macaw blood work concerns

[bugsy1955]

Hello All,

Sophie is a 5 year old greenwing amazon that we just adopted. Brought to the vet and did the recommended tests. Physical examination and most tests were great. He gave her some oral antibiotics for a slightly raised white blood cell count (10.8) and stated probably a small infection some where. Basophils were high at 324/ul. His concern though was with liver enzymes, AST (SGOT) is 891 (normal range 20-350). CPK is also high at 1776 (normal range 50-400) but I forgot CPK is.

We are going to do basic blood work in 2 weeks to see if counts are coming down and if not, vet recommends DNA blood work.

Dr. says could be combo of infection, poor diet from previous owner (mostly seed), and possible ingestion of some kind of metal (zinc, lead, etc.). Or could be something serious.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks!
Kevin

 

[bugsy1955]

Forgot to mention, Sophie was most likely injured when very young as she is missing the tip of one wing which prevents her from being able to fly.

 

[clark_conure]

I don't know what to say on this other than 1) I think you have a really good Vet 2) I think very highly of you for taking on a mature bird and doing everything you can so see to her well being. I hope within a few days her diet is corrected, and your bloodwork comes back good and she is in the best of health.

Sorry I can't offer much more than that I'm an electrical tech not a vet but I wanted to let you know that we care.

 

[Scott]

May I assume Sophie is seeing a certified avian vet? If so, the course of action seems appropriate. A possible infection has been flagged and treated, while assorted chemistry values are irregular. I am not qualified to evaluate lab results, but a second panel in two weeks seems prudent.

Diet is crucial, and the absence of proper nutrients may foreshadow issues. It is almost never too late to correct and an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits may be helpful in the interim. Good luck to you and Sophie, please keep us advised!

Some helpful nutritional threads:
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-food-recipes-diet/49831-chop-day-recipe.html

 

[plumsmum2005]

This may throw a little light for you
Understanding Avian Laboratory Tests - ResearchGate

https://www.researchgate.net/file.PostFileLoader.html?id...assetKey...

 

[SailBoat]

This may throw a little light for you
Understanding Avian Laboratory Tests - ResearchGate

https://www.researchgate.net/file.PostFileLoader.html?id...assetKey...

And, in addition, you have a right to a copy of the test results. I have always requested them as a tool to remind myself of the values and commonly take a pad of paper for notes for myself.

 

[SailBoat]

At this point, the attention rightfully belongs on what the Chem's are presenting. Once that is behind and the effort is told comforting your Amazon's life. Then it will be time to consider what you can do regarding the Wing tip. At this point, for background information only! You can speak with your Vet regarding a minor feather clipping to the other Wing to better balance your Amazons flapping effort. But that can wait for now.

 

[bugsy1955]

Thank you for all the responses! Very much appreciated! Sophie did wonderfully with taking her antibiotic this morning. She enjoyed being handled and shoulder rides throughout the house.

Her doctor seems wonderful and was sure to give copies of all test results.

Any suggestions on a diet that would be healthy and helpful? We immediately took her off the Walmart seed diet the previous owner used. Have her on a good pellet and give a few nuts and fresh fruit. She likes apples but is pretty picky with other fruit and can't get her to eat fresh veggies. Gonna stay away from seeds and I hear sunflower seeds are not good for the possible liver issues.

Thanks again!
Kevin

 

[SailBoat]

Consider visiting the Amazon Forum and taking a look at both Threads at the top of the page (highlighted in light blue), after reading Understanding Amazon Body Language, take a look at I Love Amazons - .... This huge Thread has over thirty segments dealing with a wide cross-section of subjects, one of which takes a closer look at what an Amazon Diet should be developed from.

 

[bugsy1955]

Thanks for the direction SailBoat! Lots of very useful info. Much appreciated!

 

[Teddscau]

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-food-recipes-diet/63942-most-nutritious-birdie-bread.html

If heavy metal poisoning is suspected, you can try ZeoActiv8. It's this good looking holistic product from Australia. Dr. Ross Perry recommended that I use it with Samantha, so I ordered a bottle.

 

[bugsy1955]

Hello All,

Update on Sophie!

The vet says all blood levels have returned to normal including the liver enzyme, although her white blood cell count is still elevated, so back on the antibiotics. I have been reading that stress may cause the count to be high. The vet couldn't get enough blood from her nail and went with taking some out of her wing with a syringe. Sophie was not happy.

She certainly has adjusted well. She loves being part of the family, is very affectionate, and has a great sense of humor marked by her amazing laugh.

Thanks for the support!