Emergency care plan?

[IndySE]

I had such a terrible dream last night. I discovered Kermit gasping for air and almost motionless on the bottom of her cage. In my dream, I was scrambling to take her to an emergency after-hours vet, but realizing she wouldn't get the specialized care she would need from a non avian specialized vet. I was praying that she would make it until morning.

I was very relieved to wake up, but it still struck too close to home. There really aren't any avian vets that I know of in the So-Cal area that would have after-hours emergency care. Her actual vet was selected because they are an avian hospital, and thus could do complicated surgeries and care if needed, but they don't even work weekends.

I'm curious if anyone has any thoughts on emergency care, where every minute counts. I suspect it's one of those things that might be just beyond my control, but some thoughts on the matter would be much appreciated.

 

[SailBoat]

You have clicked on one of the real problems of Avian Care across North America. With the exceptions of the largest Cities having more than one Avian Care facility, let alone two Avian Care Professionals is unheard of!

Having excellent care that is truly twenty-four hour /365 is much nearer than a late-night dream. Just plain scary!

In the Amazon Forum and at the very end of the Huge Sticky Tread titled: I Love Amazons - ... is a First Aid Kit list of items needed to care for those dreaded moments. There is a movement to change the 'name' of these larger than standard kits to Emergency Medical Kits. This because what is included is a several levels above simple bandaids, etc... As of this date, I would add 'Liquid Skin' to the list (brand new, but should be available in larger medical supply stores).

If you are a member of a Local Bird Club, consider having them put on a "What should be included in a well stocked Emergency Medical Kit" Also, most Clubs have relationships with local CAV, or AQV that can be asked to provide a presentation of 'limited' home care to get you though a Weekend, etc....

FYI: You could provide that Segment for the First Aid Kit, but please remember to credit Parrot Forum and the contributing Authors.

Your local Red Cross also has classes on a wide cross-section of medical emergency subject. Yes, they are all designed for Human care, but once you understand care at the Human level, the vast majority can be right-size to fit your Avian needs.

I have off-shore sailed for years and had always had a well equipped medical emergency kit on-board and have taken numerous courses on emergency subjects. Even on the Great Lakes, off-shore medical support is two to six hours before they are onsite! Have the equipment and basic skills saves lives!

Plan for the worst and rejoice if it is never needed!

 

[BeatriceC]

Where in SoCal are you? If you're in the San Diego area, the VCA on Hotel Circle contracts with Dr. Jeff Jenkins and his office partner on an on-call basis for avian/exotic cases. They will call them when a bird (or other exotic) comes in, and if necessary, the on call vet will come into the hospital to treat the animal, even if it's 3am. If I recall correctly, there's a 24 hour emergency vet somewhere in LA county with a similar agreement with an avian/exotic practice there, though I can't recall where in LA county.

 

[texsize]

I have unfortunately had this come true.
It's terrible to watch a beloved pet suffer and have no way to take care of it.
Not even to be able to put the poor think out of it's suffering.

 

[IndySE]

Thank you all for your responses.

Sailboat;; Thank you ! I will look into acquiring more of these items to have my own home first aid kit. Thus far I only have the qwik stop powder, a towel, some scissors, tweezers, and plyers to handle a broken blood feather. I am not a part of an avian club, though if I were to ever find one close to my area I think I would join. The particular instance in my dream, gasping for air, however seems like something beyond even a home care kit. You would probably need an oxygen chamber ?

BeatriceC; alas, both those areas are out of my range. The avian vet I go to is in Mission Viejo, though at a 45 minute drive, even that is an ordeal to drive to for me.

texsize; I am so sorry to hear that We lost our dog to a car a few years back, and even with an emergency vet just down the road, she died in the parking lot. Sometimes, there's not much that can be done.

 

[Scott]

Terrible dream, hope this never comes true.

Have you asked your preferred avian vet for advice? They generally give recommendations to clinics with overnight and weekend emergency services. Unfortunately very few of such practices have certified avian specialties. You will be lucky to find one that has an evening vet with more than rudimentary expertise. Still, in many cases they can stabilize a patient and buy precious time for proper care during normal hours.

 

[Scott]

Where in SoCal are you? If you're in the San Diego area, the VCA on Hotel Circle contracts with Dr. Jeff Jenkins and his office partner on an on-call basis for avian/exotic cases. They will call them when a bird (or other exotic) comes in, and if necessary, the on call vet will come into the hospital to treat the animal, even if it's 3am. If I recall correctly, there's a 24 hour emergency vet somewhere in LA county with a similar agreement with an avian/exotic practice there, though I can't recall where in LA county.

Wow, that is good to know, thanks for the tip!!