AM CERTAIN OF IT!!!

So I hope we get some answers soon. The good news is that he has not even looked like he wants to pluck at them today. So for the short term I am just keeping him misted with that aloe and keeping him from chewing the irritated skin and then we wait for lab results and proceed!

HE DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE TOO BADLY PLUCKED FROM THESE PHOTOS... SO, IF IT'S CAUGHT IN TIME AND DEALT WITH THERE SHOULD BE NO LASTING DAMAGE...

YOU'LL GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT... I'M SURE.

 

[Allee]

Patti, I'm so sorry to hear this. This last update and your vet's opinion are very positive though. It sounds like for whatever reason it was a one time occurrence. I'm so glad you acted fast to get to the underlying cause.

Hugs to you and best wishes for a speedy and full recovery for Gilbert.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

These are the spots as of this morning when I was putting the aloe on him. Good thing is, still has not picked it any further, not even unusual preening. And the gram stain was totally normal. Blood work results not til Tuesday.

 

[Birdman666]

That is NOT psychological plucking.

THAT is something bothering him.

I've seen plenty of birds that plucked themselves down to their very last head feather.

THIS is not that... I'm absolutely certain there will be an underlying physiological cause.

 

[Allee]

Ouch! Poor Gilbert!

Patti, taking everything into consideration, I think your vet is absolutely right. All birds are different but that doesn't look like classic plucking symptoms to me. Most new pluckers are experimenting and pull feathers from several different places but it's rare for them to chew one spot.

It sounds like Gilbert has a fantastic vet that's well informed about plucking. Gilbert also has an amazing mom and an ideal home. I think with your vet's help you will have this resolved soon. Please keep us updated.

I've used aloe mist for my plucker and I've never had adverse affects, only positive results!

 

[ruffledfeathers]

Yes. I reminded the vet that I live in a 90 year old house (some stained glass, old leaded glass/lead paint etc) and he said sounds like we should look for lead/zinc to be safe. So I think he is definitely trying to be thorough.

 

[Birdman666]

Ouch! Poor Gilbert!

I've used aloe mist for my plucker and I've never had adverse affects, only positive results!

I've used it as well. Same deal.

 

[Mimsy01]

I've been watching this thread awaiting results. I hope you get something conclusive Tuesday. I love reading about Gilbert, I feel like I know him and hate to see anything bothering him or worrying you.

 

[GreatBlue320]

Oh poor Gilbert! Glad to hear he isn't plucking at all this morning and that his gram stain was normal. Please keep us posted!

 

[Birdman666]

Oh poor Gilbert! Glad to hear he isn't plucking at all this morning and that his gram stain was normal. Please keep us posted!

Well, the gram stain being normal kinda rules out the easiest thing to treat...
so in a way, that's not a good thing.

I'm thinkin' zinc now. Hoping I'm wrong, that it's some really easily treatable infection.

 

[Terry57]

Patti, how is Gilbert this morning? Did being at the beach seem to help?
I am so hoping this will turn out to have a simple and easy to fix answer.
Off topic a bit, but your house sounds amazing.

 

[Kiwibird]

Poor Gilbert Sounds like he's in good care and I hope you'll find out whats causing his plucking soon (and can quickly get him on treatment!).

 

[ruffledfeathers]

His day today is wonderful. He is having a blast (we are on the beach right now actually). No more plucking so far. Fingers crossed. [emoji3]

 

[RavensGryf]

Aw, Gilbert looks so cute eating a bite of bagel! I'm glad he's enjoying his day out to take his mind off whatever it is . I hope that the medical issue is resolved asap.

Again, I have to admire the beautiful beaches back East!

 

[Terry57]

I'm so glad you guys are having a great day at the beach, and trying to stem my jealousy of your beautiful setting Glad to hear he has not plucked anymore. Keeping my fingers crossed for him too

 

[ruffledfeathers]

Some little kids were fascinated with him and they lined up to feed him. They were giddy over it. So funny.

 

[BoomBoom]

Glad to see you guys having so much fun on the beach. Beautiful picture of him flying! What camera did you use to take it? It's not a smart phone is it?

 

[SoCalWendy]

That is so awesome... Gilbert looks so happy

 

[Kiwibird]

Awww I'm glad he's having a better day Looks like such a beautiful day on the beach. I really hope it was an isolated incident, but that you can identify the cause too so it doesn't ever happen again.