Dog attack

[bsnyder]

19 days ago my newly adopted shelter dog caught my Lovebird sunning himself. Totally my fault for not being right there. We have a Shih Poo who is friends with the Lovebird but the new dog didn't know any better. Anyway, we got to the nearest avian vet two days later (distance and weather held us back). He has a broken foot, a beak injury and a small injury under his eye. He had 10 days oral antibiotics and 5 days pain meds. I have to say that this bird has never been handled and I have had him for 14 years so the whole process has been stressful. He got his cast off after 11 days and the vet said he should be fine just a little stiff and weak. Well, he still acts like he is in shock. He is eating and I think drinking but I am wondering if there is anything more I should be doing for him. Breaks my heart to see him just sleeping all the time. I am calling his vet again today but thought I would ask here also.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

So glad hes alive . Keep calling the vet.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Oh poor bub...bless his heart! He's so lucky to be alive, yes!!

I'm venturing a guess here that all the handling has stressed him out something fierce, along with the injuries he sustained.

Once he's off all the meds, give him some time, and hopefully he'll be his old self again after a while.

Definitely consult with your vet about this. Good luck, and please keep us posted.

 

[TessieB]

I'm not sure what he's getting for pain, but sometimes you will get the 'zombie' effect with certain pain meds. I hope your little buddy recovers.

 

[bsnyder]

I talked to Ziggy's dr yesterday. She is puzzled also but does agree that it has been a lot of stress on such a little body. She recommended getting a product called Sunshine Factor to give him a little boost in energy and wellness. I ordered it and it should be here tomorrow. Has anyone used this product before?

 

[Kalidasa]

I would say let him rest as much as he wants, they need lots of sleep and quiet time to heal. Is the dog around the bird at all? Because that would be an enormous amount of stress, considering he was attacked by that dog. Hope he feels better soon. My conure had injuries not as bad as your bird, and it took over a month to heal enough for him to fly again. Birds go into deep shock when they're attacked, so it will take time.

 

[goalerjones]

Sleep is good. But keep an eye on him for signs of further illness.

 

[bsnyder]

Thanks for all your thoughts. I am stressed enough I can imagine how poor little Zig feels. Now I am also concerned that his beak is getting too long. He has always taken care of it himself, I will have to see if I can interest him in his cuttle bone a little. He did seem somewhat improved on Friday evening and some yesterday.

 

[goalerjones]

Grooming takes extra energy. I doubt that the beak will grow dangerously long in the time it takes for him to be ready for more than the very minimal functions like eating sleeping and digesting. Their metabolism is very fast so let him show you that He is ready for more activities. He can become overwhelmed easily right now.

 

[Taw5106]

When I had my parakeet Tweety, years ago, our dachshund got him and he stopped short but not enough to leave a puncture in his back. I ran to my Mom, begged to take him to the vet but we didn't have the money. She had me put him in his cage, in my room, cover his cage and close the bedroom door. There wasn't a lot of blood but I was so upset. Mom said to let him rest and calm down. I went back in the room and sat with him for hours in the quiet, with the front of his cage uncovered. It took a couple of weeks but he bounced back 100%. We kept him in my room and kept Festus, the dog out. I think the quiet and calmness are big factors that help them a lot. That was my experience. I have three dogs and one parrot now, I'm cautious with them all but working them all to be use to or around, not alone, and not with Buddy out of his cage except one time and after that time, not again for me. Best of luck for you both. The worry is horrible.