Sick Senegal Parrot medical mystery

[vwbug2010]

Thanks guys I agree it's very frustrating yes have worked hard to improve his diet but I am not convinced it's a behaviour issue. He has been on antibiotics for almost a month I think we should be thinking of him coming off these and as you say doing a further blood test. I think a toxicology test is the way to go. Will perhaps make plans to seek a second opinion but I think you are right need to make sure the antibiotics are out of his system first.....

[Wolf]

Like you we do not believe that this is a behavioral issue, we believe that this is a medical issue.

[vwbug2010]

I think earlier there was some comment that the blood test he had was not a full one - the vet has assured me it was - what blood test do I ask for?

I will also ask for a full toxicity test if no good I am going to another vets...

[vwbug2010]

Sorry forgot to say was going to ask for a blood test after the antibiotics has gone out of his system to see whats happening with his white blood cells - is a week ok after he comes off meds or shall I make it two weeks to be safe?

[Pajarita]

You should get a CBC, and a chem panel. And I would wait two weeks because you not only need the antibiotics out of his system, you also have to give the body time to react on its own to whatever is causing this so the vet can get comparable results before and after the treatment.

[vwbug2010]

Thanks that is just what I thought I think I am going to go with the other vet they are more of an avian specialist will keep you updated

[vwbug2010]

HI folks good news been refereed to an avian vet now so its looking more promising.

Apparently there has been a small increase in white blood cells to 3 - he does not have lead poisoning - his cholesterol is a bit high and his calcium level is a little low.

He does not have the chlamydia virus either.

Full bloods were done - main concern the vet mentioned was the AST reading of 880 - she suggested it could be a liver problem.

Waiting for a test result now to ensure he does not have beak and feather disease hopefully not as the white blood cells are starting to creep back up.

The CT scan did not show fatting liver by the way will keep you all posted

[Pajarita]

Whoa, something wrong here! How could the AST go from 200 and something to 880 in a few weeks? And, if it was liver (AST is not liver specific but, when it's so elevated, it is almost always a sign of liver problems), how come it had normal levels a few weeks ago? I am happy you took the bird to another vet because something about the first blood work doesn't add up with the one done by the new doctor.

[vwbug2010]

I know its really strange he is still at the same vet but I am seeing an avian specialist - the bloods are normally just sent off to the laboratory going to get a call on Monday for the final results of the tests but who knows what to do next will keep you posted but was very impressed with the vet went through the explanation of the full blood panel with me

[vwbug2010]

Well an update another blood test AST readings have reduced from 800 to 200 however whiteblood cells are down again - he is also still peeing water and drinking with a wet neck.

He has been on milk thistle for a month - vet has suggested a liver biopsy to find out whats going on is this very risky?