One Of Many Articles On Twirling
7th September 2011, 3:23 pm
.Stargazing appears most frequently in finches. Stargazing
is sometimes also referred to as Twirling. The disease appears
to strike at random and without warning or past history of
problems.
Star Gazing is most common in Gouldian Finches but has been
seen in a few other species.
Signs & Symptoms of Star Gazing may include:
* Dizziness
* Throwing head back
* Rolling head from one side to the other
* Looking at the ceiling a lot
* Rolling head upside down
* Gradual loss of balance
* Sleeping with head between legs
* Circling
As disease advances:
* Larger amount of loss of balance/equilibrium
* Difficulty moving around in cage
* Inability to fly
* Inability to perch
* Inability to find food or water dish, resulting in starvation
The end result of stargazing is almost always death.
What Cause Stargazing / Twirling?
Actually, no one really knows for sure what causes star gazing in
birds. Here are a few theories that are out there:
* Viral infection
* Bacterial infection
* Yeast infection
* Chemical imbalance in body
* Vitamin and/or mineral deficiency
* Genetic predisposition
* Inner ear problem
Treatment for Stargazing
There really is no treatment that is effective on a large scale.
Just about any treatment you could imagine has been tried.
Here are three treatments for stargazing that have been reported
as being fairly effective.
1. The drug Nystatin
2. The drug Trimethoprim Sulfa (one drop per day)
3. Vitamin B 12. (one drop in mouth per day, 5 - 6 drops in
8 ounces water)
Breeders commonly cull birds with stargazing symptoms, and
if a bird is cured, they are not allowed to be bred.
Prevention of Stargazing
While there are no absolute certainties, we believe these steps
will go a long way towards prevention, and obviously in keeping
your bird in the overall best health possible.
???I also found this reply to a question on Twirling from express help online.
I am sorry to hear about your losses. It is so heartbreaking and frustrating. Unfortunately, there isn't new data, as the condition is well documented as a Vitamin E deficiency. The trouble with such deficiencies is that once signs are exhibited, as your two finch showed neurological signs, there isn't reversal. The important thing to remember is to add a Vitamin E supplement as a regular supplement. Nekton Vitamin E is one source you can use. I hope this is helpful, and good luck with the rest of your flock. Please push ACCEPT and leave positive feedback. Thanks!Dr.C , BS, D.V.M.,29 years private practice, companion animal/exotic animals,exotics,horses, large animal.Animal lover for over 50 years..
You can read about my society finch that has twirling in " My Sick Finch".
