Why is my galah cockatoo sneezing, tail bobbing, and discharging?

Have her rechecked by your veterinarian or by an experienced avian vet. You can find one here: http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803 Do this sooner rather than later, since by the time a bird is symptomatic, it is usually quite ill. The vet may submit a swab from the mouth for culture and sensitivity. This may identify any infection causing bacteria as well as the most effective antibiotic to use in treatment. Blood work may be submitted to assess major organ function. Do not worry, only a small sample is needed. A stool sample should also be submitted to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. In the meantime, clean and sanitize her cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use paper towels on the cage bottom and change them daily. A grate should be used to prevent her from reaching her droppings or fallen food that could be contaminated. Survey the area around her cage for any cold drafts or other negative stimuli. If you use air fresheners or essential oils, do not use them around her. The same goes for non stick cookware. The wheezing and tail bobbing may indicate respiratory infection which can usually be treated with antibiotics, but it can be caused by parasites or viruses which will not be affected by these medications.

Hi. Girl could have an infection or inflammation in her upper respiratory tract, or could simply be responding to the dry air in most homes this time of year with the heat on. Try taking into the bathroom when the shower is going for a little steam therapy or add a humidifier near her cage. If that doesn’t help, then a trip to the vet is warranted to make sure there isn’t anything more serious going on.

Thanks for reaching out about Aquafina. This sounds serious and a veterinary visit is needed s soon as possible. A respiratory infection (bacterial, fungal), aspiration of food into the trachea, enlarged organs (liver, etc.) or infectious diseases like chlamydophilosis, are all possible. Heat support is important aiming for a constant temperature of 85-90 F. This is a case for a veterinarian not to be dealt with at home. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I am so sorry to hear about Biba not feeling well. Your veterinarian is right - seeing discharge (the brown stuff) around the nose in combination with the sneezing is suggestive of upper respiratory disease (nose, windpipe). With the addition of the tail bob, this is suggestive of lower respiratory disease (lungs, air sacs; pneumonia would be classified as lower respiratory disease). Often in budgies, it is common for them to become quiet, and can get stressed, with medication administration as handling can be hard on them. If you haven't seen a great deal of improvement since starting the medication, I would recommend contacting your veterinarian. They may want to see Biba an additional time to repeat their examination and evaluate if the lungs sound better, or if the discharge has improved. If it hasn't, they may decide to switch antibiotics. At home, I would ensure that Biba is kept warm, as birds' body temperatures are higher than ours. Also make sure her environment is humid, if she will tolerate it. You can do this with a humidifier, or by taking her into the bathroom when you take a shower. This can help to break up any discharge and material that may be present in her nose, airways, and lungs. I hope this gives you a place to start, and I hope Biba feels better soon!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for reaching out about Shonnie. Head shaking is a common clinical sign of an upper respiratory infection, as is the sneeze. The stress of the move might have lead to immune suppression and progression of clinical signs. Short periods of time in a warm, steamy bathroom, a few times daily might help hydrate the sinuses but a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Since this has been occurring for several months, it is unlikely to improve or heal on its own. Other possibilities include fungal infections, nasal foreign bodies, metabolic disorders and more. Check and correct diet as vitamin A deficiencies can lead to secondary infections. Good luck.