What is anorexia and lethargy?
Anorexia (loss of appetite) and lethargy (listlessness and general inactivity) are common symptoms of illness in both pet and wild birds. While not specific to any disease, these signs can indicate severe illness that requires immediate attention from an avian veterinarian. A wide variety of illnesses can result in anorexia and lethargy in birds, and some causes may quickly become life-threatening.
What causes anorexia and lethargy in birds?
There are many potential causes of anorexia and lethargy in pet birds, including:
- Cancer
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Fungal or yeast infections
- External and intestinal parasites
- Endocrine or hormonal diseases
- Toxicities
- Nutritional imbalances
- Organ-specific problems, such as liver disease, heart disease, or kidney disease
Anorexia and lethargy indicate potentially serious underlying medical problems that require diagnostic evaluation and appropriate therapy.
Do anorexia and lethargy need immediate attention?
Yes, a bird with anorexia and lethargy is likely seriously ill and requires immediate medical attention. Birds rarely get sick overnight. Birds often hide symptoms of illness for days or weeks before their owners notice outward signs.
Birds hide signs of illness as a means of self-preservation. In the wild, a bird cannot show signs of illness, or they might be seen as an easy target by a predator or even a member of their own flock. This self-preservation response means that, by the time a bird shows outward signs of illness, it has been sick for a while and can no longer hide these signs.
Waiting and watching will only make things worse — immediate medical attention is essential. Unlike humans, birds do not have a 24- or 48-hour flu, so if they look sick or stop eating, they will not get better on their own. Seeking care from an avian veterinarian may be the difference between life and death for some sick birds.
How will my veterinarian determine what is wrong with my bird?
Many diseases can cause symptoms of anorexia and lethargy, so your veterinarian will perform several diagnostic tests, including one or more of the following:
- A thorough physical exam, including an oral exam, abdominal palpation, and stethoscope to listen to heart and lung sounds
- Complete blood count (CBC) to assess the health of red blood cells and white blood cells
- Blood chemistry profile to look at liver and kidney enzymes, as well as protein, calcium, blood glucose, and electrolyte levels
- Examination of a stool sample (Gram stain) and possible bacterial cultures of stool and other body fluids
- Fecal examination for parasites, yeast, and abnormal bacteria
- Radiographs (X-rays)
- Tests for specific diseases such as psittacosis, aspergillosis, and polyomavirus
No single test will diagnose the cause of anorexia and lethargy. Each test provides additional, essential information to your veterinarian to help them determine the cause of your bird’s illness.
How are birds with anorexia and lethargy treated?
Treatment varies with the underlying cause of anorexia and lethargy. Many birds are already severely ill by the time they see a veterinarian. If your veterinarian recommends hospitalization, your bird requires critical care that cannot be given at home, such as:
- Subcutaneous or intravenous fluids (given under the skin or into the veins)
- Gavage feeding (delivering a liquid diet through a tube inserted into the oral cavity and the crop)
- Injectable medications
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy
- Control of body temperature in an avian intensive care unit (ICU)
- Oxygen cage (for cases of respiratory disease)
If the specific cause of the illness is determined early during the hospital stay, treatment will be directed to treat the specific illness.
Do not wait until your bird is nearly dead to see an avian veterinarian (e.g., lying on its side, having difficulty breathing, or having seizures). It is essential to take your bird to a veterinarian at the first sign of illness. Semi-annual or annual preventative check-ups, including wellness tests, may detect diseases early, before they cause symptoms of clinical illness, and may prolong your bird’s life. It is also generally less expensive to prevent disease than to treat it.
