James Harris, DVM
Heart condition calls for ultrasound
 My 20-year-old Timneh African grey has been diagnosed with an enlarged heart. Her breathing is difficult and she tires easily. Her vet prescribed 0.1 ml of Lasix bid for five days and then once per day. There is more water in her droppings but I still see no improvement in her breathing after six days. Please give me your thoughts on this situation. Thank you very much.
--Cheryl, rileybird2@aol.com
 You don't say how your vet reached his diagnosis - whether he possibly detected the condition in an x-ray or heard a heart murmur - but if you haven't arranged for one already, your bird should have an ultrasound.
These days, ultrasound is the best way to diagnose a heart condition. It's non-invasive and may shed more light on the specific problem, possibly enabling your vet to prescribe more effective medication than Lasix, a diuretic used to relieve congestive heart failure. Ask your veterinarian to refer you to a board-certified veterinarian cardiologist.
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.
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