18 yo cockatiel with an open wound

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18 yo cockatiel with an open wound

by Michelle
(Lubbock TX)

This little guy has been through a lot in his lifetime. He faced death several times when he was younger. Now he is 18 years old and it started out as a nodule on his wing. The local vet looked at it and said he could remove it but we would have to risk putting him under anesthesia. So I have just tried to keep him comfortable and fed.

The wound has gotten larger and is open. He is into his skeletal area? He just keeps picking and picking. My husband and I are wondering if euthanesia is appropriate. I am really confused as to what is good right now.

Comments for
18 yo cockatiel with an open wound

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Oct 31, 2011

Bird with old open wound
by: The Avian Vet

I recommend that you take your bird to an avian specialist for a second opinion. Experienced avian surgeons can reduce he risk of anesthesia with proper monitoring, support, quick efficient techniques, and post-op care. Techniques are now developed that can save lives, even in older birds, or extensive wounds.

If the choices are do nothing or euthanize, then I recommend euthanasia. But, I generally try surgery. I cannot recommend which way to go without examining your bird

Dr B
Find an Avian Vet

Oct 30, 2011

18 yo cockatiel with an open wound
by: Linda

You have to take your bird to an AVIAN VET in your driving area. If you are working with a dog and cat vet, they will kill him if they put him under anesthesia. This wound has been allowed to get worse and worse, so now is the time to do a search in your driving area (2 hours away) to find a licensed and trained Avian Vet. Avian vets are the only vets that can diagnose and treat birds because dog and cat vets are not even licensed to work with birds.

Birds have hollow bones and no fat, so any overdoses of drugs go directly into liver to be procesed, and if a dog and cat vet is giving the anesthesia, they will surely kill bird with overdose. The surgery is a very good idea but only with an avian vet doing it and the follow-up meds afterwards.

Your bird's lifespan is over 25 years, so I suggest in honor of all he has been through, that you at least attempt to help him before its too late. If you ever decide to have another bird, you also have to have an Avian Vet to treat them when they are sick or injured.

Thanks for writing,
Linda

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