Sick quail- lost voice and wheezing

[Rebacopter32]

I have a Tuxedo male that appears to be ill and has been getting worse over the last week. At first it started with his crow sounding a little bit weird and distorted, but I thought nothing of it. After it continued for a few days I thought it was rather strange, but nothing to worry about, so I though I'd let him get over whatever was bothering him. One day shortly after that his voice became very quiet, almost inaudible. He would get in his crowing position and crow, but you had to strain to hear it. I then got worried, but still waited, because I had no idea what was wrong. Now I can hear a wheezing whenever he is breathing hard or scared, and I am not sure what to do. I think the cause might have been bacteria in a water dish or dirty litter, so I changed water dishes and the litter, but I'm afraid no change has taken place since then. I also tried putting a little but of vinegar in his drinking water, as I hear it helps to protect and fight illness, but he still seems to be getting worse. There is no crustiness or outward signs of illness on his body, it is just the wheezing and lack of voice. What course of action should I take at this point? Is there some sort of medicine or technique I can try? Can anyone identify what might be affecting him? I would greatly appreciate any advice.

 

[dc3085]

Read these links. I'd guess aspergillosis but that is little more than a guess without seeing the bird in person. You'll have to do your best to compare his symptoms with the ones you see listed.

http://www.merckmanuals.com/petheal...s/lung_and_airway_disorders_of_pet_birds.html

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/7/aspergillosis

http://teamquail.tamu.edu/files/2010/09/Common_Gamebird_Diseases.pdf

If you notice any more symptoms post them, it'll help narrow down what's affecting your bird.

 

[Rebacopter32]

Thanks a bunch. Right now I'm 99% sure he has Aspergillosis. I have been researching it and so far it does not look as if there is much hope for him. My best bet is to try anti fungal medication and hope that it works, but according to research I have been doing, his illness is so far progressed that it probably won't work at this point. He has labored breathing now. I cannot go out and buy the meds at this hour and I am debating whether or not to make him suffer through it. I might have to put him down. We'll see what happens. If he doesn't make it I will be treating my other birds to ensure they do not get the same illness. I'm thinking of boosting their vitamin A as well, to be sure.

 

[dc3085]

Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.