Birds can suffer from seizures just like other animals and humans. Seizures in birds can be scary to witness and are often an indication of an underlying health issue. As a bird owner, it’s important to understand what to do if your feathered friend experiences a seizure. Being prepared and acting quickly can help minimize the impact on your bird’s health.
What are seizures in birds?
A seizure occurs when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain leading to involuntary muscle movements and possible loss of consciousness. Seizures may be related to an underlying condition or can occur randomly in otherwise healthy birds. Causes can include:
- Head trauma
- Toxic ingestion
- Metabolic disorders
- Infections
- Tumors
- Genetic conditions
During a seizure, a bird may fall off its perch, have muscle spasms, be unable to stand, shake, extend its wings oddly, or lose consciousness. Seizures can last from seconds to minutes. Birds may be dazed and confused after a seizure.
What to do if your bird has a seizure
Stay calm but act quickly if your bird has a seizure:
- Gently place your bird on a soft surface to prevent injury
- Move objects like perches away
- Do not try to restrain the bird
- Time the seizure
- Check for breathing and heart rate abnormalities
- Limit noise and other stimulation
Never put your hands near a bird’s beak during a seizure, as biting can occur involuntarily. Let the seizure run its course. Contact your avian veterinarian as soon as possible after the seizure.
Caring for a bird after a seizure
After the seizure ends:
- Check that breathing and heart rate have returned to normal
- Gently straighten any twisted feathers
- Offer a small dish of favorite treats and water to help recovery
- Limit handling and keep the bird in a quiet, dimly lit space to rest
- Monitor for additional seizures
A bird may seem tired, confused, or unbalanced for a period after a seizure. Provide supportive care until your bird returns to normal. Contact your vet if seizures reoccur, weakness or other symptoms develop, or if your bird does not recover within a few hours.
Diagnosing the cause of seizures
It’s important to have your avian vet examine your bird after a seizure to try to determine the cause. Be prepared to provide details about:
- What happened before, during, and after the seizure
- How long the seizure lasted
- Any recent changes in diet, environment, or behavior
- Other symptoms like head tilt, weakness, or lethargy
Diagnostic tests your vet may recommend include:
Physical exam
Your vet will check for signs of injury, illness, or neurological issues. Heart and breathing rates may be evaluated. Your bird’s posture and movement will be observed for abnormalities.
Blood tests
Blood work can check for infections, toxic levels of substances, metabolic issues like hypoglycemia, and organ problems that could cause seizures.
Radiographs
X-rays of the chest and head can check for tumors, head trauma, and other issues.
CT or MRI
Advanced imaging can provide detailed views of the brain and identify potential causes like inflammation, bleeding, or masses.
EEG
Measuring brain wave activity may help diagnose seizure disorders. This requires anesthesia.
Toxicology screening
Testing blood, feces, or feathers can detect toxins from sources like lead, pesticides, or poisonous plants that could cause seizures.
| Test | What it checks for |
|---|---|
| Physical exam | Signs of injury, illness, neurological issues |
| Blood tests | Infections, toxins, metabolic disorders, organ problems |
| Radiographs | Tumors, head trauma, other issues |
| CT/MRI | Brain inflammation, masses, bleeding |
| EEG | Abnormal brain wave patterns |
| Toxicology | Lead, pesticides, poisonous plants |
Your avian vet will recommend the best testing plan based on your bird’s presentation and history. Identifying the underlying cause is key for proper treatment.
Treating seizure disorders in birds
Treatment depends on the cause but may include:
Medications
Anti-seizure drugs like phenobarbital, potassium bromide, gabapentin, or levetiracetam may be prescribed. Dosage must be tailored for bird species and size. Medications to control underlying conditions may also help stop seizures.
Surgery
This may be an option for some brain tumors or other anatomical issues that are causing seizures.
Diet change
Diets lower in carbohydrates may help some metabolic conditions. Eliminating toxins is critical.
Environmental change
Removing potential toxins and reducing stress through enrichment and proper bird handling can support seizure control.
Physical therapy
This can aid recovery from neurological issues and regain strength and coordination after seizures.
Follow your vet’s treatment plan closely and monitor for medication side effects. Preventing seizures is ideal, but even with treatment, seizures may still recur periodically in some birds.
Providing care and enrichment for birds with seizures
Birds with chronic seizure conditions need some special care considerations:
- Keep the cage clutter-free with soft perches and flooring
- Use dishes that attach firmly so they can’t be tipped over
- Ensure out-of-cage play areas are safe
- Have multiple food and water stations
- Consider a companion bird for social interaction
- Try toys and foraging activities that encourage movement
- Keep stress minimized with regular routines
Quality of life is important. Ensure your bird still experiences joy and interaction each day. With patient care and monitoring, birds can do well long-term despite seizures. But discuss humane euthanasia options with your vet in case seizures become intractable.
What is the prognosis for birds with seizures?
The outlook depends on the cause of the seizures:
- Seizures from toxins or infections often resolve if treated promptly
- Metabolic causes may be manageable with dietary changes
- Seizures from trauma or anatomical issues vary in prognosis
- Tumors typically have a poorer prognosis
- Idiopathic epilepsy can often be well-controlled but may be lifelong
Birds with a one-time seizure often fully recover. For recurring seizures, work closely with your avian vet to determine the cause and treatment options. With proper care, many birds can still maintain a good quality of life despite a seizure condition.
Preventing seizures in birds
While not all seizures can be prevented, the following tips can reduce risk:
- Feed a complete and balanced diet
- Avoid exposure to toxins and poisons
- Reduce stress and over-stimulation
- Provide plenty of appropriate toys and exercise
- Use fully vetted bird-safe products
- Keep your bird at the proper temperature
- Have regular well-bird checkups
Watch for any signs of illness and have your bird seen promptly by an avian vet. Being attentive, providing good care, and creating a safe environment are the best ways to help prevent seizure-causing issues.
Conclusion
Seizures can certainly be frightening for any bird owner. But by staying calm, recording key details, and seeking prompt veterinary care, you can provide the best support for your feathered friend. Identifying any underlying condition is crucial, as treatment and outlook depend on the cause. With an accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment plan, and good follow-up care, many birds can go on to live a high quality life despite seizures. Stay vigilant for any signs of illness, work closely with your avian vet, and be attentive to your bird’s care and wellbeing. With your support, birds can thrive even with a seizure disorder.
