Rambo's bubbles

[liz]

I took him to the vet today. First he thought it was gout because of the big bubble. He pulled fluid and checked - no gout. Now he suspects bird herpes. He gave me a print out from http://www.exoticdvm.com that shows a picture of a foot that looks like Rambo's. The vet said it was not contagiouse to the other birds and gave me a web site for Avix products to buy medication.

Why doesn't he have medication on hand or know a local company to get it. $164.72 got me a guess and a picture.

Please look at the picture in the web site to see the foot. I would have sent a picture last night except that I am technology impaired and can only get pictures in email.

[entrancedbymyGCC]

What does he mean by "bird herpes"? As far as I know (and I'm NOT a vet) the herpes virus in birds is called Pacheco's disease and is usually a systemic infection, which is VERY serious and often fatal. I have not seen swellings or lesions listed as a symptom. It is also very contagious. So I don't think that's what the vet meant. The disease featured on the Harrison's page is Avipoxvirus. But that's a zoonosis, and you could conceivably catch it from your bird. It could cause foot lesions like you describe apparently.

I'm guessing there is no Rx for avipoxvirus in birds, and you can get likely get the Harrison's products as cheaply as your vet. The product in question seems to be approved for use as a dietary supplement and there appear to be some legitimate publications suggesting it's effectiveness, but I think I'd treat it as a "probably won't hurt, might help kind of thing.

If it were I, I'd want to make sure I understood what it was my vet thought was wrong and why he had made the recommendation he did. Is your vet in primarily avian practice? Are you comfortable calling him up and asking for a more in-depth explanation?

[liz]

He gave me a print out of the web page.

Rambo's feet are swollen over the top and he had a big water bubble on his right foot. The liquid was removed so that must makes him feel better.

I ordered Healx Souther Plus - Healz Booster Oral - Healx Rain. The web site said all three were needed. He does not like his feet touched probably because they hurt so it will take two of us to put the Souther Plus on him. The oral is iffy because he is so picky but I will get it in him. The rain will be the easiest.

Go to free offer downloads then Avian. The first picture looks like the problem but it is on his feet not his leg.

[birdvet]

Right, first advice to you, especially if the picture on the webpage is what Rambo's foot looks like, it to find a new vet! Avipoxvirus is species specific so if you have other parrots they are at risk of contracting it. The best way to diagnose these types of things is for the vet to take a biopsy so I'd recommend finding a proper avian vet and getting them to work the case up properly. If it is pox virus there is no cure and the birds immune system will eventually take care of it. The secondary infections are what you and your vet will need to keep an eye on.

The comment that herpesviruses aren't contagious is utter rubbish, FYI, they are very contagious viruses...

There are different manifestations of pox infection, wet and dry and diptheritic forms. The diphtheritic form can cause lots of dramas but luckily is usually in the mouth.

If you can't afford to get a full workup by a proper avian vet I'd recommend getting some antiseptic and using this topically on the lesion until it clears up. It could take months to clear up...of course, we don't know for sure what it is, we're just assuming it is a pox lesion based on what is looks like however other types of infections and tumours can look similar.

As for it being contagious to people, it is a very low risk as it is a bird virus so doesn't like mammals. It is possible but you'd have to stick yourself with a needle that you first stuck in to the lesion so I wouldn't worry too much about contracting the disease although don't rule it out...

[liz]

Right, first advice to you, especially if the picture on the webpage is what Rambo's foot looks like, it to find a new vet! Avipoxvirus is species specific so if you have other parrots they are at risk of contracting it. The best way to diagnose these types of things is for the vet to take a biopsy so I'd recommend finding a proper avian vet and getting them to work the case up properly. If it is pox virus there is no cure and the birds immune system will eventually take care of it. The secondary infections are what you and your vet will need to keep an eye on.

The comment that herpesviruses aren't contagious is utter rubbish, FYI, they are very contagious viruses...

There are different manifestations of pox infection, wet and dry and diptheritic forms. The diphtheritic form can cause lots of dramas but luckily is usually in the mouth.

If you can't afford to get a full workup by a proper avian vet I'd recommend getting some antiseptic and using this topically on the lesion until it clears up. It could take months to clear up...of course, we don't know for sure what it is, we're just assuming it is a pox lesion based on what is looks like however other types of infections and tumours can look similar.

As for it being contagious to people, it is a very low risk as it is a bird virus so doesn't like mammals. It is possible but you'd have to stick yourself with a needle that you first stuck in to the lesion so I wouldn't worry too much about contracting the disease although don't rule it out...

There are no lesions near the bubbles. The only broken skin is where he has been picking off the dry flakes. His feet are swollen on top. He had a bubble on his right foot but the vet drained it for a biopsy and it did not refill. He seems to be in less pain.

Dr Paul is the only true Avian Vet in the Piedmont Triad. He volunteers at the NC Zoo with the Raptors. After I paid the bill, he followed me to the car and continued to talk about my birds. He said they were both in great shape (except for Rambo's feet and that I caught the problem early).

I can tell his feet hurt. Mine would hurt if they were swollen.

I ordered Soother Plus cream from Avix, Consentrated Booster and Rain spray. A woman named Dana (800-946-4782) called me from Avix to tell me she was going to transfer the order to one of their dealers who could get the meds to me faster. She is also sending me a High Potency Concentrated booster in BB form, free. I told her Rambo is 880 and Myrtle is 830 and she told me dosage for them. She told me the easiest way to give the Consentrated Booster (on a popsicle stick) and I told her how to get the cream on a birds feet. She said she cannot diagnose but can inform as to what meds were available and how to use them. Also to call her at any time.

The products sounded so good that I am going to give Myrtle the Consentrated Booster and Rain Spray just because. It can't hurt her and it may help her in some way. I bought the large containers with refills and plan to use the rain on the Cockatiels too.