Pebbles has the same leg problem?! - Paint fumes??

[starling]

I am really freaking out at the moment. I've just noticed this morning that Pebbles isn't using his left leg at all.... just like Ruby. He's flying ok, however. When I think back the last few days he has had that leg tucked up. I thought he was just resting it!

I have a serious concern. My dad has been decorating my house over the last couple of months. Lots of painting has been done, including the kitchen, which is next door to my budgies. The only thing that separates the two rooms is a curtain in the doorway.

Could this be the cause of the nerve damage?? (brain damage???). If not, then what's going on? I'm so worried and upset

[stace]

I hate to say it, but it is possible. Paint gives off volatile toxic compounds which can damage the central nervous system. Same with oils and other substances used in building, carpets and furniture making like formaldehyde.

There are newer types of paints that do not release so much toxic fumes, I think they are called something like low VOC.

If this is what has happened, I'd consult a professional for advice.

Can you still smell that new paint odour?

[starling]

I can't smell the paint now, but then I could be used to the smell. We finished the painting just over a week ago. It's the first decorating that's been done since we've had the budgies, so it's a bit of a coincidence.

I called a vet surgery that has two vets interested in avian issues (although I don't think they're professionals). The vet will call me tomorrow morning. I think he'll want me to take Pebbles in though.

If this is what's happened, what will become of them all. Will they all develop things with time or would the damage be visible now, like with Ruby and Pebs? Could Pebs live with a damaged leg?

God, this is a nightmare. I can't cope with it

[stace]

I hope they are okay.

[theswann]

oh starling I am so sorry :-( I really hope that the vet can help and that your two little ones make full recoveries.

[robert]

Seems like flying would require more coordinated use of muscles and nerves and their brain in general compared to standing. Hopefully it's something recoverable.

[Ryan.W]

I doubt it most paints modern day are safe, Also known as (as said) low VOC (volatile organic compounds). You can get even safer paints that are water based . Think about it if you where painting, with lets say a baby in the house, (let alone yourself) the manufacturer isn't going to want anyone harmed. , check the paint tin, but i highly doubt it's dangerous . Always when your painting though you should allow good ventilation, Personally the smell of paint makes me dizzy. If it's strong stuff. If you have a avian vet in your area defently take him in for a appointment . It could be many reasons, a member here on the forum had a budgie who had some fatty tissue around her lower belly that has moved & unsettled nerves near her leg/s. The bird may also have banged it, been bitten by another bird (they can get vicious when they want too), many many many things . Good luck at the vets, im sure he'll be ok

[budgiefriend]

Fingers crossed that the vet will be able to help Pebbles. I'm sending all my best thoughts your way.

[Hezz]

I have to agree with Ryan about the paint. As I was reading your post, Starling, I was thinking "very much doubt it". As Ryan said, check your paint tin, what sort of paint it is, mention to the vet when you are talking. I have painted for weeks in the house and the budgies have still had the run of the house. I may be in a different situation in that my windows are always open (insect screens make it safe for budgie:)) and I use water-based paint. Did your Dad need turps to clean up brushes or just washed them in water?

I really hope things work out with Pebbles. You have had enough grief to last a while. Pebbles certainly can live a happy and healthy life with a damaged leg, or only one leg if needs be - maybe change her name to Pirate.

[starling]

It was oil-based paint, used all over the walls (we have wooden panels) in the room next door to my birds, with no door to seperate. On top of that we were using water-based paint in other rooms, and oil-based for the door frames etc. There was some white spirit being used to clean brushes, but I think that may have been outside. I don't think we had much ventilation at all I remember it smelling badly downstairs (where they are). We were painting the last room when I noticed Ruby lying flat on the perches. That was followed by her paralysed leg and wing. Pebbles has always been a lot more active and still has use of both wings, so I think I just missed it. Especially as I had came to the conclusion that Ruby had had a fall of some kind.

I called a vet today (the nearest one to an avian vet in my area) and he said he doubted it's the paint. He said I'd have notice breathing difficulties first. Ruby always panted when she was stressed so I wouldn't have noticed. He said it could be an infection if two of my birds have it, and told me to go to my local vets and get some anti-biotics for them all. So I've got an appointment later today (providing I can catch them all!). He also mentioned something about kidney disease and how it can press on a nerve and stop the leg working.

I think I may have had the worst day of my life yesterday. I can't imagine my life without these birds! Especially if they all go at once, and because of me It was bad enough losing Ruby, but to lose Pebbles too would be awful. He's the happiest little bird in my flock and will befriend anyone. I'm scared to look at them in the morning in case someone else has a bad leg. I'm still not convinced that it wasn't the paint.

[budgiefriend]

Starling, you, Pebbles and the rest of your flock will be in my thoughts today. I hope the vet can find a solution. You're doing everything you can to help them.

[starling]

Back from the vets. She's really not sure what is wrong. Pebs has some grip in his bad foot. She said the others all look fine but didn't examine them. They've got antibiotics for the next 5 days (in their water). Just in case they have been injured from falling, I'm switching to my other cage, which isn't as deep, and spreading food dishes out so there's no squabbling.

Thanks everyone. It is really nice to have other bird lovers to speak to and gain advice from

[Ryan.W]

Oct 18, 2011 16:31:25 GMT starling said:

Back from the vets. She's really not sure what is wrong. Pebs has some grip in his bad foot. She said the others all look fine but didn't examine them. They've got antibiotics for the next 5 days (in their water). Just in case they have been injured from falling, I'm switching to my other cage, which isn't as deep, and spreading food dishes out so there's no squabbling.

Thanks everyone. It is really nice to have other bird lovers to speak to and gain advice from

i think with a few days rest and antibiotics, he/they should all recover . Good luck with them .

[budgiefriend]

The visit to the vet sounds encouraging. Hope all goes well with the antibiotics.

[Hezz]

Do you have an alternative for where you can house them for the time-being? Also did the vet give you anything to try regarding kidney disease? Not much use him mentioning it as a probable problem but not give you anything to work with.

I have stolen this from avianweb, regarding renal disease, hoping it is useful for you:

Supportive Nutrition

•Provide a diet rich on the organic vegetables, greens, fruits, rich in the following nutrients:
◦Vitamin A – helps healing process of urinary tract lining
◦Vitamin B complex – helps fluid metabolism
◦Vitamin C – boosts immunity and elevates urine acidity
◦Vitamin E – elevates immune system
◦Bromelain and Quercetin are most effective when used together. Quercetin is an anti inflammatory and may reduce the production of uric acid. It occurs naturally in apples, pink grapefruit, watermelon, elderberries and green leafy vegetables, as well as black tea, green tea and elderberry juice. Bromelain is another anti-inflammatory that is found in pineapple.
•Reduce dietary protein
•Provide an ample supply of clean / filtered water
•Helpful Greens / Herbs:
◦Dandelion Root (pu gong ying) – aids kidney excretion function of waste
◦Cranberry – acidifies urine and kills bacteria
◦Celery and Parsley – decreases uric acid
◦Devil's Claw is a natural anti inflammatory that also reduces pain. It also facilitates the elimination of uric acid from the body.
◦Nettle Tea increases the excretion of uric acid from the body and many swear by it for treating gouty joints. Nettle will work both as a tea or a tincture. The teas are fine for milder cases, but the tinctures are usually recommended in more severe cases of gout.