Ever had a sparrow hawk in desperate need of some warm fluids but it's stressed out and moving, and restaining would cause more harm to inject SC?
In practice we have found that placing a mug of boiling water (obviously not so close the bird could get to it) works really well, the steam from the water is inhaled and generally is just enough to give the bird the basic fluids it needs so it can function normally and then eat. Doing this two or three times per day for a couple of days is generally all thats needed.
This tip was passed to me years ago by the late Mr M Corner MRCVS.
PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.
It's also one to remember for more domesticated avian species, such as chickens where cost can often prohibit TX and possibly also smaller pet species such as budgies. I wish our knowledge of birds was a bit broader! It's quite difficult treating these lovely animals sometimes :(
Thanks for all of your comments Katielou - this tip is based more for the wild fractious birds of prey and for situations where handling the bird (quite often when you are on your own) is dangerous - obviously placing an IV line would be the best approach but when there is high risk to staff, high cost (which is covered by the practice) and no wildlife hospitals/ exotic specialists for 40 miles or open at 3am and it can just help enough to save a life.
Thanks for your survey. I completed it a week or so back. It will be interesting to see the results. Where are you working/whats the reason for the survey? Its an interesting topic, it unfortunately saddens me to think about the care wildlife receive in some general practices. I hope you get alot of usefull feedback.
hello, i wondered if those interested in this article and author woudln't mind sparing a few moments to fill out my online survey on wildlife treatment
www.surveymonkey.com/.../32VNGMX
thank you
Of course if it is not owned or is wild a bird of prey centre is a good call. Knowledge and skill is needed when handling and treating birds generally, especially birds of prey. IV cath placement in any bird wound never be done concious as we would a cat or dog. Working for an avian specialist has contributed to furthering my knowledge and career with exotics and wildlife considerably. Its great to know for all general practices, exotics hospitals are always willing to help/advice whenever needed as we understand exotics/birds are tricky creatures :)
its obviously a practical approach (the mug that is), placing and maintaining an iv catheter in a bird of pray is dangerous to both us and the bird and usually if a sick bird has come in to practice the 1st thing that is done is to phone a raptor rescue charity or the rspb. good tip thankyou!!
woops, sorry im clearly too impatient and accidentally posted twice!
This seems like a strange approach to treating sick birds. Sparrow hawks can get upset depending if they are an in print or wild. However I cant help but feel if a sparrow hawk was so unwell that their owner/falconer cant treat usually needs more skilled care and attention. Surely if it was so sick gavage feeding and maybe placing an iv cath for iv fluids would be a more reliable approach!? Obviously caring for the avian species take knowledge, care and skill. Thanks for your post. Hope this helps
Amazing. Thank you! Where do you work?