Scratch on cheek

EdgesofTwilight · Mar 16, 2017

Cosmo, my Hahn's macaw, the other day scratched his cheek between the base of his beak and his eye. Not sure if he did it while playing with a toy or if he did it with one of his nails while scratching. It was a red line going across where it could have been his nails. I cleaned the area and called the vet and left a message with the receptionist for the doctor to call me back if there is anything else I could do or put on it. But they never called me back and they were closed yesterday. I have Neosporin + cream and was wondering if it's OK to put on it just in case. The red line has subsided to a pink and slightly puffy area. And it doesn't seem to bother him.

Owlet · Mar 16, 2017

If it doesn't seem to bother him just keep an eye on it and watch to see if the puffiness goes done and it doesn't develop into something worse. Could just heal on its own if it didn't actually break any skin I wouldn't he too worried about it but try and find out what caused it to prevent any worse incidents.

SilverSage · Mar 16, 2017

Agreed; never put any sort of human medication in/on your bird without direct orders from a vet

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EdgesofTwilight · Mar 16, 2017

Thanks for the advice! I wasn't going to do anything unless it got worse and was directed to do so.

It happened Monday after the vet closed. I'm sorta disappointed in them for not returning my call. Cosmo's cheek is a lot better when I got home from work today. Just a little coloration but no swelling. You probably wouldn't be able to tell unless you knew what it was.

I checked all his toys and nothing has any sharp edges. However his nails are kinda sharp and I just had them trimmed last month when he had his yearly checkup at the vet. I have a couple cement perches in his cage, but it seems like he somehow purposely sharpens his nails and beak. Lol

Is there any natural/homeopathic things I could do for something like that if it happens in the future?

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SassiBird · Mar 16, 2017

"Sterile isotonic saline with or without 0.05% chlorhexidine or 0.5-1.0% povidone iodine solution is recommended for wound lavage." - Avian Medicine (associated with Harrison's)
This has been my go-to avian medical research site. I research, I don't implement, but if you have the inclination go for it.

specific url for the quote above

Owlet · Mar 16, 2017

A saline rinse works but the problem is that just keeps it clean doesn't prevent pain / itchiness / other beneficial things. It's still really good to keep a wound clean to prevent infection but with animals it's also good to provide something to prevent itching and re-opening the wound. You could try mixing some aloe with the saline since aloe has lots of properties that make it good for wounds and/or burns, even in birds.

SassiBird · Mar 16, 2017

The saline is a carrier, and the chlorhexidine/iodine is a disinfectant. But you are correct, it would do nothing to relieve pain, itching or prevent the bird from disturbing the wound.

Notdumasilook · Mar 17, 2017

If the area looks like its healing ok I wouldn't bother it. Avoid ANY steroid creams. They mess up the birdies immune system.

EdgesofTwilight · Mar 17, 2017

I would never even think of using a steroid cream on him.

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Scratch on cheek

EdgesofTwilight

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Owlet

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Not again. I'm super stressed.

Worried about mercury or cfs poisoning.

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