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First Aid Kit |
Deciding
what should be in your first aid kit for avian emergencies will depend
on how comfortable you are in carrying out certain procedures, the availability
of an avian veterinarian in your area, and your own knowledge of avian
medicine.
The following is in my first aid kit for birds:
Rubbing alcohol and alcohol swabs
Hibitane (chlorhexidine) as a disinfectant. Do NOT use hydrogen peroxide
since it can cause tissue injury.
Silver nitrate sticks for bleeding nails. Do not use on blood feathers,
skin or beak (can cause tissue destruction and systemic toxicity but is
safe for nails). I no longer use Kwik Stop since I inadvertently got
some of the powder in a bird's eye resulting in conjunctivitis.
Artificial tears- in case of irritant eye exposures.
Gelfoam - stops bleeding from flesh wounds. I cut this into small pieces
suitable for applying to leg injuries. I get the Gelfoam from my avian
vet.
Tissue glue - to stop bleeding from non-damaged blood feathers.
Hemostat or needle tip pliers to remove broken blood feathers etc.
Sterile saline for irrigation.
Lactated Ringer's solution.
Gauze swabs.
Vetwrap.
Micropore tape.
Assorted bandages.
Tegaderm dressing - excellent for covering certain types of open wounds.
Aloe vera gel - may provide relief for scalds or burns.
Polysporin cream (topical antibiotic).
Scissors.
Assorted syringes for feeding, irrigation or for parenteral
administration of fluids. (I am able to give injections to my birds and
will give subcutaneous Lacated Ringer's solution if a bird is dehydrated
or in shock).
Oral electrolyte replacement preparation eg. Gastrolyte, Ricelyte
(powders that can be made up into solution for oral rehydration
therapy).
Handfeed formula ( for sick birds).
Antacid preparation - in case bird accidentally ingests an irritant
plant or substance. (I do not have poisonous plants in my home).
Hot/cold pack.
Wire cutters.
Magnifying head piece ("hoop") with light attached.
In addition to the above, I have an Aquabrood unit and a 10 gallon glass
aquarium with a cover already set up ready in which to place a sick or
injured bird. I place a heating pad under half of the aquarium. I also
have ready access to a portable oxygen unit for egg-binding and other
emergencies.
My kit is probably more extensive than necessary, but I have faced many
avian emergencies and am called upon quite frequently by friends for
help in their emergencies.
Gillian Willis
Vancouver, B.C.
Copyright © Gillian A.Willis. Permission to
re-use any part of this text (whole or in part) must be obtained from
the author.
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