By Peter Cragg, DVM
The Woodlands, TX
NCS Veterinary Consultant - 1988

HAIR TOXICITY

An increasing number of birds have been treated for poisoning from hair spray. The birds perch on their owner's shoulder and chew on the hair, ingesting some of the chemical. Signs of toxicity include:

• loss of equilibrium

• difficulty perching

• erratic and twitching body movements

Most birds recover with supportive care over a 10 to 12 day period. Fatalities have occurred if the bird is not removed from repeated exposure to the hair spray.

CAT BITES

Cats have a bacteria (Pasteurella spp.) in their mouth that is fatal to birds. This bacteria is injected deep into the bird tissues during a bit, where it multiplies rapidly. Affected birds are puffed up (cold) and inactive. Death usually follows in 24 to 48 hours after the bite. Even birds that have no visible bleeding will often have bite and claw wounds under the feathers. The cat's claws may also be contaminated with Pasteurella, so just a scratch can cause illness and death.

If you have a cat, keep it away from your birds. If a cat tangles with your bird, whether it is a Finch or a Macaw, seek help immediately. Prompt treatment (within 12 to at the most 24 hours) by your avian veterinarian is usually effective.

INJURY

A bird owner calls the emergency clinic after hours and reports that her Cockatoo had been attacked by her dog. The duty doctor recommended that the bird be brought in for an exam. Because the bird appeared normal except for some wet ruffled feathers, the owner declined. The duty doctor suggested that her bird be examined by an avian veterinarian first thing in the morning. The following day the bird still appeared to be doing well and the owner again decided not to take the bird in for a check-up. Two days later, the bird was very ill and was taken to the emergency clinic. In spite of extensive treatment by the duty veterinarian and myself, the bird died.

What happened? Birds have a poorly developed clotting system. If the injury is serious enough and enough vessels damaged, the bird will continue to bleed until it bleeds to death internally. The above bird had a puncture wound in it's side under the wing. A large bruise and a broken rib allowed the formation of a blood blister that drained into an abdominal air sac. As the blood slowly filled the air sac, it interfered with normal breathing. Eventually, the Cockatoo drowned in its own blood. It is vitally important to have all injured birds examined by an avian veterinarian. Even minor injuries may require being in the hospital for several days to insure that bleeding is controlled and the bird is out of the danger period. Many caged birds cost a great deal of money ... please don't be penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to their health.