Lead is a common household hazard for birds. Due to their curious, inquisitive nature, companion birds can be exposed to lead around the house. Lead has a sweet smell and taste, which increases the temptation to eat it. Some bird toys are marketed as “safe for birds” but may contain lead. Lead causes heavy metal toxicity that affects the blood, nervous system, and gastrointestinal system. Lead poisoning can be fatal if not treated.
How do I know if my bird has lead poisoning?
Clinical signs include weakness (which can be profound) and various neurologic signs including altered mental activity, paralysis of the legs, circling, and tremors of the body and head. Additional gastrointestinal and red blood cell changes may also occur.
The clinical signs and history of exposure will often allow a tentative diagnosis. The typical clinical signs are descriptive of many different diseases, so diagnostic tests are necessary.
What tests can be done?
A veterinarian familiar with birds will start with a complete history, body weight, and physical exam. X-rays (radiographs) may show the presence of lead pieces in the digestive system. Blood lead levels will give a definitive diagnosis, but may take a few days for results to be available. A complete blood count (CBC) gives important information about red and white blood cells, including the presence of anemia (e.g., low red blood cell count).
Is lead poisoning treatable?
Often, by the time a bird presents with lead poisoning, it is very sick or is near death. If lead poisoning is diagnosed and caught early, treatment is usually successful. If you suspect your bird has been exposed to lead, immediately call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680, to help determine the risk and potential treatment needs.
Therapy will often be started on a presumptive diagnosis, and involves a chelator, which is an antidote that binds the lead and allows it to be eliminated from the body through the urine. Supportive care is also essential for the hospitalized bird.
Certain foods or oral preparations (e.g., high fiber) may be given to help quicken the passage of lead pieces out of the digestive tract. Occasionally, surgery is required if there are large pieces of lead present in the bird’s gastrointestinal tract.
How can lead poisoning be prevented?
To prevent lead poisoning, you must remove all potential sources of lead from your pet's environment. In addition, you should ensure that your birds are only out of their cage if supervised. Some items containing lead that are commonly found in the home environment are:
- bells with lead clappers
- bird toys weighted with lead or containing lead pieces/solder
- stained glass
- lead solder
- venetian blinds
- jewelry
- cloth
- lead shot (shotgun shells)
- lead sinkers/weights (used for fishing)
- linoleum
- mirror backing (older)
- paints (old lead-based, prior to 1978)
Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per-incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
