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AVIAN EMERGENCIES General rules for emergency
management:
Stay calm and access the problem before
proceeding.
Be prepared. Have the phone number for emergency
veterinary care in an easy to locate place. Ask your avian
vet to show you how to manage simple emergencies. Put together
an avian first aid kit containing items that will help in
an emergency. Refresh and replenish the first aid kit on a
regular basis.
Do Not Hesitate. Go immediately and directly
to your avian vet should your bird:
- be bleeding from or have received a wound
- have difficulty breathing
- have suffered a blow or crushing injury
- have been attacked by another animal
- been burned or shocked
- have inhaled toxins
- be exhibiting general symptoms of illness; such as not
perching normally, coughing, vomiting, not eating, diarrhea,
lameness and swelling.
Call your avian vet and give them details
of the emergency. Control any bleeding with direct pressure
and wrap your bird in a towel to keep them from flapping as
you travel to the vet. Birds that are not bleeding or thrashing
should be placed in a warm, dark container or carrier for
the trip to the vet.
Do No Harm. When in doubt, call your avian
veterinarian for guidance.
The best way to cope with avian emergencies is to prevent
them from happening.
Regular health exams identify early problems and allow them
to be corrected before they develop into an emergency. Provide
a nutritional, balanced diet for your bird and it will go
a long way toward preventing many health problems. Ensure
a safe, clean, toxin free environment with good light and
air. Proper supervision and wing trimming will control accidental
injuries from things like ceiling fans and crashing into glass,
landing on hot cooking surfaces and foods, and attacks from
other household pets.
But despite all our good care, emergencies happen. With this
in mind, make sure you have the emergency number for your
avian veterinarian in an easy to find place.
The Exotic Bird Hospital Emergency Number is 904-256-0043.
If the emergency is after regular business hours, please leave
a message describing the nature of the emergency and a phone
number to call you back at. We will return your call promptly.
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