Neck jerking Budgie

Re: Neck jerking Budgie

Marie Kubiak — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:14:33 GMT

Hi,

that does sound more like GI rather than neurological. If it isn't behavioural (in response to owner/toy/mirror), which as non-productive is not so likely, then you need to find out what is triggering the inflammation. A crop swab smear and a faecal stained smear will give you a massive amount of information and allow you to differentiate between protozoal (Trichomonas), bacterial, yeast and Macrorhabdus as causes. Also check with the owner whether there is any possible metal ingestion, especially checking if any toys/cage structures have bits missing.

Happy to see it if you want to send him over,

Marie

Re: Neck jerking Budgie

Charlotte Marshall — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 08:11:02 GMT

The owner did say she thought he was going to regurgitate which she had seen in a budgie in the past but he brought nothing up. The liver is not enlarged. If it is upper GI inflammation what should I be looking for? I may well just try and send them to see you!

Re: Neck jerking Budgie

Marie Kubiak — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:26:59 GMT

Is the head jerking vertical? If so it may be gastrointestinal in origin rather than neuro - any form of upper GI inflammation can trigger productive and non-productive regurgitation movements.

If truly neuro then toxoplasmosis is one differential (look for hepatomegaly - the liver is palpable and often clearly visible beyond the caudal border of the keel, inclusions are often visible on a buffy coat smear for definitive diagnosis). Other neuro Ddx are heavy metal intoxication, central chlamydophilosis, hepatic encephalopathy, otitis media, chronic hypocalcaemia (unusual in budgies) and a variety of viral and bacterial encephalitides.

Marie