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PDS is a wasting disease of psittacine birds the cause of which is as yet undetermined. Several researchers have proposed a viral etiology but have been unable to consistently isolate a specific virus. Because of the viral origin, there is a distinct possibility that PDS may be contagious.

PDS can affect male or female birds of any age. It has been identified in macaws, cockatoos, conures, African gray parrots, Senegal parrots, Amazon parrots, Electus parrots, thick billed parrots and cockatiels. It is unknown what the time period is between infection and clinical signs of the disease. The signs may come on and progress very rapidly or maintain a slow chronic course, but the process is always progressive and invariably fatal.

Early signs of PDS include lethargy, weakness, anorexia (no appetite) and regurgitation. Weight loss and in coordination or ataxia follow. In many cases, a prominent sign is the presence of undigested seed in the feces. Neurological signs may be apparent.

The disease process involves an inflammatory condition of the nerves that serve the proventriculus (stomach) of the bird as well as other nerves throughout the body. The proventriculus essentially becomes ineffective in digesting food and moving it through to the intestines. As the food material backs up, regurgitation may occur. The undigested food is of little nutritional value to the bird and clinical malnutrition leads to weight loss and muscle wasting.

Since the signs and symptoms of PDS are not specific for this disease, your veterinarian will need to evaluate blood work and radiographs to support the diagnoses. Definitive diagnosis can only be made by tissue biopsy of the proventriculus. Other, more treatable, disease processes may cause similar signs. Your avian veterinarian can suggest the most appropriate course of action for your pets specific situation.

Questions should be directed to our office, 502-245-7863