HELP! My sun Conure was attacked by my dog...VERY worried.

by Linda Carlone
(New York, Long Island)

My Sun conure was VERY Briefly grabbed by my Yorkie. It was my fault because I had forgotten he was out of the cage, and when I opened the door to his room the Yorkie rushed in and grabbed him. It was only a second because I grabbed the Yorkie and she dropped him. He's only 11 months old and I am very worried for him. I immediately took him to an emergency vet who deals with birds, but they only gave him a shot of Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory, due to labored breathing and limping. They don't see any broken leg or wings, but they are not Aviary specialists. There is only 1 in my area and I am frantically trying to reach him. I did not agree to X-rays or bloodwork because they said they need to anesthesize him and he may not survive the anesthesia which they say is "common". Does anyone know what his chances are? I need some assurances or suggestions. He's just laying at the bottom of his cage breathing heavy and making a clicking sound. He falls when he tries to climb. His left foot seems weak (they said it might be sprained). Very worried. I have been able to give him water with an eye dropper, but he won't eat.

Please any advise would be helpful.

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HELP! My sun Conure was attacked by my dog...VERY worried.

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Jul 28, 2012

Bird attacked by dog
by: Tracie

So glad to hear you found a specialist. Our prayers go out to you and your bird. ((hugs))

Jul 28, 2012

Update on Sun Conure Attacked by Yorkie
by: Linda Carlone

Well, I thought I owed everyone an update about my little Sun, I found an Aviary Specialist and a great Aviary "Critical care unit" very close by. The Dr. who saw him has 24 years of Bird experience, and is keeping Buckley for 3 days on oxygen, and tomorrow he will be given a sonigram to evaluate any damages, as well as blood tests. He can't guarantee anything, of course, but he did say it's a good sign that he has survived 2 full days since the injury, and he is eating (very little) and drinking (by hand). I am trying to be positive, but preparing for the worst. He is critical so I don't want to be too hopeful.
Any feedback appreciated.

Jul 28, 2012

Conure attacked
by: Anonymous

So sorry to hear about this accident. When you have birds and other pets, accidents happen in a split second. Don't beat yourself up about it. You were smart to take the bird to a vet for emergency treatment but even smarter for not allowing them to do anything further. Many birds get anesthesia for a lot of procedures and come out of it just fine. By them telling you it was common for them not to survive anesthesia was a red flag that they didn't know what they were doing. I am sure your bird was traumatized by the event and therefore lost its appetite. It probably suffered some type of small injury to it's foot if it won't perch. Keep trying the avian vet and get your bird in there as soon as possible.

Jul 28, 2012

Dog attacked bird
by: Tracie

I am so sorry for your bird and you. :-( Birds have hollow bones that break easily. It is likely that your bird has internal injuries. Your only hope is to find an avian vet to x-ray your bird and hopefully be able to help it.

No online vet will be able to help your bird, sorry. You can use this Find an Avian Vet link to look and see if there is another vet in your area. If one is not listed, there is a link at the top of the page that you can click and search also.

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