Would an Xray detect nerve damage?

[Brittany0208]

I'm probably going to take Java to have an Xray done later this month to make sure everything is alright. He is unable to extend his leg at all so he's sitting on his hock all day. I'm also curious if there is something that can be done to potentially reverse any damage if the issue isn't nerves. His breeder has no medical records, so I have nowhere to start as far as what his medical history is. Can nerve damage be detected through an Xray, and is there anything I could do to improve mobility in his leg? Also, would he have to be anesthetized for an Xray? I want to minimize as much stress as I can for him but I also want to make sure he's not dealing with discomfort that can be fixed. All input is welcomed. What would you do if you were in my situation in regards to having him examined?

 

[nu2birds]

Well, I'm not an expert but I don't think an X-ray can highlight nerve damage. X-rays pass through less dense tissues and skin highlighting the more dense bones and can reveal fractures and breaks. If the x-ray shows no broken bones or fractures then you can begin to rule out other causes for that foot that doesn't want to extend. I believe a CT scan or MRI might be able to detect nerve damage.

 

[camelotshadow]

Maybe look into physical therapy or diet too.

Nerve damage could be physical as in a accident but could also be degenerative from disease or a issue with diet or a whole scope of things.

Not really sure what shows nerves as the important part is the tips & synapse & its small.

 

[Sylvester]

Except for a bone that may be broken I have never experience much success with either myself, nor my animals, when it came to X-Rays. It always had to be an MRI.

 

[Brittany0208]

Would I have to be referred for an MRI or could I just locate a specialist and make an appointment?

 

[Sylvester]

First start with your own avian vet and see what he/she suggest.

 

[Brittany0208]

First start with your own avian vet and see what he/she suggest.

Alright. I'll do that

 

[Garet]

From my personal experience, no. I'm not sure if it's the same for birds as people, but nerve damage isn't easy to pick up on x-rays. It's meant to look at bones, not the muscle and nerves wrapped around them.

 

[painesgrey]

No, x-rays cannot determine nerve damage. X-rays are limited in what they reveal - typically organ enlargement, bone abnormalities, etc. Smaller abnormalities require CT or MRI.

For example, I had to get a CT done on one of my feet because the x-ray wasn't able to pick up the details of the avulsion fracture (tendon pulling bone away).

Nerve damage is usually diagnosed through a Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) test. Basically they send electric signals through the nerve and pick up if/when the signal is disrupted. It's common in human medicine, preformed by most hospitals, but probably isn't something you can get done at your average vet. I imagine you'd have to find a specialist.

 

[Hankmacaw]

Have you put him in a sleep cage yet.

For nerve damage he would need a MRI with dies (I'm pretty sure). Not a pretty process and the dies a can be dangerous.

Much less stress with a sedative or anesthesia.

 

[Brittany0208]

Have you put him in a sleep cage yet.

For nerve damage he would need a MRI with dies (I'm pretty sure). Not a pretty process and the dies a can be dangerous.

Much less stress with a sedative or anesthesia.

I had to order one online and it's supposed to be here next Tuesday, but I'm definitely switching him to one.

 

[enigma731]

Nerve damage can't be imaged. In birds, it is a diagnosis of exclusion.

 

[Shezbug]

I think it depends on the size of the nerves they are looking for and also the type of condition they are looking for as to how successful an MRI will be for showing nerve damage. An MRI will certainly show up things like pinched or trapped nerves. I believe the only real way to show nerve damage is through a nerve conduction test and they are not so good at locating issues with the smaller nerves.
I could be wrong but this is what I have been led to believe.

 

[rocky'smom]

No I don't believe a X-ray would do that. I wonder if cold laser therapy would help, I have some nerve damage to my feet, and it helped greatly to ease alot of the pain I had.

 

[enigma731]

I think it depends on the size of the nerves they are looking for and also the type of condition they are looking for as to how successful an MRI will be for showing nerve damage. An MRI will certainly show up things like pinched or trapped nerves. I believe the only real way to show nerve damage is through a nerve conduction test and they are not so good at locating issues with the smaller nerves.
I could be wrong but this is what I have been led to believe.

MRI doesn't show the nerves directly (except in VERY large nerves, like the spinal cord, and that requires a special type of MRI to see), it shows the structures around them. We can tell, based on anatomy, if a bone or muscle has shifted in a way that would entrap or pinch a nerve.

 

[jmfleish]

I’m pretty sure they don’t do MRIs on birds. You can have a CT scan done. An x-ray won’t tell you much if you’re looking for nerve damage. MRIs are typically what is done for humans with known nerve impingement due to disc issues.

 

[Brittany0208]

I’m pretty sure they don’t do MRIs on birds. You can have a CT scan done. An x-ray won’t tell you much if you’re looking for nerve damage. MRIs are typically what is done for humans with known nerve impingement due to disc issues.

Oh, that's good to know. I'll probably take him to a new avian vet for a wellness exam and see what the vet recommends

 

[webchirp]

For nerve damage, birds can take gabapentin. I have two on it. You would likely need to go to a large university/vet to have access to anything other than an xray which won't show nerve damage unless there is something really out of whack with the bone structure. But an xray is a good baseline to have as it can tell you a lot about the organs and if there is arthritis.

 

[Brittany0208]

For nerve damage, birds can take gabapentin. I have two on it. You would likely need to go to a large university/vet to have access to anything other than an xray which won't show nerve damage unless there is something really out of whack with the bone structure. But an xray is a good baseline to have as it can tell you a lot about the organs and if there is arthritis.

That would be great if there was a medicine to make his life easier. There is a university that would likely have the resources but it's not around the corner. Regardless, it is something I will take into consideration. Thank you