Bird is happy again!
Vrsta: sivi afrički papagaj
Pol: muški
Starost: 36 godina
Ime: Žak
Species: African gray parrot
Gender: male
Age: 36 years
Name: Jacques
29/05/2009 was the day when our clinic has received a gray African parrot Jacques. From anamnesis we found out that the bird is at least 36 years old, and that is brought from Africa as a baby. He changed many owners and lived in not so great living conditions. He is 5 years with the current owners where he is provided with balanced and varied diet and a large living space with all necessary props. According to the owner, the problem occurred 2-3 days before their arrival at the clinic. The bird began to move with difficulty and eventually could no longer stand on the bar, but it laid at the bottom of the cage.
Clinically, the bird had a very poor neurological results. Relied on the tarsal joints, his claws were clenched and it could not move. He was apathetic, eating less and visibly weakened, losing a considerable part of the pectoral muscle so that the ridge of the breastbone was very stressed on palpation. After clinical examination we did X-ray in two different projections and also blood samples have been taken for hematological and biochemical analysis. X-ray showed us changes in the skeletal system such as decreasing bone density of the substance, as well as enlarged both kidneys.
Due to the general exhaustion, the bird was rehydrated with infusion solution, and then received all necessary symptomatic and supportive therapy. The next day the bird was much better. The result of the laboratory analysis confirmed renal failure which is not uncommon for older birds of this particular species and their aging process.
From day to day the bird was in better mood, began to eat normally, and returned to its usual activities. We were all very happy when already on 01/06 we saw the bird happily perform his favorite imitation while standing on the shoulder of the owner. From 06/06 Jacques was prescribed oral therapy which should be carried out by the owners with whom we are in constant phone contact.
With no unrealistic expectations about the complete cure, we managed to improve the quality of Jacques`life and make his old age easier, and to provide owners to continue enjoying spending time with their pet.
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