Sick conure: I’m beside myself with worry

[Conuremamma]

Hi, I’m new to the forum. I’m mamma to 2 conures: a 16 year old male (Kiwi) who I’ve hand raised since he was a few weeks old. He’s a red throat and gorgeous. The other conure is almost 2 years old. She is a female pineapple who I named Apple. I got her at 7 weeks as a companion for Kiwi. Kiwi and Apple have been sharing a cage for more than a year now; they really love each other. Everything was fine until this morning. When I got the birds up (they sleep in a spare bedroom) and brought them to the kitchen, I notice both were cuddled in the big cozy (no big deal), but Kiwi would not come out. When he tried to come out, he was off balance; his left leg seemed not to be working right. He wouldn’t eat or drink, and his feathers were all ruffed up. I took him to the vet immediately. Not sure if he’s had a stroke or has some kind of infection. Blood was drawn. His eye pressures were done because he had glaucoma from an injury about 4 years ago, and last year was successfully weaned off all his eye meds. Vet gave antibiotics, asked me to resume the diclofenic eye drops for pain and gave a recovery formula (Harrison’s) for feeding. After about an hour back at home, I got Kiwi to eat a few green grapes (I know..lots of sugar, but he wouldn’t take water and was quite dehydrated). A little later, he ate about 1 tbsp of the recovery formula, but still won’t take water. I’ve put him in a separate cage; placed his cozy on a heated pad for warmth on the bottom of the cage and also left food and water dish on the cage floor. He’s been sleeping all afternoon. What else can I or should I do? How often should I attempt to give food and water?

 

[wrench13]

Hi! Cant offer advice but I can offer support. I hope Kiwi shows improvement in the morning. he sounds like a fighter.

 

[mica21493]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Here are some things I would try:
If you have an indoor temp gauge, try to keep the hospital cage around 90 degrees, you might not get that with a heating pad but covering the top and some sides might help. With the heating pad being on the bottom, make sure it doesn't get too hot where he's standing or sitting. If he pants or holds his wings out to the side, he's too hot.
I really like the the Harrison's recovery formula, it mixes well and is easily digestible. Make sure the formula is warm enough. My grey liked it on the warm side, about 106.
Do you know how to check his crop? When his crop is empty, you can feed more if he'll take it. If his crop is not emptying, that warrants a call to the vet asap.
Keep an eye on his droppings and note any changes to tell your vet.
Honestly I wouldn't keep a water dish in the bottom of the cage if he is having trouble getting around. I'd offer it every so often instead. Though remember if he's eating enough formula he won't drink much water because there is quite a bit in there.
How was his weight at the vet? If you have a scale at home, weigh him about the same time each day. I like to do it in the morning before feeding. Consistent or drastic weight-loss is a concern and should be relayed to your vet.
I hope Kiwi is on the mend soon!!

 

[mica21493]

I gave you Fahrenheit temps that my grey liked. In case you need the conversion and ranges, it would be 30-32C for cage temp and 38-41C for formula temp.

 

[Conuremamma]

Thanks for the help. I’ve used a heating pad on the bottom of his cosy and covered up his cage. I don’t know how to check the crop. Do I just feel at the base of his neck? He is taking the recovery food very well, but if it’s just sitting in the crop, that’s not good. He seems settled for the night now. Should I wait until morning to check him? His weight is stable (he bounces from 114 g to 118 g and he weighed 114 this morning. I’ll weigh him again in the morning. Thanks so much for your advice

 

[Laurasea]

I'm so glad you got vet attention right away. I'm so sorry your baby is sick.

Sound like you are doing lots of good stuff. When they aren't well I always let them eat what they will eat. Like offer a millit spray. I don't like limiting water, but you do have to be careful if drowning. Maybe zip tie w small shot glass to the bars of the cage, do won't tip, and less likely to to be able to fall into the water.
Be careful if he can't move off the heating pad. You might try folding it up along the side and putting a towel over it so it more mean on then sit on....
I like probiotics, especially if they are on antibiotics. You can add the bird powder ones just a little bit to one of the recovery feeds, or offer a thumbnail amount if live cultures yogurt with no artificial sweeteners. Mine will lick right from my fingers.
Best wishes for speedy recovery.

 

[mica21493]

You're welcome. I'm so glad he is eating! Don't worry about checking his crop. If he is taking the recovery formula well and having normal droppings, I would just assume his crop is moving. He eventually wouldn't take formula if his crop wasn't moving and you'd see a bulge that doesn't go away at the bottom of his neck/top of his chest. Next time you are at the vet, just have him/her show you how to check it. That's also good news his weight is stable. I hope all goes well tonight and that he is much improved come morning!

 

[SailBoat]

As stated above, the combination of the grape and the formula will provide enough water at this point.

Its going to be a long evening!

Watch for changes and note them down in writing. In the morning, call and provide your Avian Professional an update.

Temperature is important as your Parrot is likely having difficulty maintaining temperature and by providing the warmth, that is one less thing your Parrot's body needs to do right now.

 

[SailBoat]

Any update?

 

[Conuremamma]

First of all, thank you to everyone who responded to my post yesterday: your suggestions and well wishes have been so meaningful. Update: Kiwi spent a good night (mamma did not!). He was kept warm and slept right through the night. In the morning he had a big poop (a little watery, white and green). He ate recovery food enthusiastically at 7:30 this morning, perhaps a tbsp full. Haven’t weighed him yet, but will this afternoon. He is moving about more but his left foot is the problem. He has tried climbing the bars of his cage a couple of times and trying to get on a perch. He can lift his L leg, but it seems to either be painful or not have the strength to grip the bar. He’s been mostly out of his cozy this morning. His feathers are still a bit ruffed up, but he’s making his usual cooing/self soothing noises and trying to talk. He’s even preened himself and preened his bad foot. Cautiously optimistic at this point, as he seems more alert and more active.

 

[mica21493]

Oh those nights spent waiting are tough! So glad to hear kiwi is doing better! Hopefully that left foot comes around soon. If he really wants to try to perch, you could try moving one way down low in the cage and see if he can/will use it. Thank you for keeping us updated!

 

[Laurasea]

Good improving!

 

[Scott]

Very sorry to know Kiwi is unwell, but glad to see improvement.

Wondering if the left leg suffered a freak injury vs infection or neurological issue? In any case, a visit to the vet was your best recourse, hope recovery continues to normal!

 

[GaleriaGila]

Cautious optimism and mountains of hope!
I hope you can keep accessing your vet's help.
And it's an honor to be among those waiting and supporting you while you keep up the brave vigil. I'm glad you're here. I think these are the times when we really earn the privilege of keeping a pet. Big responsibility.