ASK THE VET (Lead Intoxication)

Lead intoxication is a fairly common problem in pet birds. Lead may be present in many places in the home, and birds allowed out of their cages may be accidentally exposed. Common sources of lead include solder, batteries, galvanized wire, hardware cloth, bells with lead clappers, linoleum, paints (lead-based, and those with leaded drying agents) stained glass, curtain weights, fishing and diving accessories, certain ceramic pieces, foil covering on wine bottles, leaded gasoline fumes, and penguin bird toys.

Lead poisoning may occur as an acute or a chronic problem. Clinical signs of lead intoxication in psittacine birds may include lethargy, depression, anorexia, regurgitation, diarrhea, loss of balance, blindness, head tremors, convulsions and death. Hemoglobinuria (bloody urine) may occur in Amazon and African Grey parrots. Some birds may develop anemia.

Diagnosis of lead poisoning can be difficult. The radiographic presence of metallic densities in the gastrointestinal tract of birds with clinical signs of metal intoxication is supportive of the possibility of lead poisoning. Not all metal densities are lead, and the absence of metal densities in the presence of clinical signs does not rule out lead intoxication.

Blood lead levels may be determined by laboratory. If a strong suspicion of lead intoxication exists, therapy is often begun while awaiting laboratory results. Treatment for lead intoxication involves:

a) removal (if possible) of lead particles by means of endoscopy or surgery.
b) chelation therapy (both oral and IV) to remove lead circulating in the blood stream.
c) intravenous fluids and dextrose
d) iron dextran, antibiotics, tube feeding (if necessary)
e) cathartics (mineral oil or peanut butter) to aid in the passage of small particles out of the G.I. tract).

The prognosis for lead intoxication is guarded if the bird has severe neurological signs or if chronic exposure has occurred. Valium may be necessary to control seizures if they occur.

The best way to deal with lead poisoning is to prevent it. Remove possible sources of lead in the environment. If accidental exposure has occurred, seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.