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My parrot bit his tongue earlier and a few hours ...


Sent to Pet Experts March 11 12:29 a.m.

My parrot bit his tongue earlier and a few hours later, the bleeding has tapered off. He''s happy and dancing, but he won''t eat food. What can I do to help him? I''ve given him glucose in his water, but he''s not eating or drinking anything.

I've also tried giving him ice cubes, cheese, bread, water, milk, crackers...He's not taking any of it. I'm keeping an eye on him, covered his cage and am trying to keep him as comfortable as possible.

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on March 11 2008 at 12:35am


Optional Information:
Age: 6; Male; Breed: Timneh

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $9   
Answer
March 11 1:33 a.m. (1 hour and 3 minutes later)

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PicturePatricia  -- Parrot Consultant -- 100% Positive Feedback on 1534 Pet Accepts
Published author, free lance bird behaviorist, adviser to the parrots at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
Reply
Sent March 11 1:57 a.m. (24 minutes and 19 seconds later)

Thanks for your response. I'm not sure how much a vet could do at this point, because the bleeding has basically stopped. Externally, you can tell that his tongue is bleeding, because it looks fresh. Compared to earlier, the flow is much, much slower--But it's not dripping or anything.

Should I try getting him to eat some flour? Also, how long do you think I should wait for him to eat something before I get even more worried? How long does it take for something like this to heal? Thank you for your concern--I really appreciate it! :)
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 11 2:10 a.m. (12 minutes and 45 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

I would not try anything with the flour or cornstarch. Both those are safe and usually effective for bleeding on other parts of the body but I'd be afraid of him possibly aspirating some of it into his lungs. That's not a risk I'd want to take with him. If he got something dry and powdery like that on his tongue or in his mouth it might make him "wallow" his tongue around trying to get rid of it and maybe make the bleeding worse instead of better. What a vet could do would depend on just how serious or deep the cut may be. If it were bad enough, it might need a stitch or two. And if the bleeding reached the danger point, he would be right there where they could supplement him with IV fluids if needed. They would probably also give him a dose of preventative antibiotics. If the bleeding stops and if it's not too sore, he will probably start eating again in about 24 hours or so. But make sure he has plenty of soft, warm foods. Offer his favorite juicy fruits and some steamed, mashed up veggies and similar foods. Nothing rough that might start the bleeding again. As for how long it might take to heal, that is not something I could even try to guess at for you, from long distance, not knowing the exact location, nor the severity of the cut or injury. You are most welcome for any help I'm able to give. I just wish there was more I could offer. I'll be signing off here pretty soon but I'll check in first thing tomorrow. Try not to worry too much. They pick up on our moods so well and if he senses you are stressed, it may make him more stressed. I know, easier said than done when we have a hurt bird but give it your best shot. I'll keep him in my thoughts tonight. Patricia

Edited by Patricia on March 11 2008 at 2:10am


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PicturePatricia  -- Parrot Consultant -- 100% Positive Feedback on 1534 Pet Accepts
Published author, free lance bird behaviorist, adviser to the parrots at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

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