Accepted Answer

Hi Barbara, thanks for hanging in there - it certainly speaks as to the kind of caregiver you are and I applaud that

There are a couple things I believe are possible with the symptoms you're describing and I can't make them fit the concussion; however, the stress of that injury could very well have lowered the immune system enough to make him prone to a yeast/fungal infection. That may explain the odiferous droppings (or with a lori, squirtings), but so might a bacterial infection - again, possibly opportunistic after the stress of injury.


Both of these conditions are relatively easy to resolve, but at least a microscopic exam of a fresh dropping and probably a culture, is necessary to determine the exact nature of infection in order to properly treat.

Nothing from the internet or pet stores will work - despite their claims. There are no real regulations for 'truth in advertising' when it comes to pet products.


Lorikeets need a specialized diet in order to stay healthy and live long. They are prone to a disease called ‘hemochromatosis’ or ‘iron storage disease’. A blood test should reveal whether or not your little guy is dealing with this.

Now, when it comes to testing the droppings, even doing a culture, you may find a cooperative vet willing to let you just bring in the samples rather than the bird. Once you find this vet, ask their preferred protocols at collection and storeage of the sample so you get the best possible result.

If the blood test is necessary you'll need to bring the bird in - but it's not a difficult procedure, often just clipping a toenail short for the sample.


Now, when it comes to maintaining your little guy in the meantime, I have no doubt that by trusting your own instincts you've done well. Remove all perches save for one and keep that one low (the tail should be off the ground, but that's about as high as it should be).


Low activity means low light and low noise in the vicinity. Think: Hospital room.


I should also mention that an overall oily-looking feathering may be due to an infection in the uropygial gland - located at the very base of where the tailfeathers begin. If you notice a lump, bump, scabby area, redness or tenderness there - this could be contributing to the feather look, but given all the symptoms put together I believe one of the earlier mentioned conditions actually exists - or a combination of them.

Find an avian vet near you http://aav.org/vet-lookup

http://www.parrotpro.com/avlist.php

and

http://veccs.org/hospital_directory.php

These days, with birds growing fast in popularity as in home companions, many DVM’s are quite experienced and able to see and treat many birds. If you have a pet store that sells birds or know of any bird breeders – ask them who they use for their bird care.

If you have a Pet Smart in town you may have a vet for your bird. Most Pet Smart’s now have a veterinary clinic inside and many of them will see birds (open 7 days a week too).

Please let me know how you're doing - how your little one is doing and anything else I might help with. You are an exceptionally patient lady and well tolerant of some site issues we've had lately that not everyone is reacting in kind to.

I do find that bird people are like that - patient

Expert:	S. August Abbott, CAS
Pos. Feedback:	99.6 %
Accepts:
Answered:	6/18/2009

Certified Avian Specialist

Cert. Avian Specialist; Int. Assoc.Animal Behavior Consult; Pet Ind. Joint Advisory Council; author