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Post by julianna on Jan 11, 2018 15:23:43 GMT -5
The vet did not suggest I put anything under his wings. I told her I ordered the aloe vera spray and she wants me to send her the list of ingredients before I use it. I like the idea of purchasing an aloe vera plant... seems harmless enough.
Oscar loves to chew on grass and some dirt. Unfortunately it is winter time here and I do not grow any in the house.
Oscar is not lonely by any means. If anything he gets too much attention. Being retired I spend a lot of time with him and he is spoiled. He does not fly and he has taught me his signals of when he wants to move from room to room and I carry him everywhere he wants to go. He has full access to the living room and kitchen as he has two large cages... one in each room and they are joined by a rope. He is never in his cage unless it is time for bed. Between my husband and myself we keep him entertained all day every day.
Thank you for the great advice.
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Post by biteybird on Jan 11, 2018 18:36:30 GMT -5
Between my husband and myself we keep him entertained all day every day. Haha, Julianna, I seem to recall Oscar entertains himself by biting your husband...LOL.  |
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Post by easttex on Jan 12, 2018 5:28:41 GMT -5
I imagine the test was for PBFD. It doesn't seem very likely, but it will be good to get that eliminated. And a DNA test! With all that nest activity and no eggs, Oscar sure sounds like a male, but stranger things have happened.  |
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Post by julianna on Jan 18, 2018 15:01:04 GMT -5
First the DNA test came back and Oscar is definitely a little boy. Very bad news however... and it breaks my heart. He has the polyomavirus. The vet said not to panic because it could clear however... this is what the internet says.
Polyomavirus is a deadly infection that affects many of the bird's body parts and organs simultaneously. This infection affects caged birds, especially those from the parrot family. Young birds from newborn to juveniles (14-56 days), are the birds most at risk and is usually fatal. Though not proven, adult birds are thought to form some immunity to polyomavirus.
Symptoms and Types
From the time the bird contracts the infection, it takes about 10-14 days for the it to display symptoms. However, a bird may or may not show any sign of the polyomavirus infection. If the symptoms are displayed in your bird, its death may be imminent -- usually within one or two days. Since the infection lowers the immunity of the bird, it can be susceptible to other viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, which can lead to secondary infection and death.
Birds with polyomavirus infection may display symptoms, including:
A swollen (distended) abdomen
Loss of appetite
Regurgitation
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Weight loss
Depression
Feather abnormalities
Excessive urination
Difficulty breathing
Bleeding (hemorrhages) below the skin
Listlessness
Tremors
Paralysis
Causes
The polyomavirus is usually contracted through direct contact with other infected birds. It is also contracted from infected feces, dander, air, nest boxes, incubators, feather dust or from an infected parent passing it to chick.
There is no known treatment for the polyomavirus disease.
I am soooooooo sad.. I cannot believe it.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Jan 18, 2018 15:27:45 GMT -5
Firstly, don't panic. The vet seems optimistic about his chances of recovery. Secondly, look further into this disease and see if there are other options especially in complementary medicine. It is very important that you don't show any signs of sadness around him - keep everything upbeat. You are allowed to be sad for only one day then it is back to business in helping Oscar recover. Never give up hope. Hugs to you and Oscar.
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Post by cnyguy on Jan 18, 2018 21:28:56 GMT -5
Sorry to hear about Oscar's diagnosis. It does sound like the vet is showing signs of optimism. I have read on other parrot forums of parrots who have been living with polyomavirus for some time. They have experienced problems like feather loss and lowered energy level, but seem to be surviving reasonably well otherwise. Hoping that Oscar comes through it with no problems.
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Post by easttex on Jan 19, 2018 6:25:40 GMT -5
Dang, Julianna! I know how close you are Oscar, and getting a diagnosis like that can feel like being run over by a Mack truck. I also know you'll bounce back and will be able to focus on the positives.
I didn't know much about the virus, but you sent me into research mode. I probably didn't see anything new to you, but found hope in the Merck Vet Manual. It seems like the good news is that he isn't a baby. Hopefully his immune system will kick in and it will oust the virus. Is he scheduled for a recheck?
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Post by dinucci on Jan 19, 2018 13:41:52 GMT -5
Ahh man...I hope he's gonna be ok. After reading this,I too went into research mode. I remember when checking into boarding buddy for a vacation, that certain vets had required that the bird be checked for polyomavirus and for PBFB I think. Anyways,I made an appointment for him for a vaccine,not easy to find this stuff here,for next week. Going to inquire about the PBFB, which from what I've read,is available in a dead vaccine in australia,but may be here by now..is dunno. It's transferable to humans somewhat, but in immunocompromised individuals especially...that being me, a cancer patient. Well worth the 45 bucks for anyone else out there considering it.
I sure hope he's able to shrug it off soon. I remember your post from before thinking it may be a skin disorder with the picture..sorry it turned out to be this.....keep the faith..
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Post by biteybird on Jan 20, 2018 2:12:28 GMT -5
Hi Julianna, I know this is saddening and seems like a disaster, but don't despair. Parrots are extremely resistant to polyomavirus and can live long, happy lives, even if they have it. I had never heard of Polyomavirus until about one week ago, when I took my cockatiel to the vet (you may remember that he's been losing feathers for quite some time, but it suddenly worsened over the last 4 months or so). My cockatiel most probably has the polyomavirus or PBFD (psittacine beak and feather disease), or both. I could have had a test done to find out which one (or both?), but the Vet said unless I just wanted to satisfy my curiosity there was no point testing, as neither has a cure/treatment. My cockatiel, even though he is mostly bald on his chest, head and legs - and any feathers that grow back long fall out within 1-2 weeks - is very happy, eating well and his poop is fine. The vet said the disease may shorten his lifespan somewhat but as long as he is happy, that's the main thing. Looking on the bright side for Oscar, at least he's used to being clipped and not flying and he is eating and pooping well and has a wonderful human slave to cater to his every wish! Keep us posted as to how you and Oscar are going. XXOX |
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Post by biteybird on Jan 20, 2018 2:18:11 GMT -5
Going to inquire about the PBFB, which from what I've read,is available in a dead vaccine in australia,but may be here by now..is dunno. Hi Dinucci, sorry to be a party pooper here, but Pittacine Beak & Feather Disease is definitely in Australia....[I grew up in Melbourne, now living in Darwin]. When I took my cockatiel, Scruffy, to the Vet last week she said it's unusual to see advanced cases such as his - as the chicks that have it passed down by the parents normally die in the nest. If they survive to adulthood they can normally cope with it quite well and are resistant to secondary infections.
She also said that it doesn't get passed from bird to human, so you might be OK.
Edit: oh, just noticed you were talking about a vaccine, not the disease itself (is that right?). My vet said there's no treatment, so I'm guessing there's no vaccine in Aus yet. 
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Post by julianna on Jan 20, 2018 14:58:27 GMT -5
Thank you all for your kind words. Oscar is being his usually busy self and is in good spirits. I didn't have the heart to tell him he was sick... so he thinks all is well.
I will go see the vet again in March and she suggested re-testing... so I will go with that. She said it was similar to humans having the herpes virus. It can come and go and we can have it for many years with no signs. Oscar could have had this since he was a baby and it is only breaking out now.
My problem now is that I could never let him be around other birds as it is contagious. The sitter I have for Oscar has 3 birds so that would mean I have no sitter for him. It might not sounds like a big problem for some of you... but it is huge for me. I have no idea where I am going to find such a good sitter in the future.
I just really hope that Oscar isn't in any pain. He doesn't act any different so I am hoping he isn't. I love this little guy sooooo much... it hurts.
Thank you all once again for your support. XXOO
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Post by cnyguy on Jan 20, 2018 21:22:58 GMT -5
If Oscar is behaving normally, then it's probable that he's not in any distress. That diagnosis is a tough one to come to grips with, but try to keep a positive attitude, for Oscar's sake as well as your own. Keep up your normal routine with Oscar. You will probably be able to find a satisfactory bird-sitter; start looking before you actually need one. Maybe the one you've used before would have some suggestions. Ralph, Scooter and I send you and Oscar all our good wishes to see you both through this with a positive outcome. |
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Post by biteybird on Jan 20, 2018 22:23:21 GMT -5
I wonder if it would be possible for your normal bird-sitter to visit Oscar in his home environment? [Although I don't know if the virus can be passed from to her (as a carrier) to her other birds?] As Oscar knows her already if would be great if she was willing to do that - even if you had to pay a bit more it'd be worth it...just a thought. Chin up! |
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Post by dinucci on Feb 17, 2018 9:22:49 GMT -5
Hey bitybird! Yeah I was looking into the vaccine itself. Anyways after reading julianna s posts,I ended up having buddy checked for everything and vaccinated for poly. He tested negative on all fronts thankfully.
Julianna...how's oscar doing so far?
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Post by julianna on Feb 18, 2018 15:52:03 GMT -5
Oscar isn't too bad on and off... thanks for asking dinucci. His little feathers had grown mostly back and I was really happy. I was putting a few drops of the apple cider vinegar in his water and it acts like an antibiotic. The other morning... in his sleep cage and in his play cage I noticed a lot of little fluffy feathers and when I looked under his wings... he was quite bald again. Not good.
I am presuming that this might come and go? He is not under stress or anything like that... acting normal and poops are good... eating is fine... all else looks fine.
Going back to the vet in March... maybe she will give me good news... like a new invention that will get rid of this horrible virus.
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