John and Gizmo from London - any advice on injured nostrils?

[Johnt]

Hi, I am John, I live on London and I have had Gizmo, a hawk-headed parrot since he was a baby, he is now 19 years old. The reason I joined the forum today is to ask whether anybody knows about parrots' nostrils' health. Gizmo injured himself last week, his left- hand side cere has been injured and he has been scratching that area a lot since. Now the whole membrane on that side is gone... The area looks a bit wet every now and then and he sneezes a bit. He seems ok, but I am really worried as on the left-hand side the nostril is exposed and there is a large hole. I am seeing the avian expert on Monday but was wondering if anybody knows more about membrane/cere, can this be serious? Will it grow again? Anything would help... I can post an image if that would help. I would be grateful for any advice, and thanks to all for reading in advance. Many thanks, John

 

[Johnt]

Here is a picture of poor Gizmo... We would be grateful for any advice... Thanks, John

 

[RavensGryf]

Hi John, welcome. I also have had a baby who is now 19! Robin my RB parrot. Your Gizmo is a beautiful bird!

I do have a similar experience with Raven my Pi. When he was a baby, a sibling punctured a toenail through Raven's nare. It caused a sinus infection that the breeder took care of. Well, (my vet said) once a bird ever has had a sinus infection, it can occur again throughout life. Not necessarily, but chances are high - like some otherwise healthy humans, certain people get recurring sinus infection throughout their lives. It did happen to Raven, as the old injury from the toenail caused the right nostril to be permanently larger, and the tissue more open than a normal nare. Despite being clean and on a good diet, he has a slight infection at this time. I caught it right away and took him in. The vet gave him an injection (series of 2 a week apart).

Symptoms sound like a sinus infection to me John. Have an avian vet check this out and diagnose for appropriate method of treatment. Good luck!

* Edit - I just read again that you have a vet appt for Gizmo. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[thekarens]

No useful advice, but I wanted to welcome you and say Gizmo is gorgeous!

 

[TessieB]

A veterinary exam is needed. He's probably incubating a respiratory infection. I hope he does well!

 

[Johnt]

Dear friends, thank you all for your lovely comments and welcome, advice - I just saw all the messages. Gizmo was off to the vet today, and appartently he is 100% healthy and didn't need anything other than rest!!! His membrane may not develop totally on the left side, but that's only cosmetic. And, by the way, he hated the check up, you would think he was getting murdered! He is relaxed now that he is back home and is resting on my knee! Again, thank you all. I am grateful. John