Need help again :(

[Sidi]

Hi.

Another problem has befallen my pigeon and I need some more help.

There is bleeding under its wing and I’m not even sure why. I can’t see any damage, a cut or an injury but the blood appears to be originating from more than one point. It has been like this for 24 hours and it won’t stop.

New feathers have been growing lately and I think the bird has been plucking them hard enough to cause them to bleed, but I was under the impression that pigeons did not do this?

Is this normal? How do I stop the bleeding?

Please help!

Sid

[cyro51]

Hi Sid,

It is not something that I have experienced but it sounds as if it could be a single blood feather that is broken and is causing continuous bleeding. This must be corrected because the blood loss is serious.

Examine the pigeon carefully and read this link carefully as it tells you how to identify a broken blood feather and how to correct the bleeding:

http://www.mytoos.com/bloodfeather.html

Please let us know how you get along.

Cynthia

[Sidi]

Hi,

I’ve had a very close look at the bleeding. I still see no signs of injury at all.

The blood is appearing from the follicles of the new feathers and there are a number of them which are bleeding, so it doesn’t look like a blood feather. I need to do something quite soon because I am worried about the amount of blood being lost. Applying a bandage hasn’t stemmed the flow - I’ve just ended up with a red piece of cloth.

The pigeon has been very quite today and has eaten very little. I think this time we are not going to be so lucky…

Sidi

[texanpioneers]

Is Ther A Chance Your Bird Came In Contact With Any Rat Poision? Rat Poision Causes Thinning Of The Blood And It Seeps For The Pores Of The Skin.

[cyro51]

Hi Sid,

I am afraid that all I can suggest is plucking any feather that is bleeding. You can't stop the follicle from bleeding but if you remove the feather then the bleeding should stop.

He is losing too much blood and cannot sustain this loss.



Cynthia

[Sidi]

Hi

No, to the question about rat poison. We don’t have any.

We will attempt the plucking. I’m just afraid of it going wrong and ending up with more bleeding, especially since there are some five follicles which are being affected.

Sid

[cyro51]

Try plucking one and see what happens. If that stops the bleeding in that area go to the next one.

As Kimberley appears to be around I will ask her to have a look at this post.

Cynthia

[Sidi]

I have done some plucking and fortunately it went better than I expected. The bleeding appears to have stopped.

In the meantime, though, I am still concerned about its current state. It’s not eating. I tried forcing a seed into its mouth but it just left it there instead of swallowing. In doing so, I noticed its tongue was a very pale white instead of the usual pink. Also, its eyes are yellow instead of orange. It’s not moving or responding to being touched, but just sits there with its eyes closed.

Do I take it that these are all symptoms of having lost blood or could it be ill with something else? Can I assume it will reproduce, on its own, the blood it has lost or will it need something done to it?

Many thanks as always

Sid

[cyro51]

Hi Sidi,

Please for a start keep it very warm.

I think it is loss of blood and he is in shock. Don't try to feed him any more.


What he really needs is to have Hartmann's fluids injected into him by a vet.

You could offer him some International Rehydrating Solution to drink if he is up to it, but don't force him.

Mix 1/2 litre of warm watrer with 1/2 tablespoon of glucose (or sugar if you don't have glucose) and half a teaspoon of salt. Serve it to him at room temperature.

Treat him gently.

Cynthia

[cyro51]

KImberley couldn't log on so sshe asked me to post this on her behalf:

I am very concerned about the continued bleeding. Even blood feathers usually do not bleed that long in a healthy bird. My concern is that there are other issues going on. First, that bird needs fluids immediately. It would be preferable if they could be injected, but there is some concern about puncturing the skin if there is a bleeding issue. Ideally, those feathers would be removed, but if you can't stop any of the bleeding, it may just make it worse. I would pull one of the feathers, put continued pressure for 5 minutes on the open follicle, and see if that stops. If it is successful, do another one at a time. If it does not stop the bleeding, more needs to be done. In the interim, corn starch can be applied to stem a little of the bleeding, but it probably is too little too late. Wrapping the wing in a pressure bandage might also be a temporary fix. Is there no veterinarian available? This bird should be seen by someone immediately. Don't forget that it is very painful to pull feathers, and dangerous on the wings. You must be sure to have a gentle but firm hand at this, and support the bone so you don't break the poor thing's wing. You must put the hemostat or plyers or tweezers close to the skin, but do not grab the skin or you will tear it. Pull gently, steadily -- do not yank it out.

This is critical. Can you get this to a rehabber if you can't find a vet?

Good luck,
Kimberly

It really is vital to get him to a vet or rehabber now, just to pull him through. Please try!

Cynthia

[Sidi]

Dear All

Sadly, pigeon died earlier this evening. The bleeding had recommenced and plucking could not stop it. It became very weak and couldn't come back. At least it suffers no more.

How is it that three days ago it was completely fine, and now…

Why is it that everyone I choose to love leaves me?

This is to be my last post. Thanks to all who responded to my calls for help.

Sid

[AZWhitefeather]

I am so sorry.

Cindy

[cyro51]

I am so sorry, Sid. Losing a pigeon that you have raised yourself must be heartbreaking. I am certain that it understood that it was a very special and loved pigeon.

Take care of yourself,

Cynthia

[Lin Hansen]

Sid,

I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure your pigeon would rather have stayed with you than anything else in the world.
You should not make this your last post....there is no reason for you to leave the forum....if you are grieving, it would probably help you to share your grief with people who will understand. Not everyone out in the "real world" understands how we all feel about our birds. So if you are feeling low, come back and visit, it just may help.

Take care,
Linda