| Yes, an autopsy is an option. Given the pre-existing condition though,
some would say an unnecessary expense. The vet is only human and works
with a limited amount of information, relying mostly on what we, the
bird's owner, tell him or her. There might have been something in the
cage that the bird caught its tongue on that was not removed (maybe
the subject never came up of looking for sharp objects in the cage?).
I have had 'tiels catch themselves on swings I hadn't noticed had
developed a dangerous opening in the loop that attached the swing to the
ceiling of the cage. I haven't heard anything about 'tiels or other
birds being known for _often and regularly_ biting their tongues, but
sure, they could I suppose. I think it is more likely that the bird
encountered the same object again or irritated the wound trying to
crack a sunflower shell, for instance, which would have started the
bleeding again.
It is always tragic to try to help, then have the bird die without you
there. I extend my sincerest sympathies to your friend, having been
through this myself. There is only so much an owner or a vet can do.
Eleven is in the twilight years for most 'tiels, although there are always
exceptions. It could be that the stress of being reinjured was enough to
tip the scales. If your friend does talk to the vet, it may help the vet
understand at least what happened here. Yes, maybe next time the vet would
recommend an antibiotic, but often minor flesh wounds heal just fine so
long as they are kept clean, and antibiotics bring with them their own
health hazards. And yes, maybe the bird could have been on soft foods for
longer--it is always a judgement call that _both_ the vet and the
owner make, hopefully together.
I had a vet tell me to separate a female lovebird from her mate while
I was giving her injections to treat her for lead poisoning (She chewed
some paint off a window sill when she got out through a cage door I
stupidly didn't not check to be sure it was locked--she's a notorious
escape artist to this day.) She was very underweight. I decided
it was more important that her mate be with her (he fed her regularly
and helped her gain weight) and in this case I turned out to be right.
I could have been wrong. I decided the vet was telling me the standard
thing, but this pair was and is very bonded and separation would harm
them both. (They have five beautiful babies in the nest right now...)
Your friend did their best and so did the vet. If your friend lacks
confidence in the vet's judgement now, perhaps it is best to move on.
But the next vet is also only going to be able to apply the art of
avian medicine. It is not yet and may never be an exact science.
Oh how I wish it were.....
Be sure the vet is an avian specialist, not someone who 'also treats
birds'. Membership in AAV (the Association of Avian Veterinarians) is
usually a sign of at least a serious interest in this area, but does
_not_ guarantee competence or experience. There are no pre-requisites
to membership. (Anyone is welcome to join and receive the magazine who
is willing to spend the money to learn more about what is being done
today in avian medicine.)
Linda
|
| Linda,
Thanks very much for the long reply. I'll pass along your thoughts to
my friends.
As far as sharp things in the cage, that was suggested to them and they
checked several
times but could not find anything. An autopsy was done and
it is suspected that Dusty had some form of liver disease. I believe
more tests have been done and they are
waiting on the results.
Again, thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Laurie
|
| Laurie
It's always very painful when a pet bird dies if this bird had a long
life or not. Six weeks ago my triton cockatoo died, unexpectedly for
me, after more than twelve years close relationship. She was like a
two-year old child for me. And we had tough times together as she had
several diseases during this time. But at last, we lost the fight.
And she died very fast in a special hospital for birds, which I only
found last year. We knew that she had a kidney disease for which
she got some injections all three months. I put her to the hospital
when there came some blood out of her beak. And, after the autopsie,
we know that the had a liver desease so for small injuries the blood
could not coagulate anymore. The bleeded to death internal and nobody
was able to notice it in time.
But, from the autopsie we learnt, too, that she was very, very old,
about 90 years or more. But I only knew her for the last 12 years...
Ilona
|