Archive Case #109: Avian Hypocalcaemia

Clinical Clues

1. An adult parrot is examined for intermittent weakness and abnormal movements.
2. Episodes are brief and neurologic, with the bird recovering between them.
3. The long-term diet has been mostly seeds with limited balanced supplementation.
4. Ataxia and mild seizures occur without evidence of trauma.
5. Bloodwork reveals a markedly low calcium concentration.
6. Nutritional hypocalcaemia is recognized in African Grey parrots and can cause weakness, tremors, and seizures.

Diagnosis

Avian Hypocalcaemia

This case is most consistent with Avian Hypocalcaemia because the parrot has neurologic signs with documented low calcium on a deficient diet. The most important clues are the species and seed diet history, which make a primary brain lesion less likely.

Educational Use

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