There are a few potential reasons why a bird may be stumbling or have difficulty balancing. Stumbling and loss of coordination can be caused by issues affecting the central nervous system, muscles and bones, or the inner ear. Some common causes include:
- Infection
- Toxin or poisoning
- Head trauma
- Neurological disease
- Vitamin deficiency
- Arthritis or bone disease
- Inner ear infection
If a bird is stumbling, it’s important to get them to an avian veterinarian for an examination to determine the underlying cause. Prompt treatment can help resolve many issues leading to stumbling and prevent long-term complications.
Infection
One of the most common causes of stumbling and loss of balance in birds is an infection, either bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal. Infections can affect the central nervous system, inner ear, muscles, bones and joints. Some examples include:
- Bacterial infection – Bacterial infections like paratyphoid can cause neurological symptoms. Salmonella and E. coli can also infect the nerves and brain.
- Viral infection – Viruses like paramyxovirus, herpesvirus and polyomavirus can infect nerves and the brain leading to neurological symptoms.
- Parasitic infection – Parasites like roundworms, hairworms or protozoa can migrate to the central nervous system.
- Fungal infection – Fungal infections like aspergillosis can spread to the brain, inner ear and nerves.
Infections can disrupt normal nerve function, damage tissues, or trigger inflammation and swelling – all potentially contributing to balance problems, stumbling, and lack of coordination. Diagnostic testing like cultures, bloodwork, fecal tests or imaging can help identify the type of infection. Treatment involves medications like antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals. Supportive care and fluids are also important.
Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infections are very common in birds. Bacteria can enter the body through contaminated food and water, respiratory infections, wounds or the urogenital tract. Once in the body, bacteria can spread via the bloodstream and infect any organ – including the central nervous system.
Some types of bacterial infections that can lead to neurological symptoms like stumbling include:
- Paratyphoid – Caused by salmonella bacteria, paratyphoid infects the nerves and brain. It leads to gastrointestinal illness along with neurological signs like stumbling, leg weakness and paralysis.
- Salmonellosis – Salmonella bacteria can directly infect the central nervous system in some cases, leading to inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord (encephalomyelitis).
- E. coli – Particularly virulent strains of E. coli can cross the blood-brain barrier and directly infect the central nervous system.
- Chlamydia psittaci – This bacteria often causes respiratory illness but can spread to the brain and spinal cord.
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum – Mycoplasma most commonly infects the respiratory tract but can also invade the nervous system.
Bacterial infections are diagnosed through bacterial culture and sensitivity testing. Treatment involves appropriate antibiotics to clear the infection. Supportive care such as fluids, nutritional support, and probiotics may also be beneficial.
Viral Infection
Like bacteria, viruses can also infect the nervous system and affect balance and coordination. Viral infections may be transmitted through direct contact with infected birds, respiratory secretions, or ingesting contaminated materials. Viruses that can impact the neurological system include:
- Paramyxovirus – Avian paramyxovirus is highly contagious and often fatal. It can cause encephalitis (brain inflammation). Neurologic signs like tremors, circling, torticollis and seizures occur.
- Herpesvirus – Herpesviruses can infect nerve tissue leading to neurological signs. Pacheco’s disease, caused by a type of herpesvirus, attacks the liver and nervous system.
- Polyomavirus – Can infect the nervous system causing inflammation, cellular damage, and loss of coordination.
- Adenovirus – Some types affect the central nervous system resulting in neurological symptoms.
- Eastern equine encephalitis virus – Mosquito-borne virus that can infect the nervous system of birds as well as horses and humans.
Diagnosing neurological viral infections may involve PCR testing, serology, fecal culture or histopathology. Supportive care and nursing care are important. Unfortunately, there are few effective antiviral medications available for birds. Preventing exposure through quarantine, good hygiene and mosquito control is key. Vaccines are available for some viruses like paramyxovirus.
Parasitic Infection
Several types of parasites may end up infecting the nervous system and brain, leading to neurological dysfunction. Some examples include:
- Baylisascaris procyonis – A raccoon roundworm that can accidentally infect other species. Larvae migrate through tissues and into the brain.
- Sarcocystis – A protozoan parasite that forms cysts in muscles and neural tissue.
- Toxoplasma gondii – Cat parasite that can be ingested from contaminated environment/prey and cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Hairworms – Parasitic worm that develops inside Orthoptera insects, but the larvae can end up in birds and infect the spinal cord.
- Cryptosporidium – Protozoan parasite that mainly causes intestinal illness but may disseminate elsewhere.
Diagnosis is done through fecal testing to identify parasite eggs or larvae. Treatment involves anti-parasitic medications like ivermectin, fenbendazole, sulfadimethoxine. Environmental disinfection is important to eliminate cysts and eggs spread through feces.
Fungal Infection
Fungal infections may start in the respiratory system but can invade through blood vessels to infect other areas like the CNS. Fungi are often opportunistic infections in birds that are immunocompromised. Fungal infections linked to neurological signs include:
- Aspergillosis – Most common fungal infection in birds. Can spread to the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
- Cryptococcosis – Yeast infection that disseminates through bloodstream to the CNS.
- Candidiasis – Yeast overgrowth can penetrate into deeper tissues and cross the blood-brain barrier.
Diagnosis is through fungal culture, biopsy or smear of infected fluids or tissues. Antifungal medications like fluconazole, itraconazole or amphotericin B may be used for treatment along with supportive care. Removing any underlying causes of immunosuppression is also important.
Toxin/Poisoning
Ingesting or inhaling certain toxins can also affect the avian nervous system and cause neurological symptoms like incoordination, tremors, seizures and stumbling. Some toxins that could potentially contribute to balance problems include:
- Heavy metals like zinc, lead, mercury
- Pesticides and insecticides
- Mycotoxins from moldy foods
- Salt toxicity
- Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol
- Avocado, onion or garlic toxicity
- Some houseplants
- Rodenticides or rat poison
- Carbon monoxide
These toxins can have effects like blocking neurotransmitters, disrupting enzymes and protein synthesis, damaging nerves and tissues, inducing seizures, and more. Birds that suddenly develop neurological symptoms like stumbling should have their environment carefully inspected for potential toxins. Heavy metal testing and bloodwork can check for toxic exposure.
Supportive care including hydration, nutritional support, and medications to help control seizures may be used while the body processes and clears the toxin. Preventing further exposure is crucial. Removing lead paints, properly storing chemicals/pesticides, and converting to stainless steel or ceramic bowls can reduce hazards. Prognosis depends on the type and amount of toxin as well as the length of exposure.
Head Trauma
Head trauma, such as from a collision with a window or car, can result in neurological damage and impair coordination. Concussions cause the brain to bounce around inside the skull, stretching and damaging neurons. Bleeding, swelling, and tissue damage can occur.
Skull fractures are also possible depending on the impact. Fractured skull bones can pincher and lacerate brain tissue. Trauma may directly damage the inner ear vestibular system impacting balance.
Signs of head trauma include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Disorientation, confusion
- Uneven pupil size
- Swelling or bruising of the head
- Blood from nostrils, mouth or ears
- Seizures
- Impaired balance and coordination
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and imaging such as x-rays or CT scans to assess skull fractures and brain tissue damage. Emergency treatment focuses on stabilizing the bird through supportive care and monitoring for seizures, swelling or hemorrhage. Long term recovery may involve medications, nutritional support and physical therapy.
Preventing collisions helps avoid head trauma. Using bird-safe glass, closing shades on windows, hanging decals to make glass visible, and monitoring when birds are out of the cage reduces risk. Properly bird-proofing a home removes or cushions other hard impact hazards.
Neurological Disease
Degeneration or malformation in the brain, spinal cord and nerves can lead to neurological disease. Some examples include:
- Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) – Progressive fatal neurologic disease that affects digestion and balance.
- Neoplasia – Tumors in the brain or spinal cord compress and damage tissue.
- Avian bornavirus (ABV) – Attacks nerve cells leading to PDD-like symptoms.
- Encephalomalacia – Cerebral necrosis often associated with vitamin E deficiency.
- Marek’s disease – Virus that can damage peripheral nerves.
- Polyneuritis – Peripheral nerve inflammation.
Diagnosing neurological conditions often involves imaging tests like radiographs, CT scan or MRI to visualize brain and nerve damage. Samples of affected tissue may be taken via biopsy or necropsy for analysis. There are few treatment options for many neurological diseases. Supportive care to manage symptoms and preserve quality of life for as long as possible is typically the main approach.
Proventricular Dilatation Disease
Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) is a serious neurological disease seen in a wide variety of parrots and other large bird species. As the name suggests, PDD initially causes enlargement of the proventriculus (glandular stomach).
Over time, PDD leads to a non-progressive loss of neurons throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. The gradual neuronal damage leads to signs like:
- Regurgitation and weight loss from proventricular dilation
- Loss of balance
- Stumbling, falling off perches
- Leg weakness
- Difficulty perching
The underlying cause of PDD is unclear but thought to involve a viral infection and defective immune response. Biopsies of affected birds show inflammation, necrosis and loss of neurons. Unfortunately there is no cure yet, and treatment is aimed at managing symptoms. Supportive care, medications, physical therapy and assistive devices can help maintain quality of life. Quarantining new birds is important to control PDD spread. Research into the causes and potential treatments continues.
Neoplasia
Abnormal growths of tissue in the form of tumors or cancer can develop in the brain, spinal cord or nerves. These neoplasms compress, damage and destroy surrounding healthy nervous tissue which leads to neurological dysfunction. Stumbling, loss of coordination and leg paralysis can occur with spinal and brain tumors.
Some types of neoplasms in birds that can affect the nervous system include:
- Gliomas – Tumors starting in the supporting glial cells of the brain/spinal cord.
- Secondary tumors – Metastases from cancers elsewhere in the body.
- Lymphosarcoma – A type of cancerous lymphoma that can form tumors in neural tissue.
- Schwannoma – A tumor growing from the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves.
Diagnosis often requires advanced imaging like an MRI to visualize the tumor or biopsy to view cells under a microscope. Unfortunately, most tumors are difficult to treat successfully in birds. Some anti-cancer drugs like cyclophosphamide may be tried. Radiation therapy and surgical removal of accessible tumors are options. Providing supportive care to keep birds comfortable for as long as possible is important.
Avian Bornavirus
Avian bornavirus (ABV) is an emerging virus that has been associated with proventricular dilatation disease. However, ABV can lead to neurological disease even without digestive tract involvement. The virus infects and destroys certain types of neurons.
ABV transmission is not completely understood but spread through direct contact with infected birds or droppings is suspected. Signs develop slowly and may include:
- Loss of balance
- Stumbling, falling
- Leg weakness
- Seizures
- Feather damaging behavior
Diagnosis involves PCR testing of blood, feces or tissue to detect viral RNA. There is no cure, so treatment focuses on supportive care and managing symptoms. Isolation and stress reduction is important as ABV reactivates under stressful conditions. An experimental anti-viral drug called GC376 has shown promise improving some symptoms in research trials.
Encephalomalacia
Encephalomalacia refers to softening and necrosis of brain tissue, often due to significant inflammation. While it has several potential causes in birds, a leading cause is vitamin E deficiency.
Vitamin E protects cell membranes. When deficient, red blood cells become fragile and rupture. This leads to occlusion of small blood vessels in the brain, poor oxygen delivery, tissue death and resulting neurological signs. Stumbling, head tilt and proprioceptive deficits are common symptoms.
Besides vitamin E deficiency, encephalomalacia can also be induced by certain toxins, lead poisoning or severe systemic illness. Diagnosis is through necropsy of affected brain tissue. Supplementing fresh foods high in vitamin E can help prevent encephalomalacia, along with providing balanced nutrition. Treatment involves symptom management and nutritional support.
Marek’s Disease
Marek’s disease is a widespread contagious viral infection of poultry caused by a type of herpesvirus. It targets lymphoid tissue but also commonly affects peripheral nerves. The virus causes enlargement and inflammation of affected nerves which can disrupt nerve signals.
Symptoms vary but frequently include leg weakness and paralysis, loss of coordination and stumbling . Marek’s has no cure, so vaccination of susceptible flocks is crucial to prevent infections. Supportive care for affected birds focuses on managing symptoms. Physical therapy, assistive devices and cage adjustments help maintain quality of life.
Polyneuritis
Polyneuritis is inflammation affecting multiple nerves at once. Inflammation disrupts the nerve signals controlling movement and coordination. Polyneuritis can be caused by certain nutritional deficiencies like vitamin B1, B2 or B3 deficiencies. Intoxication with chemicals or heavy metals is another potential cause damaging nerves.
Birds with polyneuritis often have painful, weak and paralyzed legs. They may have trouble perching and fall frequently. Stumbling and loss of balance are common symptoms. Bloodwork to look for underlying causes and treatment with vitamin supplementation, pain medication and supportive care are important in managing polyneuritis. Preventing toxic exposures can help avoid nerve damage.
Vitamin Deficiency
Certain vitamin deficiencies can also lead to neurological dysfunction and impaired coordination in birds. Some key vitamins include:
- Vitamin E – Deficiency causes encephalomalacia and nervous system damage as discussed earlier.
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine) – Deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms like seizures, paralysis and loss of balance.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – Needed for healthy nerve function. Deficiency is linked to stumbling and leg weakness.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin) – Deficiency can cause neurological signs like incoordination, tremors and disorientation.
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – Important for neurotransmitter function. Deficiencies cause neurological disturbances.
- Vitamin B12 – Needed for proper nerve conductivity. Deficiency causes neurological deterioration.
Diagnosing vitamin deficiencies usually requires specialized testing of blood samples. However, symptoms often improve with supplementation, confirming the diagnosis. Including pellets fortified with vitamins can help, along with offering fresh foods rich in these important vitamins. Vegetable chop mixes, sprouted seeds, fruits and dark leafy greens are great options.
Arthritis/Bone Disease
Joint inflammation and bone disease can impair a bird’s ability to perch and cause frequent falling and stumbling. Some causes include:
- Gout – Uric acid buildup in joints causes painful arthritis and swollen feet.
- Calcium deficiency – Weak and brittle bones prone to fractures.
- Bone infection – Bumblefoot, osteomyelitis, bone cysts.
- Old fracture – Improperly healed broken bone causes instability.
- Arthritis – From old joint injury, wear and tear or autoimmune disease.
Symptoms often affect the legs and include lameness, instability, swollen joints, reluctance to move or vocalizations when landing. Diagnosis typically requires radiographs to assess bone changes and joint damage.
Treating the underlying condition is key – medications to manage arthritis or gout, calcium supplements for deficiency, antibiotics for infection. Providing well-padded perches in an easy to navigate cage helps reduce falls and further injury. Low-impact exercise improves joint mobility. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces stress on joints.
Inner Ear Infection
The delicate structures of a bird’s inner ear play a key role in balance and coordination. An infection disrupting the vestibular system of the inner ear impacts the body’s ability to orient itself and judge spatial relationships. This affects balance and can lead to stumbling.
Inflammation, pus or structural damage to the ear impairs sensory input about positioning and head movements. Inner ear infections may arise from:
- Upper respiratory infection spreading through connecting passageways
- Otitis media – Middle ear infection extending inward
- Otitis interna – Primary inner ear infection with bacteria, yeast etc
- Polyomavirus – Viral infection damaging ear structures
- Otosyphilis – Inner ear infection from Chlamydia bacteria
Head tilt, loss of balance, stumbling, and rolling or circling are common signs. Diagnosis is through a detailed examination of the ear canal and structures using an otoscope or endoscope. Culture samples help identify the pathogen.
Treatment depends on the cause but may include topical and systemic antibiotics or antifungals to clear the infection, anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling and damage, and possibly careful flushing of the ear canal. Preventing upper respiratory infections helps reduce secondary ear infections.
Conclusion
There are many potential underlying causes if a bird is stumbling, falling or having difficulty perching and flying. Neurological issues, muscle and bone disorders, and ear problems are some main categories to investigate.
Getting an accurate diagnosis from an avian vet is important, as many causes have specific treatments if addressed quickly. Providing supportive care and physical therapy in the meantime can help stabilize birds and prevent declines in condition. With appropriate treatment and management, many birds can go on to make a full recovery from stumbling and balance issues. Being attentive to a bird’s health and behavior, and seeking prompt veterinary assistance when problems arise, offers the best chance of resolving these concerning symptoms.
