Blueboy's Progress - Aspergillosis Treatment

[Marianne Marlow]

So many of you might know that Blueboy has been diagnosed with Aspergillosis.

The vet says that stress brought it on. He's been a stressed out little budgie since we got him.

Blueboy was rehomed by us (With Sky) at the age of two last year and perhaps the rehoming and too-ing and fro-ing might have stressed him further.

He was given a vitamin and steroid injection yesterday by the vet to help him.

We also have to get a price today on a treatment for the Aspergillosis, the vet will call about this.

In addition to this we have been told that it would be beneficial to Blueboy to get a Paediatric Nebuliser and use some F10 in his cage with that (diluted of course).

Also we should get a UV light and give him 15 minute bursts every few hours.

It's going to cost another £40 (on top of the £68.35 for the injection and consult) at least but hopefully it will make Blueboy well again. At least we know we are doing the best for him that we can.

We were told that there is no need to isolate as she is convinced it was brought on by him being so stressed.

I have been reading about the properties of Thyme and Garlic as antifungals and I wondered if giving him those in some form (I was thinking of an infusion of thyme - he has a bowl that he comes to for a drink so I know he'd drink it)

Would these help?

[stace]

Sorry for the long message. This holistic person lists a whole pile of natural antifungals.

Aspergillosis: Natural Prevention and Healing Methods
by Alicia McWatters, PhD. CNC

Apergillosis, from the genus Aspergilla, is a very common fungal disease in birds. It is mainly an infection of the respiratory tract with the lungs and air sacs often being affected. Other organs of the body may be additionally affected as well, depending on how advanced the disease has developed. The species that often cause aspergillosis are Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, and A. fumigatus. Aspergillus is a fungus that produces oxalic acid in large quantities; therefore, during an aspergillosis infection, the levels of oxalic acid in your bird's body can increase substantially.

ETIOLOGY OF ASPERGILLOSIS
Aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal infection. When a bird is exposed to an unsanitary environment that contains organic debris, it often becomes vulnerable to this infection. A warm and moist environment is favorable for the growth of aspergillus. Nesting and brooder that is left damp or soiled or that is dusty is a prolific place for this fungus to reside. Young chicks are particularly vulnerable to developing this infection if not kept in hygienic conditions.

Aspergillosis is contracted by the inhalation of mold spores or by ingestion while eating near the contaminated area. But, this fungal infection can develop in a bird whose immune system is weak and failing, unless it is exposed to an overwhelming number of spores. Malnutrition, stress, overcrowding overuse of antibiotics and steroids, and the lack of fresh air, humidity, sunlight and exercise will frequently compromise the immune system.

ASPERGILLOSIS PREVENTION
Of course, the prevention of a disease is always preferable to dealing with the disease after it has developed. A strong functioning immune system is the best way to prevent aspergillosis or any other disease. This begins with a healthy diet, exercise and an emotionally stable environment and clean environment. If you keep your bird's cage by a window or if it is living outside, then be sure to it is not exposed to decaying vegetation, a compost pile or other moist debris that may be the source of mold spores. Spores are very resistant to environmental conditions and can be transported by the wind or in dust particles.

Often times an illness or disease is caused because of an underlying nutritional deficiency, excess or imbalance (not a drug deficiency), which will be corrected quite easily with the proper diet and nutritional supplements needed. Foods should be carefully selected and prepared to avoid the feeding of foods contaminated with mold. Moist or spoiled feed can harbor the aspergillus fungus. This infection occurs in two forms: acute or chronic. Acute symptoms may include weight loss, labored breathing, loss of appetite, listlessness, and sudden death.

Chronic symptoms may include labored breathing, fatigue, weight loss, speech loss, nasal discharge and excessive thirst and urine excretion. Constipation or diarrhea, vomiting, conjunctivitis, and gout are sometimes seen in the latter stages of aspergillosis. There may be a clicking sound or wheezing sound during respiration. Activity is kept to a minimum and tailbobbing may be seen.

PATHOLOGY
There are many pathological changes that occur as a result of aspergillosis. The main changes that develop are in the bird's respiratory system with the sinuses, air sacs, syrinx, trachea, lungs, and bronchi being affected. The nervous system, skeletal system, and the eyes may also be affected causing ataxia, gout and blindness, respectively. The sinuses may be filled with a yellow-white mucous, fibrin and mycelia. A yellow-white nodular mass can develop in the trachea and bronchi. Eventually, the walls of the trachea and bronchi develop a yellow-gray or green coating and mycelia branching of the fungus. In the last stages, severe congestion of the lungs and calcification of the nodular masses leads to mycotic pneumonia (pulmonary aspergillosis), which is followed by sudden death.

If the infection becomes systemic then the fungus may be spread to other organs such as the brain, heart, liver, kidney, spleen, ovaries and gizzard.

DIAGNOSING ASPERGILLOSIS
There are a few ways to diagnose apergillosis. First, a blood test called an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) can be performed to check for anti-aspergillus antibodies. An ELISA detects exposure to an infectious agent by combining a blood sample with an antigen of the agent and probing with an enzyme that causes color change when an antibody to the infection is present in the sample.

X-rays will also reveal if aspergillosis (fungus balls) are lodged in the sinus cavity, trachea, syrinx, lungs, air sacs or further down to the primary bronchi. However, any organ or part of the body can become infected with this fungus.

A blood test that reveals a high white blood cell count could indicate an aspergillosis infection. A fungal culture of the choana and cloaca can also help determine if aspergillus is present in the body, but it is considered normal to find aspergillus in small numbers from a culture. Cytology can also be a useful tool in detecting aspergillus cells.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT
The most common conventional treatment and the most successful at this time is a drug called Itraconazole, brand name Sporonox. Sporonox is the newest of the triazole antifungals. It is safer than ketoconazole (can cause liver damage, decreased appetite and diarrhea) or amphotericin B (can cause liver damage). Possible side effects of sporonox are liver damage and decreased appetite. None of the drugs listed above are FDA approved to use for animals or birds, though they are commonly used. Another antifungal that is commonly used for aspergillosis is Fluconazole, brand name Diflucan. Possible side effects are elevated liver enzymes and mild decreased appetite.

The conventional medical approach of utilizing harsh drugs to palliate/suppress symptoms of illness and disease does not affect a true cure, and sadly, often creates further harm. Even if symptoms of illness seem to subside after the use of drugs, they often return at a later date, sometimes with more vengeance, as a true cure was not effected in the first place.

Most importantly, I discourage the practice of treating symptoms with drugs without verification of disease. I advocate the use of nutritional therapy and alternative medicines before the use of potentially dangerous drugs as these natural treatments are often just as effective, if not more so, as conventional drugs and then conventional medicines are not needed at all.

HOLISTIC TREATMENT
Asperillosis is treatable and curable if caught in the early stages. There are natural alternative treatments for aspergillosis and most other common avian illnesses. In my work as a nutritional doctor, I teach bird owners, breeders and vets how to utilize natural nutrition and alternative methods to ameliorate illness and prevent it from occurring in the future.

Each program I design for my clients' birds is unique for that specific bird's needs. So in other words, while 5 birds may all have been diagnosed with aspergillosis, each of them would be placed on different programs for ameliorating their illness and them well.

So, today I will teach you about natural antifungals and immune enhancing herbs, as outlined in the charts with this article. For aspergillosis, I might recommend one ingredient or I may recommend a combination of several ingredients for their synergistic activity. What I decide to recommend will depend on the illness, the stage of the illness and how long the bird has been ill. Dosages will depend on weight, the remedy being used and the severity and duration of the illness. Sometimes herbal or homeopathic nasal drops are needed and/or nebulizing therapy. An accurate dose is very important: too low and it won't work, too high and it may carry toxic effects. Please utilize the advice and guidance of a highly knowledgeable holistic avian health practitioner or veterinarian prior to the use of ANY medicine.

CONCLUSION
Aspergillosis can sometimes be a life-threatening disease and immediate and competent health care is necessary. Again, remember that if the disease is caught in the early stages with prompt intervention, often times it can be ameliorated in a very short period of time. It is your choice what type of health care and treatment you wish to use for your Grey. Will you choose holistic healthcare, conventional healthcare or a combination of both?

CHARTS: [The charts in this article are for guidance only. Refer to a knowledgeable holistic avian practitioner or veterinarian prior to the use of ANY medicine.]

HERBAL ANTIFUNGALS
ALFALFA: Contains antifungal compound.
ALOE VERA: This herb has antifungal properties properties.
PAU D'ARCO: This is a South American herb that acts an antifungal, antibacterial and strengthens the immune system. Pau D'arco is one of the best herbal antifungals available.
ECHINACEA: It is one of the most commonly used herbs for strengthening the immune system and fighting fungal, viral and bacterial infections.
GARLIC: Garlic acts as an antimicrobial medicine and may ameliorate bacterial, viral, parasitical and fungal infections. This herb is high on my list as an antifungal.
USNEA LICHEN: This herb has been used as an effective antifungal and antiparasitic, but its main use is for those illnesses that cause respiratory or lung infections.
GOLDENSEAL: Goldenseal has infection-fighting properties against fungus, bacteria, viruses and protozoa and strengthens the immune system. Excellent for inhibiting infection-causing fungi.
TURMERIC: This herbal medicine is active against fungi.
OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT: A medicine since biblical times. This herb contains antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is used to boost the immune system and cure various types of infections.
LICORICE: Contains numerous fungicide compounds.
CHAMOMILE: This herb is a potent fungicide.
LEMONGRASS: This herb is very useful against fungal infections.

HERBS FOR IMMUNE ENHANCEMENT
PAU D'ARCO: This is a South American herb that acts an antifungal, antibacterial and strengthens the immune system. Pau D'arco is one of the best herbal antifungals available.
GARLIC: Garlic acts as an antimicrobial medicine and may ameliorate bacterial, viral, parasitical and fungal infections. This herb is high on my list as an antifungal.
ASTRAGALUS: A Chinese herb used as an adaptogen and helps stimulate the immune system.
BEE POLLEN: A yellowish dust that is produced by the anthers of male flowers. This substance has been found to strengthen the immune system.
LIGUSTRUM BERRY: A Chinese herb that boosts the immune system by increasing white blood cell production.
USNEA LICHEN: This herb has been used as an effective antifungal and antiparasitic, but its main use is for those illnesses that cause respiratory or lung infections.
GOLDENSEAL: Goldenseal has infection-fighting properties against fungus, bacteria, viruses and protozoa and strengthens the immune system. Excellent for inhibiting infection-causing fungi.
KELP: This is a seaweed and it provides numerous minerals that aid in a healthy immune system.
PROPOLIS: A resinous substance collected by bees from the plants, tree, waxes, essential oils and pollen to glue up holes in the hive. Known for its ability to boost the immune system and increase the formation of immune cells when fighting an infection.
RED CLOVER: Helps to enhance the immune response to infection.
ROYAL JELLY: This is a substance that is produced by young nurse bees from pollen and honey. Very rich in nutrients and contains antimicrobial components as well as boosts the immune system.
OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT: A medicine since biblical times. This herb contains antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is used to boost the immune system and cure various types of infections.

SUPPLEMENTS:
Probiotics are a very important part of a program for aspergillosis. I recommend those that are manufactured by Natren and Standard Process.
A complex enzyme supplement is also beneficial and is especially important to add to a diet that consists mainly of cooked foods or a synthetic commercial diet that is enzyme-free.
Caprylic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid with antifungal properties, is a very important part of a successful aspergillosis treatment program.
Spirulina or blue green algae are useful for immune system support and for promoting overall good health.

=================================
Alicia McWatters resides in New Mexico with her family, a flock of five companion birds and many animal friends. She bred African Greys and Pionus Parrots for many years, and currently works as a holistic avian nutritional consultant.

[stace]

She mentions something called Pau D'arco, which you can get as a tea.

I wonder if this uses that ingredient?

www.avitec.com/AviPow-Anti-Fungal-Anti-Bacterial-p/apw.htm

[BudgiesBuddy]

Great info Marianne. I hope Blueboy feels better soon.

What do you mean by using some F10 in his cage?

[Hezz]

There are a number of herbs mentioned there that are readily available, Marianne, but the vet will probably advise you to wait until his Aspergillus treatment is completed. But he is already having garlic, (true?), and I can't see how a tea of thyme can hurt, and don't forget the chamomile, good against fungi as well, if stress is his biggest problem, poor little mite. Hoping for some positive feedback from your vet. It makes you feel better to be proactive and hopefully little Blueboy will have a full recovery.

[barrieshutt]

F10 is used in the birds water BB , one week each month

[BudgiesBuddy]

Dec 2, 2011 7:16:47 GMT barrieshutt said:

F10 is used in the birds water BB , one week each month

I got that Barrie but is this the same F10 , F10SC OR some other product?

[barrieshutt]

Dec 2, 2011 7:52:33 GMT BudgiesBuddy said:

Dec 2, 2011 7:16:47 GMT barrieshutt said:

F10 is used in the birds water BB , one week each month

I got that Barrie but is this the same F10 , F10SC OR some other product?

The same product BB , the SC only stands for super concentrate

[Marianne Marlow]

With the F10 the vet has advised me to get a nebuliser and put a diluted solution of F10 in that.

[Marianne Marlow]

stace the Aspergillosis treatment hasn't started yet because the Vet has had to order it, I wont get it til next week

So far he has just had a vitamin shot and some steroids. It feels like he has the same lung problems as me!

I spoke to the vet last night and I asked if I could do anything for him in the meantime. I have to get a nebuliser - not as easy to get hold of (or as cheap!) as the vet seems to think and order some F10 - slightly easier.

She said that I could use a very small amount of vicks in some hot water to steam. I did that for him last night. Don't know if it helped but at least I felt like I was doing something.

I'll do it for him again today.

[Hezz]

Good luck with it all, Marianne. I would work with the herbal teas etc until the fungal treatment turns up. It can't hurt and could help - "do no harm", I am sure the vicks would have helped. At least you have measures to take while you are waiting.

[stace]

Poor baby boy

[Marianne Marlow]

I did some Thyme tea for him and he went down and had a sip. He's had millet today but is still squeaking a bit and breathing a bit hard. The air purifier is on full whack.

I'll do the steam again shortly.

Just ordered F10 and trying to get hold of a nebulizer.

[Marianne Marlow]

Just called the vet's. Blueboys meds will be in later today

[stace]

Pleased to hear that, M. I'm off to bed, so hope the pair of you have a good and healthy day.