-- Jackie McGrail, Orange, Calif.

It sounds as if your bird somehow sustained nerve damage. He might have injured himself in an accident or the nerve could be pressed by a tumor or invaded by infection.

I'm afraid nerve damage is bad news. It's very difficult to treat. In fact, in human medicine, neurologists pay higher malpractice insurance rates than almost any other specialist because the outcome is so often negative. If your bird hit his head, he might have suffered intercranial bleeding and subsequent tissue scarring. Or, he might have had a "stroke" - a burst blood vessel, which leads to death of brain tissue. Either could be causing his current problems flying and perching.

Acute brain swelling from injury might respond to medicines that reduce the pressure by absorbing fluid and eliminating it from the body through the kidneys. If the problem is a brain tumor, steroids might help temporarily.

In general, however, there is little you can do other than wait. Sometimes damaged nerves regenerate, but it can take months or even years. In the case of stroke, it's possible for another part of the brain to take over control of a lost function, but this also takes time.

Your bird might someday regain use of his wings and foot, or he might not. In the meantime, I recommend he see a veterinarian for a thorough checkup.

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.

ParrotChronicles.com. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Return to current Ask a Vet column