Suspected peripheral neuropathy secondary to lead intoxication in three psittacine birds

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Lead intoxication is common in companion birds and frequently associated clinical signs include weakness, regurgitation, and central nervous system signs including seizures and tremors. Motor neuropathies and conduction disturbances are more commonly described in humans with lead intoxication, but are uncommon sequelae in psittacine birds. Case Description: Three pet psittacine birds were presented for acute-onset of distal pelvic limb abnormalities. Clinical Findings: An adult, female peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) was presented with acute, bilateral, distal pelvic limb paralysis and an adult, male peach-faced lovebird was presented with an acute inability to extend the digits of the feet bilaterally. An adult blue-streaked lorikeet (Eos reticulata) was presented for acute onset, bilateral pelvic limb weakness, and inability to rise from the bottom of the cage. All three birds had increased blood lead levels (30–110 μg/dL), but none exhibited overt central nervous, gastrointestinal, or other common clinical signs consistent with lead intoxication in birds. A potential source of lead could not be identified in two of the three cases. Conclusion and Case Relevance: Despite achieving persistent reduction of blood lead levels following parenteral chelation therapy using calcium disodium EDTA, all three birds had continued neurological deficits in both pelvic limbs. Birds were considered to maintain a good quality of life after husbandry changes were implemented to assist in ambulation. Lead intoxication should be considered a differential for acute-onset paralysis of the distal pelvic limbs in psittacine birds.