Questionable chlamydia diagnosis when my lovebird is clearly egg bound.

[Muna]

Yesterday, I noticed my lovebird was acting off. Given her 5 year history of egg binding, I rushed her to the nearest avian clinic. I wanted a clean bill of health before a 20 day trip, but I feel like I’ve walked into a nightmare.

The Situation:

• The Clinic: This was my first time meeting this Avain vet, they are currently dealing with a massive Chlamydia outbreak and seemed overwhelmed.
• The Findings: I insisted on an X-ray, which confirmed inflammation and a forming egg. Despite this, the vet dismissed the egg and focused entirely on Chlamydia. They sent me home with only vitamins and milk thistle.
• The Diagnosis: Today, I received an email stating she is "Chlamydia positive." PCR only no bloodwork

Why I’m skeptical:

• Bird’s Condition: She is active, nesting, maintaining a solid 60g weight, and eating well (Harrison’s/TOPs). She’s acting totally normal.
• No Risk Factors: My flock is strictly indoor only. Her annual bloodwork in March CBC was normal. I clean cages twice daily, and no one in my household or myself has any symptoms.
• Past Misdiagnoses: Three years ago, I vet insisted to do flock wide testing for a "Chlamydia" claim that turned out to be completely negative. I also posted here about my rescue lovebird with false positive TB diagnosis.

My Dilemma: The clinic expects me to board her there right in the middle of their active outbreak and wants a 45day antibiotic course for a diagnosis I don’t trust. I’m scared to do further bloodwork due to her small size and the stress involved, especially when I’m about to leave for 20 days.

I feel lost and trapped between a vet I don't trust and the stress of being away from my bird. Has anyone here dealt with "outbreak-panic" misdiagnosis, or had a vet push a Chlamydia protocol when the bird was clearly dealing with reproductive issues instead? How would you handle this?

Should I take her to another clinic and do bloodwork to see if she’s actually positive for chlamydia?

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

Yesterday, I noticed my lovebird was acting off. Given her 5 year history of egg binding, I rushed her to the nearest avian clinic. I wanted a clean bill of health before a 20 day trip, but I feel like I’ve walked into a nightmare.

The Situation:

• The Clinic: This was my first time meeting this Avain vet, they are currently dealing with a massive Chlamydia outbreak and seemed overwhelmed.
• The Findings: I insisted on an X-ray, which confirmed inflammation and a forming egg. Despite this, the vet dismissed the egg and focused entirely on Chlamydia. They sent me home with only vitamins and milk thistle.
• The Diagnosis: Today, I received an email stating she is "Chlamydia positive." PCR only no bloodwork

Why I’m skeptical:

• Bird’s Condition: She is active, nesting, maintaining a solid 60g weight, and eating well (Harrison’s/TOPs). She’s acting totally normal.
• No Risk Factors: My flock is strictly indoor only. Her annual bloodwork in March CBC was normal. I clean cages twice daily, and no one in my household or myself has any symptoms.
• Past Misdiagnoses: Three years ago, I vet insisted to do flock wide testing for a "Chlamydia" claim that turned out to be completely negative. I also posted here about my rescue lovebird with false positive TB diagnosis.

My Dilemma: The clinic expects me to board her there right in the middle of their active outbreak and wants a 45day antibiotic course for a diagnosis I don’t trust. I’m scared to do further bloodwork due to her small size and the stress involved, especially when I’m about to leave for 20 days.

I feel lost and trapped between a vet I don't trust and the stress of being away from my bird. Has anyone here dealt with "outbreak-panic" misdiagnosis, or had a vet push a Chlamydia protocol when the bird was clearly dealing with reproductive issues instead? How would you handle this?

Should I take her to another clinic and do bloodwork to see if she’s actually positive for chlamydia?

Given the false negative results in the past for both the chlamydia and TB and... this clinic expecting you to board your bird if they have birds in the facility with an active outbreak I myself would want a second opinion. Especially if my trust in their practices are not 100%. I don't imagine the stress of boarding would be favorable for her. Did you actually see the Xray of your bird and you are sure it was an actual X-ray of your bird and not from another bird? Does she have an identifying metal band on one of her legs? I don't mean to cast doubt in your mind but their diagnosis without proof has me guarded.

When are you leaving for your trip? If she has a lengthy history of egg binding do you provide her with a calcium supplement and if so what kind? How has it resolved in the past? Is she a lone female or is she with a male? I haven't been on the forum in a while so I'm just catching up with her history.

 

[Muna]

@Mockinbirdiva
My gut is telling me the same thing. I am going to get a second opinion and skip the follow up with that clinic. The facility itself is chaotic, with birds constantly coming and going, and it feels extremely disorganized despite them taking emergency cases.

• The X-ray: I wasn’t allowed to see my bird during the X-ray, which I’ve been beating myself up about. She also doesn't have a ring tag, which makes me even more paranoid about whether the results they gave me are actually hers. When I pushed for answers, the vet was incredibly vague, only saying there was 'inflammation and an egg [that was] kind of not formed.' It’s very visible ….
• Medical History: I always make sure to forward her full medical history to any new clinic, but this vet didn't even want to glance at it.
• Supplements & History: I provide her with both powder and liquid calcium supplements daily. Between ages 1 and 3, her egg binding was awful and required emergency monitoring, but she was able to pass them. Since age 4, I’ve noticed that keeping her with her bonded female sister actually helps her stay calm and pass the eggs more easily.
• The Trip: I leave on July 10th, and I am incredibly stressed about it. Seeing the skepticism in your reply especially regarding the validity of the X-ray confirms I need to get her to a different vet immediately to verify everything before I go.

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

@Mockinbirdiva
My gut is telling me the same thing. I am going to get a second opinion and skip the follow up with that clinic. The facility itself is chaotic, with birds constantly coming and going, and it feels extremely disorganized despite them taking emergency cases.

• The X-ray: I wasn’t allowed to see my bird during the X-ray, which I’ve been beating myself up about. She also doesn't have a ring tag, which makes me even more paranoid about whether the results they gave me are actually hers. When I pushed for answers, the vet was incredibly vague, only saying there was 'inflammation and an egg [that was] kind of not formed.' It’s very visible ….
• Medical History: I always make sure to forward her full medical history to any new clinic, but this vet didn't even want to glance at it.
• Supplements & History: I provide her with both powder and liquid calcium supplements daily. Between ages 1 and 3, her egg binding was awful and required emergency monitoring, but she was able to pass them. Since age 4, I’ve noticed that keeping her with her bonded female sister actually helps her stay calm and pass the eggs more easily.
• The Trip: I leave on July 10th, and I am incredibly stressed about it. Seeing the skepticism in your reply especially regarding the validity of the X-ray confirms I need to get her to a different vet immediately to verify everything before I go.

I don't think there is one vet that will allow anyone other than staff during the use of X-ray machines. Did these people even show you the X-ray? A simple report does leave some doubt given your account of vague answers from them. Personally, if you don't have confidence then it may make you feel better going to another but do look for positive reviews in other clinics. What is her diet other than the supplements you give her? So you do not have a male and you keep her with a sibling. Females don't need males present to be chronic egg layers. Are you able to see an egg bump on her vent? Do you have a nest box in their cage? Boxes are encouraging nesting behavior. Are you in the US?

 

[Muna]

The vet showed me the X-ray but didn't provide a report or findings, so I am currently seeking a second opinion. I’ve contacted a new clinic today to request Chlamydia PCR and blood tests to get some clarity.

For background, these are two sisters living together. The bump is visibly noticeable, and despite having no nest and plenty of chew toys, one is displaying corner-nesting behavior. Their diet is high-quality (Harrison’s, Zupreem, and TOP’s pellets plus freeze dried chops).

I’m based in the UAE.

 

[Parront]

Wishing you the best of luck! So sad that you are going thru this!

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

The vet showed me the X-ray but didn't provide a report or findings, so I am currently seeking a second opinion. I’ve contacted a new clinic today to request Chlamydia PCR and blood tests to get some clarity.

For background, these are two sisters living together. The bump is visibly noticeable, and despite having no nest and plenty of chew toys, one is displaying corner-nesting behavior. Their diet is high-quality (Harrison’s, Zupreem, and TOP’s pellets plus freeze dried chops).

I’m based in the UAE.

I hope this goes well for her and the new clinic is able to resolve her issues. You're doing everything you can for her. Keep us posted on what you find out.

 

[Muna]

Update: I have booked an appointment with my primary avian clinic for comprehensive bloodwork and PCR testing to ensure we get a definitive picture of Lucky’s health. It is quite rare to secure an opening with the head veterinarian, but I was fortunate enough to book this appointment directly with him. He already expressed concern regarding Lucky's "bopping" behavior and breathing, and he specifically requested to review the X-rays taken at the emergency clinic. He really didn’t want to do xray to stress her out more.

Unfortunately, the other emergency clinic has been uncooperative regarding the transfer of records. When I requested the X-rays, the veterinarian was dismissive and questioned why I needed copies of my own pet's medical records. While I am incredibly disappointed by this lack of professionalism, I am relieved to be moving forward with my trusted clinic to get the diagnostic answers we need.

 

[Muna]

X-ray report

I feel very lost I’m unsure what to do what to expect as I am leaving very soon.

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

X-ray report

I feel very lost I’m unsure what to do what to expect as I am leaving very soon.

Are these radiographs and the report from the emergency vet you went to? There is no date on either the images or the report. Not being a vet to read the report exclusively it does look like there is no evidence of an egg or particles of an egg present. Your initial main concern was that she was egg bound right?

Edited to ask if her behavior is changed from when you wrote your post. The same or more normal? Eating well?

 

[Muna]

@Mockinbirdiva
Yes, the X-ray was from the emergency avian vet clinic. I had to physically go there and demand it. My current avian vet, who is now managing Lucky’s case, is really unhappy with the crappy quality of that X-ray. He mentioned the contrast is too light and told me it will need to be redone.

He believes she is not egg-bound, but there is internal fluid forming around the cloaca, and he is very concerned about the swelling. For now, we need to monitor her, and I need to instruct the pet sitter to contact the avian vet immediately in case she declines.

To help her, I need to completely change her cage setup, scrub everything that is shreddable, and replace those items with wooden toys. The vet also gently suggested that I separate my birds while I am away traveling.

As for her behavior right now, she is active, eating, and drinking normally, though she does have some mild weakness in her foot grip.

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

@Mockinbirdiva
Yes, the X-ray was from the emergency avian vet clinic. I had to physically go there and demand it. My current avian vet, who is now managing Lucky’s case, is really unhappy with the crappy quality of that X-ray. He mentioned the contrast is too light and told me it will need to be redone.

He believes she is not egg-bound, but there is internal fluid forming around the cloaca, and he is very concerned about the swelling. For now, we need to monitor her, and I need to instruct the pet sitter to contact the avian vet immediately in case she declines.

To help her, I need to completely change her cage setup, scrub everything that is shreddable, and replace those items with wooden toys. The vet also gently suggested that I separate my birds while I am away traveling.

As for her behavior right now, she is active, eating, and drinking normally, though she does have some mild weakness in her foot grip.

It sounds you have a good plan and have at least some positive information from your current vet albeit the concern for the swelling. Some birds are prone to excessive egg laying so hopefully the changes recommended will be enough distraction for her to improve her activity level and removing her from her sister may curb that desire to lay eggs. I hope this gives you some comfort and confidence so that you enjoy your trip. Hope you're going someplace fun!

 

[Muna]

Some birds are prone to excessive egg laying so hopefully the changes recommended will be enough distraction for her to improve her activity level and removing her from her sister may curb that desire to lay eggs.

I never realized that; I had mainly focused on keeping them together to avoid stressing them out. I completely misunderstood the situation. Female lovebirds are certainly challenging to care for and understand!

I hope this gives you some comfort and confidence so that you enjoy your trip. Hope you're going someplace fun!

Thank you so much. I am very grateful for your kind words and for everyone wishing her well. I felt very lost, as I usually never question an avian vet's plan. However, it really bothered me that they might have wrongfully misdiagnosed Lucky. I tear up just thinking about what would have happened if I had gone along with that dismissive ER vet plan to leave her boarded in the clinic all alone for 45 days on doxycycline. It has really taught me that getting a second opinion is so important.

PCR result from my primary avian vet

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

I never realized that; I had mainly focused on keeping them together to avoid stressing them out. I completely misunderstood the situation. Female lovebirds are certainly challenging to care for and understand!


Thank you so much. I am very grateful for your kind words and for everyone wishing her well. I felt very lost, as I usually never question an avian vet's plan. However, it really bothered me that they might have wrongfully misdiagnosed Lucky. I tear up just thinking about what would have happened if I had gone along with that dismissive ER vet plan to leave her boarded in the clinic all alone for 45 days on doxycycline. It has really taught me that getting a second opinion is so important.

PCR result from my primary avian vet

I do think birds benefit from having a friend but this might be an instance where separation may be what they need to change their focus on laying. Only time will tell if either one will continue to lay. If you have two separate cages I would have at least 12 inches of space between them. I don't doubt it will be a little stressful for them when they are used to being together but right now you are trying to break the cycle of laying. Once you come back from your trip you can work on a new routine for them by allowing time out of the cage together - if you do that at all. My birds are all kept in their own cages and in the evening I let them out when I'm in the room. The buddy up for time together preening. When I'm done with cages and it's time for them to go back to their cage they get a treat that is highly prized - a couple of small pieces of walnut. Some are so happy they leave the one they love to go eat a treat! To which I tell the one left... "See how important you are? Food wins again! "

Looks like you have a great result from the second vet and I know that gives you peace of mind. It truly would have been wrong for her to have stayed in the clinic when the treatment wasn't needed. You did what you thought was needed to start with and in the end went with your intuition to go to the vet you like. I hope now you will be able to enjoy your vacation.