Chico and Polly have tested positive for ABV.
Since other tests have ruled out other diseases, and xrays show some inflammation of proventriculus, the vet is saying PDD for them both, and Monday I started on Metacam and some Lafeber's Emeraid Omnivore food supplement.
As you can imagine I am just devastated beyond anything, and frightened for the rest of my flock. They do not have direct contact (they are kept on different floors and I have hot water radiator heating and no AC) but I certainly could have been a vector.
As to how Chico and Polly got it in the first place, I have no clue. I am very very aware and careful and their only exposure I can imagine is at the vet's. The vet believes Chico always had it but something unknown finally triggered it to PDD. I guess it is moot.
There just is not enough information about this disease and how to keep birds safe from it.
My huge problem at the moment is getting some liquid food supplements into them via syringe feeding (not tube feeding).
Once I catch him and get him towelled, Chico will eat a limited amount of formula before he says he is done. (about 7-10 mls). He eats a limited amount of other foods though.
Polly however fights me with everything in her. She bites, kicks, flaps, twists. Clamps her beak shut. If I get any formula in there she refuses to swallow. she will not swallow at all. For the small amount I can get in her I have finally decided it is not worth it and so I will insist on the metacam and no more. No way she is eating enough to keep going, but I am out of ideas, and the stress of towelling her is huge. Fortunately she started out overweight so has some buffer, although her consumption of other foods has decreased greatly the past 2 days. If anybody can say how to get her to swallow....I've tried simulating the feeding bob by grabbing her beak, maybe I don't reproduce it good enough.....She's so freaked by towelling though that maybe she can't respond.
I have not been doing well, and have been to talk to a grief counselor. It was helpful, but doesn't fix the real problem.
I'm tired and can't think of more to add. And there just isn't the science to tell us much more what to do. And then there are all the moral/ethical questions that are so difficult.
But I hope I will have your kind support and compassion.