Very strange illness in budgie...

[Keppeh]

I have been dealing with a very strange illness in my budgie, who's about 8 years old. For months now, on and off she's been having a very severe problem - her abdomen fills up with fluid. The thing is, it just occupies a balloon-like pouch of skin on her abdomen and doesn't flood her intestines or other organs. It's almost like a tumor or cyst that fills with fluid. Of course, I've taken her to the vet many times, but they've had a lot of trouble finding out what's wrong with her.

The poor girl gets this build-up of fluid on and off. When she doesn't have it, she's absolutely normal and healthy, jumping around, playing, singing and eating heartily. Even when her abdomen fills up with this fluid, she's very playful, sweet and still eats and drinks with zest. The vet, of course, removed some of the fluid, and looked at it to find out what it is. She told me, the first time she took a sample, that it was a clear fluid that had no bacteria in it. She said it likely comes from the liver because her heart is beating strongly from failure against the liver.

Of course, this had me nervous and we immediately started her on some heart medication that was supposed to bring down the fluid build-up. She was on it for quite a few months when we realized that nothing was happening, it wasn't being helped, and that if anything it was getting worse. I brought her back and the vet did more samples, and said once again - just clear fluid, no bacteria. By this time my bird was having respiratory stress, the vet said it was because the fluid was pushing against her air sacs. My bird weighs in perfectly normal, and in her little transporation box, was perching up near the edge, and squacking at us with disapproval. She's been a bit resentful of us for taking her to the vet so many times, but she's still happy, perky, eating and drinking with zest and playing with her toys! The last time the vet took a sample (I urged her to check again to make sure it was as she said it was), and turns out she find a little bit of bacteria, but it wasn't "responsive". She still gave us a mixture of baytril, "bird booster" (some vitamins) and some calcium, as she said that might help, too. Well, the fluid has drained off again, and she's back to being her crazy self, hanging upside down from her toys and eating happily (including fruits, veggies, rice and grains) and I'm completely, completely confused. What could this be? The only thing I found that includes the symptom of fluid in the abdomen was "streptococcal" or something. It made enough sense at first, being that the bacteria can cause respiratory problems as well, but then it said that most birds die within 24 hrs, and that a rare condition that lasts longer causes vomiting and diarrhea, which she doesn't have.

Can anyone help me? There are no certified avian vets here in Regina, Saskatchewan, and though I've been trying to see Dr. Tracy Fisher, the only one that's ever been recommended, she's out of the office most of the time and is currently on a long vacation.

Does anyone have any ideas? This bird is truly loved, she's a great companion and is truly a happy bird. I don't want her to suffer.

[Sowilu]

I have posted this information in a birdboard where members have had experience with birds for quite a long time. I will get back to you if I get a reply to my post.

[Keppeh]

Thank you very much... I'm not even sure if this vet knows what she's doing. My bird is fine now, for the time being. Hopefully she's responding to the baytril - but you never know, it could come back. She goes from perfect to horrible really fast, and then right back. It's like a neverending cycle.

[Sowilu]

I got two replies:

Quote: I hate to say it, but the fid should be tested for cancer. Skip Quote: Budgerigars seem to be one species of bird that is very prone to cancer... Ovarian carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are types of cancer that can be very dangerous, as surgical removal of the entire mass is difficult, if not impossible, as the ovary is closely associated with large blood vessels. For this reason, the cancer may reoccur after surgical removal. Clinical signs may include abdominal distension, fluid build-up in the abdomen, breathing problems, weakness or paralysis of the left leg and a visible or palpable mass in the abdomen.

Avian Cancer Link..
Avian Cancer

Quote: I would say liver. Tell the person to get and give Naturade Aloe Detox. And I would ONLY feed soak grains and a couple soak seeds, dark leafy greens and veggies. Also a probiotic. The can regenerate the liver but time is critical and they need to start asap. AND discuss with the vet what they are doing. If it's not liver, nothing here will hurt the bird, anyway. Budgies are prone to liver and should be kept on a low fat healthy diet and get alot of exercise. But dont exercise any sick bird let them work up to what they are able to do themselves. Of course flying is number one.

[Keppeh]

Hm, I myself thought about the liver issue because for a time before I got my bird, she was only being fed seeds by her previous owner, and it was quite a few years. She still has a thing for seeds, but I mainly feed her pellets and greens and fruits. However, as sad as it does sound, she does have some of the cancer symptoms, for sure...I'm not sure, but I think she has had weakness in her left leg, and of course the other symptoms. What would I do if it was cancer?

[Sowilu]

You cant guess by symptoms especially not being a vet. All symptoms run together.

Pellets were shown to be TOO HIGH in nutrients for budgies in a study by Texas A&M. No matter what's wrong with her the diet I posted is the right course. It wont hurt anything and will only help whether it's cancer or liver. But if it's liver you cant continue with seed and pellets. Antibiotics are a shot in the dark. Discuss the Naturade, diet and probiotic with your vet.

[Sowilu]

The above was supose to be in quotes.

[Keppeh]

Okay, I will. Let's hope she has some knowledge on it.