ABSTRACT
Birds showing neurological disorders, including loss of consciousness, seizures, abnormal mentation, ataxia, paresis or paralysis of legs and/or wings, cloacal atony, head tilt and nystagmus, are frequently presented to veterinarians. Diagnosing neurological disorders requires a thorough examination in order to determine if the neuropathy is focal or diffuse. If the examination finds that dysfunction is present at more than one level, the lesion can be assumed to be either located at the highest location or multifocal. The age of the bird is important: hereditary and inflammatory conditions are more common in the young bird, while degenerative and neoplastic conditions are more frequent in the older bird. There are three target organs of toxic lead intake: the nervous system, the gastrointestinal system, and erythropoietic bone marrow. Lead is solubilised in the ventriculus by the combination of its grinding action and the low pH. Once solubilised, lead is absorbed across the intestinal mucosa and is bound to metalloprotein for distribution around body.
