Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I just thougt Id post a message to see if anyone can help me shed any light on my situation. Yesterday I thought my little Lineo looked a bit off, a bit puffed up and inactive, however he was still eating so I didnt worry too much. However, I woke this morning to find him dead at the bottom of his cage, where he had obviously been most of the night. He was under three years old. I was obviously very shocked and upset and most of all confused. I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas what may have caused this, and what could possibly affect him so quickly after being perfectly well in the lead up to it. Thanks, Charlotte.

First let me say I am sorry for the loss of your feathered friend.

Birds are one of the hardest animals to diagnose sickness in. The only real way to tell what was wrong would be to have a necropsy done by an actual avian vet (many won't do this on a very small sized bird.)

It could have been many things and there wouldn't have been any or many signs until it was too late. Usually by the time a smaller bird is sitting in its cage puffed out, even if it is still eating it is too sick for help. Your bird could have ad a respiratory infection, some birds will have sinus drainage or they will shake or wheeze when breathing but others will show no signs. These can be caused by too much mold in your house (even if you can't see it or it doesn't affect you), do you use teflon, scented candles febreeze etc some birds will be affected by normal household items. Usually the puffy appearance seems ot coincide with respiratory infections or asperillogosis (sp) but it can go along with other sicknesses as well and is not a definite sign of which sickness or problem your bird had.

Your bird could have had an internal parasite, again you can sometimes tell by the feces, they may be a little off in color or consistency but again some don't show this sign.

Your bird could have had a bacterial infection which will sometimes show up with eating less, fecal changes etc but like all the rest it may not show any symptoms.

I am sorry I couldn't be more help but if you can't get a necropsy done please check your house for anything that could have caused the sickness and if you can't find any problems then make sure you disinfect the cage very well before ever introducing a new bird into it to make sure there is no bacterial or parasitic problems to affect a new feathered addition.

Thanks for the reply and information. I discovered they are pretty hard to diagnose on many previous trips to the vets where they seemed rather clueless. I cant say I use any of those products to be honest, there may be the odd use of air freshener which I guess isnt great, but no more than I ever have in his life. There were no fecal changes whatsoever. I also have a maroon bellied conya who is perfectly well, although I am hoping theres nothing in the air! Ive disinfected the cage, although to be honest I will probably refrain from using it again. I suppose itll have to remain a mystery, though a great shame.