Gouldian with seizures

[finchandlovebird]

Hi there: I've got a blue Gouldian, hatched Feb 9 (4 months old) who seems to have a seizure problem. Healthy, happy, eats & drinks, not fluffed at all. 2 weeks ago was when I noticed it; maybe a couple seizures over a 2-day period. Did a search for seizures on Finch Forum & read all it said. Put him in a small cage for a week w/ a heat lamp. He seemed fine & didn't seize. Put him back in with his 2 cage mates.
Now today heard terrific flapping in that cage; there he was on the floor, flapping around, and his head turns way back & he can't get up for a while, but then he's fine.
Never saw a bird go through this before; it's just terrible. Any advice?

[MiaCarter]

Aw, poor little guy!

Well, first and foremost, I would bring him to the vet if you can. Some illnesses can cause seizures and obviously, you'll want to treat him if that's the case.

Have you given him any parasite medications? Those are notorious for causing seizures (and they remain in the system for a while, so they can cause problems for an extended timeframe.)

I would also try to rule out any possible environmental cause. I'd eliminate his exposure to any and all chemicals to see if that helps. Cage cleaners, medications, supplements, etc.
I'd also give him distilled or spring water instead of tap.

I had fostered an epileptic bird (quaker). The only real special accommodation was that we removed the grate on the cage bottom so he wouldn't get a foot or toe caught up/injured during a seizure.
He was in a short and wide cage (instead of narrower and tall) to minimize any falls. But it seems he experienced an aura (a unique feeling just before the seizure) as he always went to the cage bottom to have his seizures.

You should also ensure his cage mate(s) are accepting of the seizures. Some more aggressive birds can view the behavior as threatening and they could harm him.

[finchandlovebird]

THANKS MIA; I DON'T SEE A SOLUTION AT PRESENT

Well, first and foremost, I would bring him to the vet if you can.
[size=150NO LOCAL VET[/size].Some illnesses can cause seizures and obviously, you'll want to treat him if that's the case.

Have you given him any parasite medications? NO Those are notorious for causing seizures (and they remain in the system for a while, so they can cause problems for an extended timeframe.)

I would also try to rule out any possible environmental cause. I'd eliminate his exposure to any and all chemicals to see if that helps. Cage cleaners, medications, supplements, etc. NOTHING LIKE THESE ITEMS USED
I'd also give him distilled or spring water instead of tap.ALL BIRDS RECEIVE SAME WATER; NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THAT

I had fostered an epileptic bird (quaker). The only real special accommodation was that we removed the grate on the cage bottom so he wouldn't get a foot or toe caught up/injured during a seizure.
He was in a short and wide cage (instead of narrower and tall) to minimize any falls. But it seems he experienced an aura (a unique feeling just before the seizure) as he always went to the cage bottom to have his seizures. WHAT WAS DONE FOR THE QUAKER? DID HE LIVE A LONG LIFE?

You should also ensure his cage mate(s) are accepting of the seizures. Some more aggressive birds can view the behavior as threatening and they could harm him.HIS 2 CAGEMATES DON'T MIND HIM OR HIS SEIZURES

[MiaCarter]

The quaker was a foster, but I know that he was thriving in his new home as of about 5 years after he left me. That was about 2 years ago.

If I recall properly, the medication used to control seizures didn't do much for him. I think he had some adverse side effects too. So he just lived with them. He had 2-3/day.

Does your guy show any signs of vitamin D deficiency? I know that can cause seizures, muscle weakness and a range of other symptoms. So it may be worth trying him on some supplements to see if that helps.

I'd also look at any possible sources of heavy metal poisoning like lead.

[Ginene]

Oh Dolly...I'm so sorry to hear about your blue having seizures. Best of luck with him. Sending you hugs and prayers

[Kernel]

Dolly sorry to hear about your blue. I read an article about twirling syndrome and it seems to me, if I remember correctly, some experts believe the cause is an inner ear infection that can be controlled / cured with proper medication. Maybe your blue has an inner ear problem. Look up "Twirling" and see if you can find the article it even gave the name of the medication to use. If I can find the article I will send It to you. Good luck Kernel

[Sally]

Check out this article and see if it sounds like it may be what is the problem with your bird.

[finchandlovebird]

Sally; there was no reference to an article in your e-mail