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Arthritic Geriatric Amazon

by j_decubellis - October 7, 2019

I was hoping to get advice on an approximately 30 year old Amazon parrot that has had increasing mobility issues due to chronic arthritic changes in his legs and feet. He has become increasingly more lethargic and the owners will find him hanging on the bars of his cage from his beak to prevent putting pressure on his legs and feet. Despite this major concern, the bird continues to do very well with a good appetite and normal eliminations.
Radiographs have shown progressive arthritic changes in his leg and toe joints and current blood work is within normal limits.
He is currently taking (and has been for months) Meloxicam 1.6mg/kg PO BID and Gabapentin 10mg/kg PO BID. Both of these drugs are at their maximum dosing volume (Gabapentin could increase to TID). At his last recheck, he began Tramadol at 30mg/kg PO TID x 30 days.
Could Si Miao San be considered in this case or is there a better option for this poor bird?
Thank you for any advice!

by j_decubellis

November 1, 2019

Hi Steve, I was wondering if you saw this posting and had any advice. Thank you. Julie

by naturevet

November 1, 2019

Hi Julie,

Sorry, I missed that post!

My first thought is to try Xiao Huo Lou Dan. Meloxicam only works in acute inflammation and GB is most helpful in neuralgia. A lack of a response to either rules out their presence. XHLD can work in these cases because to resolve chronic inflammation, improved circulation is needed, which Meloxicam inhibits. XHLD is also an analgesic

I guess the only other thing to rule out here is gout, but I take it you're seeing no sign of that in the blood work or in the form of joint swelling. If you do find it is present, then there is another formula you can try

Hope that helps!!

Steve

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