Aspergillosis

My 18 year old Blue and Gold Macaw became sick Aug 14,2010. Numerous trips to my Avian Vet and over the past 1 1/2 years he has been on: Metacam, Albuterol, Trimeth/Sulfa, Ciprofloxacin, Itraconazole, Gentamicin and saline nebulizer.

March 2011 he was diagnosed with Aspergillosis. After 4 1/2 month treatment with Itraconazole via nebulizer and 3 weeks Gentamicin his lungs are clear.

He continues to have breathing issues; I can best describe it as like a child who needs to blow their nose. That's how he sounds. His nares are clear, I have had them x-rayed. But he sounds congested. When he wakes up in the mornings he has flem in his mouth that needs to be cleared.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Connie Carter
Fairbanks, AK

Comments for Aspergillosis

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Dec 22, 2011
 Aspergillus treatment
by: The Avian Vet

I am happy to consult with you on this case. I need complete records including x-rays, blood work, cultures, and physical exam findings. You can forward this information to fax 919-403-0218. My rates are $150.00 per hour, minimum one hour to review the records.

I can set up an appointment for as long as you need to get clear on your bird’s condition. I am an expert with Aspergillus infections as I have treated several cases and one of my extensive case reports for board certification was on Aspergillus.

Dr B
Dec 22, 2011
 Aspergillosis
by: Linda

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2384

The above is a link to an article written about acute/chronic Aspergillosis, its probable causes and treatments. In the chronic form, it is extremely deadly as it travels the body systems through the bloodstream.

As you will see in the article, husbandry has much to do with this disease getting a hold on birds. Stress and less than highest quality diets leave the immune systems in a low position.

If your bird is not eating a high quality organic pelleted diet, then you need to get him changed over from either all seed diet or junk pellets like ZuPreem or Lafaebers both of which contain many dangerous chemicals not needed in bird foods.

The best organic pellets are Harrison's, and you'll need to get the Hi-Potency to help bring your bird back to some semblance of health so he can fight this disease off. Changing birds over to the organic pallets takes time, and below is an article written by an avian vet on how to go about it. Be very careful while changing your bird over to the pellets because we normally recommend getting sick birds well before starting any kind of dietary change. In this case, modify this plan to make sure your bird keeps eating because he is in very delicate condition at this time. Harrisons also has Bird Bread mix which your bird may love and will help get him back on his feet. Use the Organic Red Palm Oil found here as the oil, two whole eggs and water is all that's needed for the mix. This is usually readily eaten and can provide up to 30% of bird's entire diet, so take a look at it.

Switching Birds To Pellets article

Continue with your Avian Vet treating your bird. Aspergillosis is, of course, a fungal infection treated with anti-fungal meds. In chronic cases, antibiotics may be need if secondary infections appear, so we hope they do not.

Your bird is in a very dangerous place at present, and make sure cage and room are kept clean using a bird safe cleaner like Focus found here.Use a plant sprayer to dampen cage trays before cleaning to keep dust from getting into the air. In the dust is where Aspergillosis lives.

Keep in touch with us as we are here to support you and your bird as best we can. You can find more info about Aspergillosis on the internet. The organic pellets are found here as is the pet focus safe cleanser and Bird Bread mix.

Linda

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