PDD in Cockatiels: Proventricular Wasting Signs & Care

Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) — also called avian bornavirus disease (ABV) — is a serious progressive neurological and gastrointestinal disease in cockatiels and other parrots. It causes the proventriculus (stomach) to enlarge and lose the ability to digest food, leading to progressive weight loss despite a good appetite.

Last reviewed: June 2026

What Is Proventricular Dilatation Disease in Cockatiels?

Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) is caused by avian bornavirus (ABV), a neurotropic RNA virus that infects the nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract, causing loss of motility (dysmotility), and in some birds the brain and other organs. As described in Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) are among the psittacine species most frequently diagnosed with PDD, along with macaws, African greys, and Amazons. The proventriculus (glandular stomach) dilates and fills with undigested food, while progressive neurological inflammation reduces gastrointestinal movement and nutrient absorption. The disease progresses over months to years, and some birds live well for extended periods on management. AAV Basic Care for Companion Birds, 2019 recommend yearly wellness examinations for companion birds, as PDD and other wasting diseases are commonly detected during routine bloodwork and radiographs before owners notice weight loss.

Signs of PDD in Cockatiels

• Progressive weight loss despite a normal or even increased appetite — the most characteristic finding
• Regurgitation of whole or partially digested seeds
• Passage of undigested seed in droppings
• Crop filling abnormally slowly or remaining full longer than normal
• Gradual muscle wasting, especially of the pectoral (breast) muscles
• Fluffed feathers and reduced activity
• Neurological signs in some birds: head tremors, ataxia (wobbling), seizures, weakness

Diagnosis

Diagnosis combines clinical signs, radiographs showing an enlarged proventriculus (dilation), contrast studies (barium series demonstrating delayed gastric emptying), and PCR testing for avian bornavirus on cloacal or choanal swabs. Crop or proventricular biopsy showing characteristic lymphoplasmacytic ganglioneuritis is the definitive diagnosis but is rarely performed due to surgical risk. Blood work may show no abnormalities early in the disease.

Treatment

No curative treatment exists for PDD. Management focuses on palliative care and slowing progression:

• Celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor): 10 mg/kg every 12 hours has shown promise in reducing neurological inflammation and may slow disease progression in some birds; referenced in Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary for off-label use in psittacines
• Supportive diet: easily digestible foods — moistened pellets, soft fruits, pre-ground seeds; reducing the need for gastric digestion
• Antibiotics if secondary crop or GI infections develop
• Anti-nausea medication (metoclopramide) for dysmotility support

Prognosis

PDD is a chronic, progressive disease. Some birds are managed successfully for 2-5 years with appropriate care; others deteriorate rapidly over months. Euthanasia is considered when quality of life is severely compromised by weight loss, repeated regurgitation, or neurological signs.

Costs

Initial exam plus radiographs: $150-350. Barium contrast series: $200-500. ABV PCR testing: $100-250. Monthly celecoxib and supportive medications: $30-80. Annual monitoring blood work and radiographs: $300-600.

When to See a Vet

Call your vet today if:

• Your cockatiel is losing weight even though it seems to be eating well
• You notice whole, undigested seeds in droppings
• Regurgitation is occurring more than occasionally

Go to the ER immediately if:

• Cockatiel is on the cage floor, unable to perch
• Breathing is labored or tail is bobbing with each breath
• Neurological signs appear: head tremors, rolling, or seizures

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PDD be cured in cockatiels? No cure currently exists. Treatment is palliative — reducing symptoms, slowing progression, and maintaining quality of life. Some birds are managed successfully for years with a supportive diet and celecoxib anti-inflammatory therapy. Research into antiviral treatments is ongoing.

Is avian bornavirus (PDD) contagious between birds? ABV is shed in droppings and secretions and can potentially be transmitted between birds sharing an environment. Birds that test ABV-positive should ideally be housed separately from ABV-negative birds, especially in multi-bird households or aviaries.

How much does diagnosing PDD cost? Initial exam plus radiographs: $150-350. Barium contrast series: $200-500. ABV PCR test: $100-250. A complete diagnostic workup typically runs $500-1,100.

How long can a cockatiel live with PDD? Highly variable. Some cockatiels live 2-5 years or more with appropriate palliative management. Others deteriorate rapidly over 6-12 months. Quality of life monitoring — body weight, appetite, and neurological status — guides decisions about continuing or adjusting treatment.

What diet is best for a cockatiel with PDD? Easily digestible foods that reduce the workload on the dysfunctional stomach. Moistened or cooked pellets, soft fruits, and pre-ground or hulled seeds all reduce the need for the proventriculus to work hard. High-calorie foods help maintain body weight. Work with an avian vet to tailor the diet to your bird's condition.

Still Not Sure if Your Cockatiel Needs a Vet?

When you're not sure if this is wait-and-see or call-tonight, Voyage AI Vet triages in under 2 minutes. Describe what you're seeing in chat, share photos of your cockatiel's body condition or droppings, or hop on a live video call if you want a second pair of eyes. Every answer comes with citations to the actual veterinary literature it's pulling from, so you see exactly where the guidance comes from, not just a chatbot's word.

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