Proventricular Dilatation Disease in Birds

Proventricular Dilatation Disease is a condition affecting birds, first recognized in 1978 by Dr. H. L. Stoddard III. If you have a pet bird, it is important for you to be able to recognize the signs of Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) as it can lead to severe digestive and neurological problems.

Proventricular Dilatation Disease was first noticed in 1978 in macaws; thus, it was initially known as macaw wasting syndrome, according to Hot Spot for Birds. PDD is also sometimes called neuropathic gastric dilatation or psittacine wasting syndrome. While the condition may occur in any bird, the most commonly affected birds are cockatoos, macaws, and conures. Cases of PDD have also been reported in several other types of birds, including cockatiels, lovebirds, amazons, and parakeets, according to the website Real Macaw.

Symptoms that indicate a pet bird may be suffering from PDD include abdominal distention, vomiting, weight loss despite the bird having a good appetite, and passing undigested food. According to Wikipedia, neurological symptoms are a common occurrence in birds affected by this condition as well. These symptoms may include weakness, head tremors, proprioceptive difficulties, ataxia, and paresis. In addition, in rare cases, birds can suffer seizures. Birds also may present with poor body condition, depression, incardination, and muscle wasting when suffering with PDD.

PDD is caused by a virus. In 2008, researchers were able to identify that the Avian Bornavirus is responsible for causing PDD in birds. It is not always clear which birds possess the virus, however, as some birds with PDD are asymptomatic. In addition, PDD may lay dormant in a bird for several years before becoming problematic, according to the website Hot Spot for Birds.

If you think your bird may have PDD, your veterinarian can test for the Avian Bornavirus in different ways. First, he or she can do a PCR (polymerase Chain reaction) test on your bird's feces. Your veterinarian can also do either an ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) or a western blot to test for Avian Bornavirus antibodies in a blood sample from your pet. Your veterinarian may also decide to biopsy your bird's proventriculas, ventriculus, and/or crop to look for the lesions characteristic to the disease in these structures. However, because lesions may not be spread throughout the organs, your vet may need to take several biopsies of each in order to determine if your pet is suffering from PDD.

Avian Web suggests that because heavy metal poisoning may be misdiagnosed as Proventricular Dilatation Disease, treatment for heavy metal toxicity may be a viable option to treat birds who are suspected of having PDD. In addition, anti-inflammatory medication has been shown to improve PDD in some birds. Specifically, the drug Celecoxib has been shown to improve the well-being of birds affected with PDD. It appears to be well-tolerated and safe in birds as well.

Unfortunately, many cases of PDD result in death. However, treatment for heavy metal toxicity and/or with anti-inflammatory medication can prolong or even cure your pet. If you suspect your bird is suffering from Proventricular Dilatation Disease, please take him or her to the veterinarian for a thorough exam and tests in order to rule out other similar conditions. If your bird is suspected to have PDD, your vet can discuss all of the available options for treatment with you.

Sources:

Hot Spot for Birds: Proventricular Dilatation Disease:
http://www.multiscope.com/hotspot/pdd.htm

Wikipedia: Proventricular Dilatation Disease:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proventricular_Dilatation_Disease

Avian Web: Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) aka Neuropathic Gastric Dilatation or Macaw Wasting Disease:
http://www.avianweb.com/pdd.html

Real Macaw: Proventricular Dilatation Disease:
http://www.realmacaw.com/pages/ppd.html