From Dr. Barbara Oglesbee:
"Ataxia may occur due to disorders of the nervous system or musculoskeletal system. Nervous system disorders often result in an inability of the brain to perceive the position of the limbs, body or head in space or an inability of the brain to coordinate movement. This may occur as a result of damage to the spinal cord, inner ear or brain. The spinal cord carries information to the brain about the relative position or placement of the body, wings, head and legs...Birds with musculoskeletal damage may also appear uncoordinated, as the muscles are unable to respond properly to signals from the brain. This may occur with deficiencies of nutrients such as calcium, vitamin E or selenium or electrolyte disorders. Birds that are extremely weak from chronic diseases also appear ataxic. Ataxia is always a sign of serious disease warranting veterinary attention."
And, of course, serious diseases, like Mareks, can produce such symptoms in its advanced stages when lesions on the brain or tumors disrupt vital organ function in liver, kidneys, pancreas, and parathyroid gland.
Given your statement that the previous owner reported, "...head had been very bloody and swollen after the [eye] injury..." I think it points to a probable diagnosis of brain damage either from the injury or from disease. Isn't odd that the previous owner would say this bird was "recovering well," yet unable to walk?
I'm curious. Why did you decide to take this bird?
