Liberty has Sinus Infection
Last Tuesday, I rode with a friend down to Toledo Ohio with 2 of her birds and Liberty cockatiel. We went to see Dr. Orosz, a well known veterinarian. Liberty has a pattern of having a sinus infection every Fall. It never seemed to clear up with an antibiotic.
He had already had a treatment with antibiotics at the end of September but still seemed to have nasal discharge. The vet took a sample of the discharge and then flushed his sinuses. So much crud came out. One side was totally blocked. My poor Liberty probably had a painful headache if birds can feel headaches.
The vet actually showed me what she was seeing in his discharge–both bacteria and YEAST. More YEAST than bacteria. She now has him on an antibiotic, a antifungal, nose drops, and twice a week sinus flushes. Sure seems like a lot for a cockatiel to have to go through.
Jupiter has to be treated too since they spend so much time together and preen each other. He doesn’t have to have nose drops this time. I can see it happening in the future.
The vet said cockatiels often have allergy problems that lead to sinus infections. It is sad to say but we share the same problems in the fall. Makes me wonder if his is an allergic response to the mold that is so common in the fall.
Finding a good vet is imperative when you have birds. Being prepared to pay for necessary treatment is a necessary part of being a pet bird owner. Makes me cry to think of the sick birds that never get treated and wind up with a shortened lifespan because of it.