Urgent Hospitalized Pionus for Respiratory Distress

[Nostromo]

Hello,

A sad day for us... our Z is in the hospital right now. I noticed today that she was wheezing and had labored breathing. It was subtle - very subtle - and she was eating and drinking normally, squawking, friendly, active and alert. Even the nurse at the vet ER said she looked okay. Well, the vet called and said they have her in an oxygen tank because she's in moderate respiratory distress. Goes to show - trust your gut!! We're super worried for her. The ER vet is not an avian specialist, but the avian specialist will be in tomorrow morning. I am desperately hopeful that it'll be something treatable. She flew into a window a couple of days ago so I'm worried it may be some latent injury.

Any of you guys have a bird go through something similar? Can birds recover from respiratory distress with treatment, or by the time it's symptomatic is it usually too late?

 

[Fuzzy]

I wonder if it is a damaged air sac? At least she will be in good hands tomorrow with the avian specialist. Do they know that Pionus wheeze when distressed? Sending healing thoughts for your girl.

 

[iamwhoiam]

Just want to send positive thoughts for Zephyr. Hope she will be better soon.

 

[Nostromo]

Thank you both. To @Fuzzy, I mentioned to the nurse who took her back that she wheezes when stressed - her wheeze usually just lasts a couple minutes at most though, and she also does a prominent display with feathers as she does it. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't know about the Pionus wheeze though since they're just ER vets. Damaged air sac - interesting. I just called and her overnight nurse said that she's stable and appears to be resting quietly. She isn't eating, but I don't know what food they're offering her; I didn't bring her pellets cos we left in a hurry. She's apparently only pooped once in the past several hours but that could be from the stress?

 

[Fuzzy]

I only mentioned the air sac because one of my Amazons ruptured an air sac flying into a window some years ago. You could see the bulge in his neck. Thankfully it healed fast.

She’s probably not pooping because she’s not eating.

Hoping you get some answers today.

 

[Hankmacaw]

Keep in mind that the pionus is recognized as being more susceptible to aspergilloisis and that respiratory distress is one of the major symptoms of aspergillosis.

https://mickaboo.org/confluence/download/attachments/1179693/Mickaboo_Aspergillosis_031311.pdf

"Predisposing conditions for aspergillosis • Birds with compromised immune system due to stress or another illness. The very young and old are more susceptible. • Certain parrots are more prone to developing aspergillosis: African grey, Amazons, Pionus. • Unsanitary conditions can allow Aspergillus over-growth. Clean cages and cage papers often. Never use corn cobs or other shredded material. These materials can provide the perfect habitat for fungi, as well as bacteria. Replace old toys, especially ones that can hold fungal growth such as ones that contain fabric or cotton rope. "

 

[Nostromo]

Hello all! GREAT NEWS! Avian vet examined her this morning and said she looks really good. She was in "moderate respiratory distress" last night, according to the ER vet, so they put her on an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic and put her in an oxygen tank. This morning the vet said that she sounded much, much better, with only very subtly loud lung sounds, no abnormal breathing, and a mild heart murmur (unrelated to breathing). Avian vet doesn't think it's an infection, but rather some kind of chronic irritation/sensitivity, because Z is a chronic sneezer and has been for the two years we've had her. So we're going to bring her home on the anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. And then I think we'll sign her up for pet health insurance! And maybe do blood testing to check for a fungal infection once we have insurance for her, but the vet said in her opinion it was a low chance of infection.

 

[rockoko]

Hello all! GREAT NEWS! Avian vet examined her this morning and said she looks really good. She was in "moderate respiratory distress" last night, according to the ER vet, so they put her on an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic and put her in an oxygen tank. This morning the vet said that she sounded much, much better, with only very subtly loud lung sounds, no abnormal breathing, and a mild heart murmur (unrelated to breathing). Avian vet doesn't think it's an infection, but rather some kind of chronic irritation/sensitivity, because Z is a chronic sneezer and has been for the two years we've had her. So we're going to bring her home on the anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. And then I think we'll sign her up for pet health insurance! And maybe do blood testing to check for a fungal infection once we have insurance for her, but the vet said in her opinion it was a low chance of infection.

Wonderful news!

 

[Love My Zons]

Oh great news!!! I'll keep you in my thoughts for a complete and total recovery.

 

[iamwhoiam]

That's excellent news.