Benji our little around 10 year old senegal parrot was diagnosed with gout the other week.  I was quite devastated to learn he will be on medication for the rest of his little life.

He came to live with us last May, and has had a rather sad life until he found his Auntie Margy and she introduced him to me, the rest is history.  He doesn't like coming out of his cage because he hadn't been out of one all his life, but he does sometimes now and amazingly flies beautifully. He isn't handtame and sulks after being towel caught.

He started to limp so was immediately whizzed to the vet.  He was put on Metacam and Baytril but it didn't help ease his swollen foot.  Back again for x-rays and a blood test and although in lovely condition (according to the avian vet) has gout in his tiny foot having high Uric Acid in his blood which has formed crystalisation in his joint (think that's right).

After his diagnosis Benji has to take Allopurinol daily which I syringe into his favourite foods.  The vet said to catch him and put it into his beak, which is impossible for me.  When I catch him I couldn't even find his beak he wiggles so much (I obviously need to go to birdie catching lessons).  Besides this would be so stressful for him.  We are in training he and I though, trying to get him to lick things off a syringe, so far no joy   But he takes treats from you beautifully.

Here Margy again came to the rescue, together with advice from other members of Birdline (thank you for this).  Every day he is fed cherries crushed on his breakfast and has Aloe Vera Juice in his water.  I am now searching for powdered Chickweed too to add to his food.    I can't get over the difference in him from when he started his herbal remedies. In fact I can't get over the difference in him from Saturday when we started on his herbal regime.  Within three day he's racing round his cage again, fighting his telephone and babble ball and shouting the odds to the family, he's by far the loudest and is doing his sennie march around his perches.

We're going back to the vet soon to see how he's getting and I'll be sure to mention the additions to his diet.  I'll let you all know how we get on, and I'll soon post pictures of my beautiful boy although my camera could never do his stunning colours justice.

Sue

Here you go Sue, ebay seller that i buy my chickweed and other herbs from.

cgi.ebay.co.uk/100g-Chickweed-Powde...upplements

shaz

I'm so happy I just had to share this and again thank people for their help and advice.

Benji went for a check up today and had a ''manicure' too.  I told the vet that I was using homeopathic remedies (cherry juice and chickweed) as well as the Allopurinol prescribed and he was really interested.

He took Benji away to trim his claws and when he came back the vet was beaming from ear to ear and said he was delighted with Benji's progress he was doing really well.  I just feel so so happy.

Sue

 Excellent! 

Benji had more blood tests the other week and the vet rang the other day with the results.  His uric acid levels are now NORMAL, the vet couldn't believe it and I'm over the moon.  He's still on medication but I think the holistic care made a massive difference.   He's still on medication but this will be reduced soon.

Thank you so much Shaz and Margy for your help and advice, and to anyone out there that finds out their birdie has this painful complaint, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  All the experts are members of BirdLine and they will help and advise you.

Thanks again, from a very excited and happy,

Sue

Ah thanks Helen. 

The birdies are all wonderful, Herbi's as cute as ever and his flying skills are so improved.  He doesn't fly much, he just loves spending the day on top of his cage blowing kisses and chewing woody things, but he CAN fly, upwards, outwards, around and then land back on top of his own cage, bless him.  He loves tickles but still doesn't like hands.  One day I'll have him dna'd cos I'm sure he's a little girl.

The others are all wonderful and soon, very soon, I may have more news to tell you

Sue

Ta Helen    xxx

Thanks everyone.  Wendy, I actually put concentrate of cherry juice on his wet food, I'll have to start on the cranberries too, anything to keep that horrid gout at bay.

Martin's going to wind down the medication gradually Margy, he hasn't made another appointment for Benji just told me he'll have a word with me next time I call in for meds.  I think he was just so surprised at the result.  Clever little Benji, confounding the experts.  It was so sad to see his little claw shaking with the pain.  He's fabulous now, all over the place and demolishing all his toys.

Sue

Thanks Nicky, I'm still absolutely chuffed!