Why vet checks are important for sudden behavioral changes

[sunnysmom]

I thought I should share this. I was contacted by a woman because her conure had become suddenly aggressive. Attacking her and drawing blood. We went through the normal could it be hormones, etc. I always think a vet check is a good idea when there are sudden changes in behavior. Then, the conure started chewing on his leg, basically mutilating it. She took him to the vet, and the vet believes that at some point in time her conure had a stroke and the leg was basically dying. I didn't speak with the vet. So I don't have my exact medical terms down but the bone was literally turning black. He's having his leg amputated today and hopefully he will have a quick recovery and go back to living a happy life. So, her bird was likely attacking her because he was in pain. Just a reminder that our birds do try to communicate with us, and we should always rule out medical reasons and not just assume that our bird is being a "jerk". (Although in Elvis's case, sometimes he is. But we still love him.)

 

[Mizzely]

Oh wow that's crazy!! Glad they figured it out though!

 

[MommyBird]

That is a great example.
It is good to always remember how pain and also fear could cause them to change behavior.
Good thoughts sent for this little one's recovery!

 

[patchyjoon]

This is an amazing example. I've heard multiple stories like this. That's why I always try to stay diligent with my morning weigh ins and always am paying attention to my boys' behavior. Awesome that you were able to save the little guy.

 

[Clueless]

How sad....

 

[HelenVanessaDavies]

Poor thing, hopefully the amputation goes well. It's hard that they can't tell us what's happening.

 

[sunnysmom]

He had the amputation and is doing well. I think the mom is having a much harder time with it than he is, understandably.

 

[Zilga]

Poor guy. This is an important message. We've taken birds in for being a little off (without even losing weight), only to find they were already quite ill.