Ataxia

Ataxia

By: Dr. Barbara Oglesbee

Section: Veterinary Care In-depth

Treatment In-depth

Your veterinarian may recommend one or more of the diagnostic tests described above. In the meantime, treatment of the symptoms might be needed, especially if the problem is severe. The following treatments may be applicable to some, but not all, birds with ataxia. Therapy is not a substitute for definite treatment of the underlying disease responsible for your bird's condition.

  • Birds with ataxia and other symptoms such as lethargy and anorexia usually require hospitalization and 24-hour care.

  • Fluid therapy. Birds that are not eating are usually moderately to severely dehydrated and require fluids. Fluids may be given by an intravenous catheter, an interosseous catheter (into the bone marrow) or subcutaneously (under the skin). The route of administration will depend on how severe the level of dehydration is.

  • Forced feeding if your bird is anorexic.
    This is usually accomplished by placing a tube into the crop and instilling a liquid gruel.

  • Antibiotics or antifungal medications. Drug therapy may be needed to treat or prevent an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast.

  • Chelating agents for heavy metals

  • Calcium or vitamin supplementation

  • Soft bedding and a quiet environment

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