Seizures?

[anna83]

I just wanted to run this past everyone to see if anyone has had a similar experience.

A few months ago, our green cheek conure was flapping around in her cage after I gave her some bread. When I got to the cage she was laying on her side with both feet clenched. I got her out and she flew madly about the room, crashed into the wall and landed on the ground. I picked her up and noticed a bit of spew on my shirt. I assumed that she had been choking on the bread (she's a bit of a pig and eats too fast!). I sat with her on my chest and she seemed disorientated for about 15 minutes.

This morning the same thing happened again (oddly after I had given he a bit of toast, coincidence?). This time one foot was clenched and she was disorientated for about 5 minutes. I wonder if she could be having seizures?

I should note that she has a small piece of toast with me every morning and this has only happened on two occasions, so I don't think bread is the cause. I could be wrong. What do others think?

Loki

[TheNzJessie]

when in doubt go to a vet

[zazanomore]

when in doubt go to a vet

[kaylayuh]

Pet birds can have seizures and it sure sounds like what's going on with your little guy. When a seizure occurs, the bird may lose conciousness, vocalize, fall off its perch, flap its wings uncontrollably and stiffen its body. Because a seizure is caused by paroxysmal, uncontrolled electrical discharges in the brain, they can't be predicted or controlled without assistance of a vet.

Birds can have seizures for any number of reasons, many of which are serious and can be fatal without treatment. Some of the most common include: central nervous system diseases such as a brain tumor or infection, head trauma, hyperthermia, liver disease, metabolic disturbances (hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia), and toxicity from lead, zinc, aflatoxins, and certain insecticides. If no cause is found after the bird is examined by the vet, it's generally a congenital issue and called idiopathic epilepsy.

A bird that has seizures should have a thorough vet exam, radiographs, hematology and blood chemistries, A CBC will reveal whether anemia, inflammation or infection is present. CBCs also provide information about kidney and liver function, which is also key in diagnosing why your little guy is having seizures. In addition to a CBC, certain infections should be ruled out; these are chlamydia, polyoma, and proventricular dilation.

If your bird is fed a primarily seed diet, that could also be the cause. Seed diets are notoriously incomplete nutrition for a parrot and often result in vitamin deficiencies. Seizures of this type are most often seen in African Greys, however, and even then it occurs mostly in chicks.

All seizuring birds should be provided with a warm, safe, quiet environment. Fluid and nutritional support should be available. Antibiotics may be given when appropriate and anticonvulsants may also be used. Valium is commonly used to stop a seizure in progress.

Overall, this information will do you no good without a vet checkup. If at all possible, you should schedule an emergency one ASAP. Untreated seizures often prove fatal for birds.

Please let us know what happens with your little guy. Good luck!

[entrancedbymyGCC]

I'll pile on to the recommendation to visit an avian vet. If it's not a seizure, it is something equally odd, and I'd want to get it checked out, personally.

[anna83]

Hi All,

Thanks for your replies. My conure has been getting treatment for diarrhea and we have a follow up appointment at the vet this afternoon, so I will bring up the 'seizure' then. The first episode happened about a month before the diarrhea started so it will be interesting to find out if there is a connection.

Our vet thinks the diarrhea is due to a digestive problem which the bird my have had since it was young (now 4 years old). I am currently adding enzymes and probiotics to her diet.

Fingers crossed that these 'episodes' might have a simple explanation.

[kaylayuh]

You said your bird had diarrhea. This may be connected. Often a bird with seizures will have an underlying medical condition that can result in diarrhea.

Either way, I hope your little guy gets the help he needs and starts feeling better soon. Keep us posted when you find out what's going on. I'd love to know.

Good luck!

[anna83]

Just called the vet to report the 'seizures' and Loki will now be staying overnight at the clinic for more tests (they mentioned x-rays, not sure what these would be for based on the symptoms?). Vet nurse agreed that based on the symptoms it does sound like Loki had a seizure.

Will keep you posted.

[entrancedbymyGCC]

If you don't understand why they are doing certain tests, don't be afraid to ask. I actually find most vets appreciate a genuine desire to understand. The only thing I can think of related to seizures that would warrant an Xray would be a tumor or mass of some sort or metallic particles in the digestive system indicating heavy metal or lead ingestion. But I'm no expert here.

[kaylayuh]

If you don't understand why they are doing certain tests, don't be afraid to ask. I actually find most vets appreciate a genuine desire to understand. The only thing I can think of related to seizures that would warrant an Xray would be a tumor or mass of some sort or metallic particles in the digestive system indicating heavy metal or lead ingestion. But I'm no expert here.

To piggyback on this, that's exactly why they would do x-rays. From the literature I've read, they would only be used to diagnose a tumor or mass. Blood tests are usually used to indicate heavy metal or lead poisoning. This is all from what I've read though, and I'm certainly not a vet.

If you're not sure what tests are being run or why, you should certainly call to ask. If you've done the research and think something should be done that's not, ask why it's not. Every time I've gone to see a vet, or even my own doctor, I've brought lists of questions that I had and everyone has always been willing to answer them.

This must be a terrifying time for you to not know what's going on with your feathered guy. Hopefully they'll be able to let you know what's going on soon and you'll be able to fix him right up.