Hahns Macaw Breathing Problem

[GMAI]

Hi, a few weeks ago mine and my partners hahns macaw named Winston started with a sudden onset of laboured breathing, he seemed fine other than this breathing which was very loud. On the way to the vets it suddenly stopped but we still gave him his full course of antibiotics. Just yesterday the same thing happened, the loud breathing started and then stopped around an hour later, luckily we had some antibiotics left over from last time. He seems ok in himself, still eating and drinking, and talking! Does anyone have any ideas? He is 23 years old. Thank you in advance

 

[Greylady1966]

Did your vet do x-rays? Did the vet give you any indication on what he thought it might be before giving antibiotics? Labored breathing is something that really needs a full checkup on. It can indicate many medical problems, I personally would be going back to the vet soon. I'm confused, if you finished the full course of antibiotics the first time where did you get the meds you said you had left? Good luck with Winston

 

[Mizzely]

My Jardine's came to me at 19 years with respiratory problems similar to what you are describing. The reason was malnourishment, specifically vitamin A deficiency. What kind of diet is your bird on?

Was any testing done?

 

[GMAI]

Did your vet do x-rays? Did the vet give you any indication on what he thought it might be before giving antibiotics? Labored breathing is something that really needs a full checkup on. It can indicate many medical problems, I personally would be going back to the vet soon. I'm confused, if you finished the full course of antibiotics the first time where did you get the meds you said you had left? Good luck with Winston

hi, thanks for the reply, they told us to give 7 days worth of antibiotics but there was more in the jar after giving the full course. It was a generalised vets, they would have to sedate him to X-ray him and they didn’t want to because as they don’t specialise in avians. He’s absolutely fine now. The nearest specialist is over 2 hours away. Could it be new onset of asthma?

 

[GMAI]

My Jardine's came to me at 19 years with respiratory problems similar to what you are describing. The reason was malnourishment, specifically vitamin A deficiency. What kind of diet is your bird on?

Was any testing done?

Hi, thanks for your reply! he has multi vitamin drops every day in his water, he has done for years. He also has the premium parrot food, he leans more towards the sunflower seeds though! We also give him grapes, that’s the only fresh fruit/veg he touches.

 

[Mizzely]

Unfortunately the water drops do not always provide enough of the nutrients they need, especially as it is hard to know how much of it they actually are getting into them. After time of not getting enough of the right nutrients, their bodies can start to show the symptoms of malnourishment. My bird had breathing issues, a heart murmur, and loss of grip - all diet related.

Which multivitamin are you providing? When you say parrot mix, are you meaning a seed mix? Does it contain pellets?

 

[Greylady1966]

I can't answer that, I'm not a avian vet but would definitely go to specialist. Many of us on the forum drive along ways to see avian vets. I drive 2 to 3 hours one way, it's worth it and my BFA is alive because of it. Parrots hide illnesses so he might look but still have an underlying problem.

 

[Hankmacaw]

Respiratory problems are always very concerning. It could be a fungal infection, vitA deficiency, bacterial infection, pulmonary hypersensitive syndrome, aspergillosis or even a tumor. He needs to see an avian vet .

Sick Bird Symptoms: Respiratory Problems in Birds

Respiratory Problems - Possible Symptoms: Open-mouthed Breathing, Panting, Sneezing, Coughing, Wheezing, Squeaking, Wet Nestrils, Dyspnea :

www.beautyofbirds.com

 

[Macawnutz]

Make the drive. Birds try their very best to hide illness so when it rears it's head you have to take it serious. Breathing issues are very serious and need a specialist to look.

 

[GMAI]

Unfortunately the water drops do not always provide enough of the nutrients they need, especially as it is hard to know how much of it they actually are getting into them. After time of not getting enough of the right nutrients, their bodies can start to show the symptoms of malnourishment. My bird had breathing issues, a heart murmur, and loss of grip - all diet related.

Which multivitamin are you providing? When you say parrot mix, are you meaning a seed mix? Does it contain pellets?

His parrot food has got everything in it (fruits, nuts, seeds etc.) but he picks his favourite bits out of it. He’s absolutely fine today. What would you recommend regarding the multi vitamins?

 

[GMAI]

I can't answer that, I'm not a avian vet but would definitely go to specialist. Many of us on the forum drive along ways to see avian vets. I drive 2 to 3 hours one way, it's worth it and my BFA is alive because of it. Parrots hide illnesses so he might look but still have an underlying problem.

Thank you so much! We would definitely drive hours for him!!

 

[GMAI]

Make the drive. Birds try their very best to hide illness so when it rears it's head you have to take it serious. Breathing issues are very serious and need a specialist to look.

We will do, thank you so much.

 

[Mizzely]

His parrot food has got everything in it (fruits, nuts, seeds etc.) but he picks his favourite bits out of it. He’s absolutely fine today. What would you recommend regarding the multi vitamins?

I prefer to feed pellets and then use fruit, nuts, and seeds as treats.

I would also go to the vet first before assuming it is all diet related. It was for my boy but it may not be for yours.

 

[MommyBird]

Just FYI if you find it is a VitaminA deficiency....
my Hahns is 17 and he is crazy for red palm oil. I keep it in the fridge so it's solid and put some on a tiny piece of tortillia. or you can mix it into all the chop.
He will pick it out of the dish first no matter how good the other choices are. Actually he will chase the jar around the countertop and I've learned to not let him help where that is concerned.