Poss Vit A deficiency and resultant breathing problem

[Deb*in*Scotland]

I have a Indian Ringneck Parakeet and we have had him for approx 2 months. From day one he has never behaved like a 'normal' parrot. He is disinterested. He does not play with his toys, shred his paper or even show an interest in food. We put it down to him being lonely (previously he was with his parents and siblings) and perhaps a bit depressed. We decided to go out this weekend and get some Vit A supplements incase it was a Vit A deficiency that was making him lethargic. However two days ago he developed some worrying symptoms. His tail is bobbing in time with his breathing and there is a clicking sound when he breathes. We took him straight to the vet but unfortunately despite being told the vet was able to treat birds he didn't seem to have a clue!

He did not even examine him. He has given us 5 sachets of Omnicure and told us to mix half a sachet with a pint of water. However as explained to the vet I have NEVER seen my bird drink. He eats quite a lot of watery fruit (grapes, Apple...etc) so I think his water intake is minimal. Today is his first day of treatment and I am witholding the fruit to try and 'force' him to drink but he has not gone near his water at all. He is now wheezing when breathing.

Do you think this is the right treatment and if so is there anyother way to get it into the bird?

How soon should I see an improvement, or at what stage do I realise this treatment is not working?

Any help and advise appreciated.

Thanks

[pinkdevil]

Is there another vet where you can get a second opinion and examination?
Bobbing tail when breathing and wheezing is not a good sign.
Can you place him somewhere warm? My vet told me when birds are ill, they need heat to help the healing process as a lot of their energy goes into keeping warm and hard to fight infections when ill.
Not sure of your weather temps at the moment but I use a red coloured bulb, (red doesn't disturb the birds) on one end of the cage so they can move towards or away from the heat as they like.
Try withholding any fruit or veg while giving the treatment to encourage the bird to drink. Some treatments advise this as part of the directions.

I am not sure how soon you should see improvement, depends on what the problem in and how much medication gets in his system.

I hope the little fella improves for you soon.

[Deb*in*Scotland]

Thank you.

Unfortunately I phoned the only other vet (within a 30 mile radius) and they were honest enough to admit that they wouldn't know where to begin examaning a bird, and would probably only do the same as the first vet and prescribe a general antibiotic to put in the water.

Poor little mite is just sitting there clicking and tail bobbing. The antibiotics may well do the trick but I don't know how to get them into him

[intog]

Thank you.

Unfortunately I phoned the only other vet (within a 30 mile radius) and they were honest enough to admit that they wouldn't know where to begin examaning a bird, and would probably only do the same as the first vet and prescribe a general antibiotic to put in the water.

Poor little mite is just sitting there clicking and tail bobbing. The antibiotics may well do the trick but I don't know how to get them into him

My IRN is also sick and the avain vet gave me a liquid antibiotic to put into a syringe. I gave him one dose tonight and had to hold his beak open to slowly put it in. He drank it fine as it has a sweet taste. How is your IRN doing by the way?