Could citronella be making my macaw sick with balance issues?

The acidity of the lemon may have caused some GI upset or irritation. Small amounts of fresh citrus are fine but larger quantities may result in the symptoms reported. He should have no lasting effects. Limit or avoid lemon in the future. Monitor for more vomiting, lethargy or decreased appetite. See your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian if necessary.

Have her rechecked by your veterinarian or by an experienced avian vet. You can find one here: http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803 Do this sooner rather than later, since by the time a bird is symptomatic, it is usually quite ill. The vet may submit a swab from the mouth for culture and sensitivity. This may identify any infection causing bacteria as well as the most effective antibiotic to use in treatment. Blood work may be submitted to assess major organ function. Do not worry, only a small sample is needed. A stool sample should also be submitted to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. In the meantime, clean and sanitize her cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use paper towels on the cage bottom and change them daily. A grate should be used to prevent her from reaching her droppings or fallen food that could be contaminated. Survey the area around her cage for any cold drafts or other negative stimuli. If you use air fresheners or essential oils, do not use them around her. The same goes for non stick cookware. The wheezing and tail bobbing may indicate respiratory infection which can usually be treated with antibiotics, but it can be caused by parasites or viruses which will not be affected by these medications.

Thanks for reaching out about Olive. Ataxia or loss of balance can be an inner ear infection, paramyxovirus and other viruses, ingested or inhaled toxins, metabolic disorders (liver, kidney) and others. A veterinary visit is recommended to assist. Monitor water and food intake. If continues to fall, lower perches and provide a towel on bottom of cage to soften falling. Good luck.

She should be fine as it was only a tiny amount, so I wouldn't worry too much. However, if your budgie has dry legs I would be worried about a mite infection with knemedicoptes, it causes roughness in the leg scales. You can treat the mites with spot in treatment such as xeno.

A Metacam overdose may cause damage to the kidneys. Monitor for loose droppings or a change in the amount and color of the urates (the white part of the droppings). Ideally, Sierra should be examined by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER. Decontamination such as activated charcoal administration, which may decrease absorption, and subcultures fluids may be indicated.

Submit a sample of Lola's droppings to your veterinarian. This may diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. Since she is showing other symptoms, an exam with your veterinarian would be strongly recommended. Birds are very good at hiding illness until it is quite serious. Blood work can assess liver and kidney function after a physical exam. Supportive care may also be indicated. This may include subcutaneous fluids, antibiotics and a special diet.

These signs could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). No need for a specialist at this stage, but clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics are probably needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.