Lead poisoning (also known as Plumbism)
is the most common toxicosis in children.
It is also very common in pet birds. There
are a number of potential sources for lead
in our environment (see inset). Lead poisoning
is a very serious condition and requires
immediate attention from a qualified avian
veterinarian. The prognosis is very good
if treated immediately.
The clinical signs that are associated
with lead toxicosis are nonspecific and
the severity can vary depending on the amount
of lead ingested and the length of time
of exposure. Symptoms are associated with
the gastrointestinal (GI), urinary and nervous
systems. GI signs include dark green to
black droppings (that may or may not be
diarrheic), vomiting, regurgitation, anorexia
and pasted vent. Urinary signs include polyuria
(excessive urine production), blood in the
urine, and increased thirst. Neurological
signs include depression, weakness, ataxia
(staggering) head tilt, circling, blindness,
and seizures.
Diagnosis of lead poisoning may not be
easy or straightforward. Diagnosis may be
based on a history of lead ingestion and
carefully searching for possible sources
of lead exposure. It is also based on observation
of clinical signs and a thorough physical
examination to reveal GI, urinary, and neurological
symptoms. Laboratory testing is a very important
tool used to diagnose lead poisoning. Blood
should be drawn to measure lead levels,
to do a complete blood count and to do blood
chemistries.
Radiographs can also be important in the
diagnosis of plumbism. The veterinarian
will assess the films for the presence of
metal opacities in the GI tract and other
locations. However, radiographs do not definitively
diagnose lead poisoning. The lead may already
be dissolved in the bird's tissues, it may
have been excreted, or it may have been
inhaled in the form of gas fumes, thereby
making visible detection impossible. Also,
the presence of metal may be nonlead metal
particles.
If lead poisoning is suspected then treatment
should begin immediately. Treatment consists
of supportive care (fluids, heat, nutritional
supplements and antibiotics) and chelation
therapy.
Calcium EDTA is used as a chelating agent,
given intramuscularly, and continued until
the lead is gone. If the lead particles
are confined to the GI tract, then agents
such as peanut butter, Metamucil or mineral
oil may be given to aid in passing the particles.
If the lead particles are large, then surgery
is required to go in and remove them, provided
the bird is stable and able to withstand
the surgical procedure.
In most cases if the lead is completely
removed from the bird's system, then the
bird should fully recover. However, with
extensive chronic exposure the likelihood
of recovery is lessened and the bird may
not survive at all. A few survivors will
have permanent kidney, liver or neurological
damage.
Plumbism is a serious condition and needs
immediate attention. It is seen very commonly
in many avian veterinary practices. Responsible
pet bird owners should thoroughly examine
their homes for sources of lead to remove
them or prevent access to them by the bird.
Sources of Lead
Stained Glass Frames, Tiffany Lamps, Some
Bell Clappers, Curtain Weights, Glazed Ceramics,
Fishing Weights, Batteries, Putty, Plaster,
Gasoline Fumes (Chronic Exposure), Champagne
& Wine Bottle Foil, Linoleum, Costume
Jewelry, Mirror Backing, Shot, Bullets,
Pellets, Old Paint, Exercise Weights, Wire
Solder, Weighted Toys (e.g. bobbing plastic
penguin), Scuba Weights, Sheetrock, Base
of Light Bulbs, Dolomite, Bone Meal Products,
