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Pet Bird
Emergency Care and Problem Prevention
Although no avian owner ever wishes for anything bad to happen to their pet,
sometimes birds become ill. This list of illnesses, injuries, preventions and
immediate treatment suggestions may mean the difference between life and death
for your bird.
HYPOCALCEMIA
This problem is mostly seen in African Greys between 2-5
years of age and is due to a lack of calcium. This condition may cause the bird
to appear to be in a "drunken" state; it may also not be able to stand or may
have seizures. In this case, get the bird to the vet as soon as possible for a
calcium injection. To help prevent this problem be sure your Grey receives a
balanced pelleted diet, as well as fresh foods that contain plenty of calcium
i.e. romaine lettuce, cuttlebone, broccoli, hard boiled eggs with the shell,
etc.
HEAD
TRAUMA
This
can be caused many different ways, from falling or colliding with walls, windows
or doors. The bird may be unconscious, have altered mental status or it may not
show any symptoms at all. See a vet as soon as possible, even if the bird
appears fine. Before transporting the bird for any medical attention, place it
in a padded carrier to avoid any further injury. Bird-proof your home and have
his wings clipped. Most traumatic accidents can be avoided by having a proper
wing clipping
FRACTURES
These
usually happen in conjunction with trauma. They may not all be spotted in the
same way because the signs depend on the type of fracture. If you suspect any
type of fracture see a vet as soon as possible for an x-ray to fully assess the
type of problem. Handle the bird very gently a to prevent further injury, and
place it into a padded carrier before transporting it for medical attention.
BURNS
Burns
are usually caused by formula that is too hot, in cases of feeding babies, or
other types of hot liquid accidents. Most burns involve tissue damage and many
are life threatening if left untreated. It is imperative that all burns be
treated by a veterinarian. All hand feeding should be done by experienced
feeders only. Wings should be kept clipped to prevent a bird from landing in hot
water on the stove or other areas of extreme heat.
BLEEDING
Instances that involve bleeding are often associated with types of trauma.
Catching signs of these may be tricky because the signs depend on the
circumstances; this refers to volume of blood loss, as well as cases involving
any serious internal bleeding. If the cut appears severe, see a vet as soon as
possible. Birds can bleed to death in a very short time. Apply pressure to the
site to slow the blood loss. In less severe cases, such as a nail bleed, you can
usually easily stop it yourself with Quik Stop anticoagulant, a tea bag or some
cornstarch pressed into the nail.
ANIMAL
BITES AND SCRATCH WOUNDS
These
injuries can occur when other pets such as dogs and cats have close contact with
birds or if you have multiple birds and a larger one hurts a smaller one. Don’t
try to treat the bird at home. Birds bleed out very fast and this can be fatal
if not treated promptly and properly. Cats have a poison in their saliva and
nails that can kill a bird even if the bird wasn’t bitten. If you do have other
pets, keep them in another room while you are playing with your bird. Sometimes
jealousy is all that it takes to provoke an attack.
DIFFICULTY BREATHING
These
signs are very obvious, such as gasping, tail bobbing, and open mouth breathing.
The causes can be aspergillus (fungal and mold), egg bound females, air sac
mites, over heating and exposure to toxic fumes. If you notice any of the
warning signs, get your bird to the vet as soon as possible for treatment.
SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
Call
your veterinarian in advance to check on night and weekend hours or emergency
services if he is not available. Keep an emergency kit available with Quik Stop
for minor bleeding, Gatorade or Pedialite to add electrolytes if it becomes
dehydrated or to replace fluids in case of a bad burn, a pair of tweezers to
pull a broken feather and some triple antibiotic creams for minor cuts and
abrasions. Also, know where your carrier is to take your bird for help as soon
as possible.