Ask An Expert: Ellen K. Cook, D.V.M.

Answered by Ellen K. Cook, D.V.M.:

Great question, Gina! I haven't met a parrot yet who doesn't love some form of dairy product. However, dairy products are not very compatible with a parrot's digestive tract! When you think of where most parrot species originate, you can understand why they do not digest dairy. Not any milk trees in the rain forests. However, parrots are not 100% lactose intolerant. Very tiny amounts of yogurt or hard cheeses seem to be OK for certain individuals. You can tell if your parrot cannot digest what you give him because he will have diarrhea-the solid portion of his droppings will be runny. This is from Web MD "The most common foods that are high in lactose include dairy products such as milk, ice cream and cheese. Lactose is also added to some foods, such as bread and baked goods, cereals, salad dressings, candies and snacks. Foods that contain whey, curds, milk by-products, dry milk solids and nonfat dry milk also contain lactose."

Answered by Ellen K. Cook, D.V.M.:

Hi Cynthia Jo,

Thanks for the great question...these dirty birds are no joke ;>)) I love the the smell of conures, 'toos, macaws, greys, all parrots! First, I must commend you on adopting Luther, for feeding him an excellent diet, giving him frequent showers and taking him to an avian veterinarian.

The missing choanal papillae could be caused from chronic allergies, infection, or poor diet (seeds). Sinus problems can be very difficult to resolve and may require further diagnostic testing to determine the cause and long-term treatment. What does the odor smell like? Garbage? Something dead? Spoiled fruit? How are Luther's droppings-do they have an odor? How was Luther's sinus infection diagnosed-blood tests? Sinus flush/cytology? X-rays? How long was the course of treatment you gave Luther and did his symptoms competely resolve? You may be correct in that a chronic infection can cause an odor.

If Luther does not preen much, this can add to his "odor" problem. Bathing and preening him should help, so please continue that. One-on-one interaction is wonderful, too. I would suggest delving a bit deeper into diagnostics to try to pinpoint Luther's odor. I hope you get to the bottom of things;>)

Answered by Ellen K. Cook, D.V.M.:

Hi Pat-

I am happy to hear your AG appears to be healthy in every respect except for his episodes of watery droppings. There are many reasons for the changes in droppings that you have noticed. Causes can vary from normal conditions(change in diet, increased water consumption, etc.) to severe disease.

Animals are excellent at disguising serious health problems until their condition appears to deteriorate suddenly. Birds are masters at camouflaging illness. Has your Grey been examined by a veterinarian experienced in treating birds? I would want to perform a good physical exam, fecal examinations, blood tests and possibly more with a parrot that has a history of episodes of watery droppings lasting a day or more, with occasional blood, like you describe in your bird. I would also ask that you keep a food diary, listing everything your bird eats in a typical day. I would want to know the details of the bird's environment, especially with him flying around the house. Is there anything he might ingest (food, plants, chemicals, etc.) that could trigger these episodes?

Here are a couple of links about droppings:

http://www.wingwise.com/droppings.htm

http://www.oldworldaviaries.com/text/miscellaneous/poop.html

Excellent question, Pat! Thanks for your concern for your bird. Let me know how he does.