Can lovebirds have a stroke?

[Susan27]

My oldest (or I figure to be the oldest, I got him when he was already an adult), is very shaky/rhythmic head bob. My first question to myself, was is there a type of birdie Parkinson’s disease. My second thought was a stroke of some sort. My research has produced nothing for me.

I would take him to the vet, but he doesn't like to be handled and when I have tried in the last little while, he has gets very agitated which made his shaking/balance worse. He doesn't appear to be in pain. He still goes right for his food when he is given fresh every day. We have many perches at lower heights as well as a good floor space which he likes to sleep/sit/watch from. He does still climb up to the higher bars as well.

Have any of you had this type of behaviour before?

Thanks,
Susan

[Chickobee]

I'm sorry this is happening. How old is your bird? Has this been happening for a while, or was there a sudden change? Do you have an avian vet?

I don't have experience with older birds but I'm sure others with that experience will need more information to offer any advice, other than taking your bird to a vet.

(((((((((hugs))))))))

[linda040899]

Yes, lovebirds can have strokes. Poor balance and head noticeably tilted to one side are two visual symptoms that you might see. If that's what's causing your lovebird's problem, there's very little that your avian vet can do except diagnose it. Supportive care is usually the bottom line and it sounds like you are already doing that.

However, if there are other symptoms, I would definitely have him seen by your vet. Heavy metal poisoning can also cause the symptoms that you are seeing.

[Susan27]

Thanks for the replies.

He (Sampson) has been like this for about 4 months. He has no other symptoms that I have noticed, his appetite is good, millet is still loved, poops look good, feathers look full, since he seems otherwise normal and not in pain I figured it was just old age...but the shaking is somewhat unnerving.

Chickobee, I got him as an adult, with his mate who has since passed away, I have no idea his age. He has always seemed older to me, we call him our old man. Unless he develops any other symptoms, pain, or unhappiness, I think I will just leave him be.

Thanks again,
Susan

[cp.lovebird]

Sorry to hear this Susan.

Yes, my avian vet did say lovebirds can have strokes and it isn't uncommon for older birds. We believe that our lovie Squeaky had a stroke a few weeks ago - he'll be 16 at the end of this month. He does shake a little sometimes too and he has had a severe head tilt. The head tilt seems a bit better now. He can no longer fly but is getting around his cage by climbing and using his beak. It looks like he is starting to adapt. I am giving him an anti-inflammatory pain medication - the vet thinks he also has arthritis.

I hope your Sampson doesn't get any worse. Sounds like he's doing ok for an old birdie!

[lyndak]

I'm resurrecting an old thread because my lovebird is experiencing the same symptoms. Noodle started having mobility problems a few months ago. Now she's experiencing Parkinson like symptoms. We've moved her to a smaller cage with more ladders and perches. She seems fine when she's in her cage but when she's out with us she's really unsteady on her feet.

She's an old bird that has cataracts and a tumour on her back. We've been to the vet and had a heart to heart with him. His thoughts were investigating the tumour and treating the cataracts could be very stressful could very well lead to her death. Palliative care was his recommendation. This was before the Parkinson like symptoms. These symptoms started in the last few days.

I guess my question is how long do we let her live like this? I know ultimately it's our decision and it it will be a tough one to make I just don't want her to be scared or to suffer unnecessarily.

She's still eating, drinking and pooping and loves being with us.

Sometimes being a birdie owner is tough.

[Maxie]

I'm resurrecting an old thread because my lovebird is experiencing the same symptoms. Noodle started having mobility problems a few months ago. Now she's experiencing Parkinson like symptoms. We've moved her to a smaller cage with more ladders and perches. She seems fine when she's in her cage but when she's out with us she's really unsteady on her feet.

She's an old bird that has cataracts and a tumour on her back. We've been to the vet and had a heart to heart with him. His thoughts were investigating the tumour and treating the cataracts could be very stressful could very well lead to her death. Palliative care was his recommendation. This was before the Parkinson like symptoms. These symptoms started in the last few days.

I guess my question is how long do we let her live like this? I know ultimately it's our decision and it it will be a tough one to make I just don't want her to be scared or to suffer unnecessarily.

She's still eating, drinking and pooping and loves being with us.

Sometimes being a birdie owner is tough.

Hi,
It is tough seeing our birdies ill. Very heartbreaking to even hear that other birdies are sick too.
I noticed you're from Toronto as well. May I ask who your avian vet is? Touch wood, my Max is ok but if I ever need to see a vet, I'd like to use one that's recommended by others.

Your help is appreciated ❤️

[lyndak]

We used to live in thornhill but we moved to Sutton a few years ago.

Dr Axelson at the Links Rd clinic is excellent and comes highly recommended. We've taken all of our birds to him. Good bedside manner and very comfortable with birds.

Lynda

[linda040899]

Oh yes. Birds can have strokes! I've had it happen to more than one of my lovebirds. Not each one is affected in the same manner but this is what could have happened.

Knowing when to do the ultimate act of kindness is a hard choice. If she seems happy, then I would probably do nothing right now. However, if she loses mobility and doesn't deal with it well, you may have to consider your options.

[Maxie]

We used to live in thornhill but we moved to Sutton a few years ago.

Dr Axelson at the Links Rd clinic is excellent and comes highly recommended. We've taken all of our birds to him. Good bedside manner and very comfortable with birds.

Lynda

Thanks for the response. I took my budgie many years ago to see Dr Axelson (the father) and I wasn't too happy with him. Maybe his son is better. There's an avian vet in Newmarket that has great reviews. I might try him first if I ever need to...hopefully not.