Parakeet Voice Change

cyberbud · 01-19-2009, 10:16 PM

My one year old parakeet's voice changed suddenly today. She was quiet before I went to work and when I came home her voice was more of a squeak than a chirp. Same rhythms, just a totally different pitch. Even my husband noticed. She seem's fine other than that...eating, drinking, poop.

Other than calling the vet...which I will do tomorrow does anyone have any ideas on what this could be?

tia,

Kathy

ellenant · 01-19-2009, 11:06 PM

To the vet.
Immediately.

Voice change can be a sign of a serious illness.
Your bird might not show other signs yet,
and you should go to the vet BEFORE this happens.
Insist an getting X- ray done.

Why all that?
The voice box of a bird is not in the throat like in humans,
it sits directly above the lung.
Voice change can be the first sign of a lung infection,
before the bird starts coughing and sneezing.

Have a look--
the voice box of this bird (the two bulges on the windpipe, middle left)
sits right on the lung....

All the best for your bird!!!!

moomooprice · 01-19-2009, 11:41 PM

ok that is a very nasty picture. but informative

But i agree it is time to go to a vet. It may me nothing but a change in hormones, but with your bug being a year old i doubt that . It is best to be on the safe side than sorry.

ellenant · 01-20-2009, 12:58 AM

Sorry for the picture....
(I know, in my other threat I had a warning before it...

)
It is just a good picture to show the anatomy...
And I am useless at drawing....

di_dee1 · 01-20-2009, 01:05 AM

Pictures speak a thousand words though.

ellenant · 01-20-2009, 01:08 AM

Well, I admit this one is SCREAMING.

sammit · 01-20-2009, 01:19 AM

i knew they were close but not that close to the lungs!! wow.

ellenant · 01-20-2009, 02:17 AM

Exactly thats why voice change is a serious warning sign...

atvchick95 · 01-20-2009, 04:08 AM

Oh that picture is so not for when you 1st wake up

but I do agree with a vet

but at the time is she your only bird? Is it possiable she is mimicking a sound?

I know it is not normal for Females to do so But being the only bird in the house there are times females will do things they normally wouldn't do

I've read of 1 single female budgie living in the house, and she talked and mimicked up a storm

But a no harm in a vet check to rule out any illness

cyberbud · 01-20-2009, 06:01 AM

Thanks for the info! I will be calling the vet this morning..........

Emily is an only bird and does occasionally pickup a funny sound. Last week she had the oddest warble now and again.

The photo is great, did you take that?

Between the story of the cat eating mouse and that I'll definitely just have coffee this morning!

Kathy

ellenant · 01-20-2009, 12:06 PM

Yep, I took the picture....

Sorry if I interrupted the breakfast...

If you are interested, the whole story is http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/c...ad.php?t=57986

All the best for the bird!

cyberbud · 01-20-2009, 02:29 PM

No, not a problem. I'm grateful for the information. I've made an appointment for Emily...avain vet couldn't see her until Thursday but she doesn't seem any worse today.

Great photos!!!!

Kathy

di_dee1 · 01-20-2009, 02:56 PM

Good luck. Please keep us updated.

cyberbud · 01-23-2009, 06:12 AM

Emily went to the vet yesterday. She was in rare form and put on quite performance for him, dancing on his head etc.!

He could hear a whistling when she breathes...obviously his hearing is way better then mine.

He attributes the change in vocalization to one of or a combination of the following:

1. A tumor of some sort;
2. Respiratory infection of some sort is developing although her lungs and air sacs were clear.
3. A seed caught in the crevice on the top of her mouth, he could not see it, did a swab of that area that did not show anything.
4. change in vocalization can mean there is a smaller area in the body cavity indicating a growth...as she is definitely in breeding mode and the days are getting longer so it could mean she is developing an egg.

The only way to find out more info is an x-ray which means anesthesia. For that reason I'm reluctant to go forward with that, as was the vet, because at the moment she does not seem to be in any distress, there is no evidence of labored breathing etc.

So for now we are monitoring the situation. She is her usual self this morning, just a bit squeaky. Hopefully it is either a seed or egg, both of which will work themselves out!

If she gets worse in anyway he instructed me to bring her in immediately. It's been my experience with him he is very good about seeing an animal once he identifies something might be up.

Kathy

cyberbud · 02-08-2009, 08:56 AM

Emily is back in full voice, squawking and scolding included!

I guess the cause will remain a mystery.

Kathy

ellenant · 02-09-2009, 11:17 PM

YAY!
Great news!

gooddkittie · 02-10-2009, 07:38 AM

Your vet sounds like a really good one. That's great news.