This main
section is made up of remedies that have been used many times with success.
Every case, however, is different. In some of the case histories mentioned
below, there may be a little deviation from the initial suggested medication
because the symptoms have been followed. A further explanation will
be found in the Bird Materia Medica section.
Hypercal, which has been mentioned often can be obtained as a cream,
ointment or tincture. Keep a stock of the cream and the tincture, because
the cream is soft and easy to apply, especially to parts that you want
to keep dry. The diluted tincture (not to be used neat because the pure
alcohol used in its formation will sting) is good for nasty wounds that
you do not want to touch, or others where a wet treatment is better.
Remember to stop or reduce dosage as soon as improvement occurs. Do
not feel, like in standard medicine, that you must finish a set course.
A small amount works far better, and in most cases, if there is no reaction
within two or three doses, then you have chosen the wrong remedy, so
look for an alternative.
Where several different remedies are needed, the order of severity is
of importance. It is no good treating a broken leg if the patient is
going to die very soon of shock
Abcess
Only occasionally do birds get abscesses and when they do it is mostly
due to infection from a wound.
Where there is redness, pain and throbbing but not much swelling use
Belladonna 30 1 dose every 2 hours (approx.) till improvement occurs.
Where there is much swelling with or without the other symptoms use
Apis 6 and dose as above.
If neither of these has controlled the inflammation then use Merc
Sol 6 dose as above.
If matter has formed, then use Hepar Sulph 6 and dose approximately
3 hours apart.
Antidote
to anaesthetic vapours
If a bird is slow coming round from an anaesthetic after surgery then
use Acetic Acid 6 at 15-minute intervals till the bird is conscious.
However only resort to this if you feel that recovery is definitely
too slow because it's administration limits further immediate use of
other remedies, as it is an antidote to some of them. It is an antidote
to Aconite Helar Sulph Ignatia Opium. As Aconite in turn antidotes
Acetic Acid, then a dose or two of Aconite afterwards will nullify any
further action and enable you to continue further treatment as required.
The problem, of course, is the delay in administering any further treatment.
Case
History
A black-headed gull had a badly broken wing and the skin was torn and
ragged. The bird had to be anaesthetised so the bone could be replaced
under the skin and the lacerations stitched up. There was a fair amount
of blood loss and the patient was therefore weak and very slow to come
round, so she was given Acetic Acid 6, two doses, fifteen minutes apart.
She came round and was standing on her feet twenty minutes after the
aministration of the first dose.
Bereavement
Some types of bird will mate for life if possible, and are greatly upset
if they lose their mates. There are exceptions, where one is not loyal
and flies off to find another mate, but that is another story! Swans
can suffer a lot if a mate dies, and the surviving one often just sits
around waiting. The danger is that they can give up the desire to eat
and slowly fade away. The remedy is Ignatia 200 -one dose a day for
several days, but no more than a week. It is prefered to drop the potency
to 30 if there is any reason to continue dosing. If the bird is not
eating by this stage, then you can resort to annoying the patient, to
get a positive reaction. This can be done this by repeatedly throwing
some moist food onto their backs. They grab it and toss it away. If
this is continued they not only get the taste of food, by picking it
up, but their annoyance brings them out of their listlessness.
Case
History
A cob or male swan, had tragically witnessed the death of his mate and
was found several days later, still sitting by her body. He did not
resist being picked up except for a miserable hiss. He was taken to
the sanctuary and placed in a warm room with other swans, but he refused
to eat. He was given Ignatia 200 each day for three days, and during
that time the doctor kept making a nuisance of himself by throwing a
handful of moist Vitalyn dog food onto the swan's snowy white back.
He hissed his annoyance and grabbed beak fulls of it to throw away,
but each time the swan began to get a taste of it. By the end of the
third day he had joined the others with his beak in the bowl of food.
He did not actually stand up for another two days as the shock of his
bereavement had weakened him. It would have been useless to take him
back to his lake as the memory would have upset him again, so he was
kept with others, until he found a new lady friend, a young pen who
had just got her adult colour in her bill. When they became firm friends
they were taken to his old lake and released together. Fortunately the
lake had not been taken over by another pair of swans.
Bleeding
This is covered more specifically in other sections e.g. Injuries but
a general guide is set out here. Usually the use of Hypercal is sufficient
to stop bleeding and commence good healing, however, sometimes haemorrhage
occurs where we must act quickly.
For open, painful wounds, with weakness from loss of blood, also after
operations, use Hamamelis 30 for 3 or 4 doses (½ hour to 1 hour apart
as necessary).
For a weak bird with sepsis and/or skin a dark purple colour use Lachesis
30 and dose as above.
An excellent healer to deep tissue after surgery is Bellis Perennis
30 - dose 3 or 4 times over a couple of days.
Case
History A moorhen flew low over a road straight into a moving car.
Fortunately, the driver stopped and picked up the practically unconscious
bird. When he arrived at the hospital, he was bleeding from his beak,
his eyes were shut and his limbs, head and neck hung as though he were
dead. He was fighting for breath through the blood. Death can soon follow
this sort of situation. His head was held down with the tip of his beak
just touching water, which if done with care can draw the blood from
the mouth. As soon as possible, he was turned right way up and given
a Calendula 30 which stopped further bleeding very quickly. He was then
given Aconite 30 for shock in the second instance, because the main
urgency was to stop the bleeding. Because his injury was from a blow,
and there was fear of possible concussion, so the Aconite was followed
with two doses of Arnica, 2 hours apart. The bird flew away a week later.
Blows
Arnica is marvellous for alleviating shock after a blow and also helps
to reduce the pain, swelling and bruising. As birds are quick to die
from shock, Arnica 30 3 or 4 times in the day (or shorter time duration
- if urgently needed) can make all the difference from winning or losing
the patient.
If the bone has been bruised, then follow the Arnica the following
day with Ruta 6 or 30, twice a day for up to a week if needed.
Sometimes if the joint is stiff, may be after suspected bruising,
then Calc carb 30 is good for 2 to 3 doses.
Case
History
A cock sparrow was found by the road-side, his leg semi-paralysed. Presuming
he was hit by a car on the base of his spine, he was given Arnica 30
and after three doses, two hours apart, he began to move this leg. He
was standing up the following morning and was given another Arnica.
He flew off the next day.
Broken
Bones
This causes shock, fear, pain and if not treated quickly, infection
and/or swelling soon follows.
At firest, we must treat the bird for shock, and we have two choices
open to us.
If the bird is hot and agitated and there are skin lacerations, give
Aconite 200 for one dose.
If the skin is intact and the bird calm, then give Arnica 200 for
one dose.
The next stage is to set the broken bones, which is usually a vets
job. If for some reason it must be a do-it-yourself job then use something
for a spling. If a wing bone is broken, bind the wing in a closed position,
aligning the broken bone and using the good bone next to it as a splint.
Masking tape is excellent as it holds very well and can be taken off
easily with scissors. Sticking plaster should be used sparingly as it
can do much damage in its removal. Do not bind the wing to the body
unless you have no choice as birds usually react badly to this, either
falling over, or finding it difficult to breathe or refusing to eat
because their crop feels restricted. Another problem is the wing remaining
stiff afterwards.
If a leg bone is broken, then a feather quill serves very well as
a splint and can be bound with masking tape, keeping the broken ends
together.
The healing time varies with the bone size and the muscle power. On
average, a leg takes two weeks and a wing three weeks. A small bird
will heal quicker than a big bird.
Give Symphytum 30 for about a quarter of the healing time, twice a
day. This will speed up healing and give a strong, healthy join. It
also helps to relieve pain during and after healing.
Stiff limbs sometimes result from a break but frequently clear within
days or a few weeks. Further medication for this can be found under
the section "Wings".
Case
Histories
(i) A collared dove had the upper bone of its wing broken and a little
hole punctured the skin where the bone was protruding.
The bird was very calm and quiet so he was given Arnica 30 to stop the
bruising and the bone was pulled back into the right place. Using masking
tape the bone was bound to the lower part of the wing to use it as a
splint, and one more piece of tape was used to lift the drooping lower
edge as it was weak but not broken. Hypercal tincture was dripped into
the hole made by the bone. The bird was standing within the hour and
feeding by the end of the day. He had a course of Symphytum 30 twice
a day for 5 days and after three weeks the binding was carefully removed
and the bones felt. It was a good mend but the wing was stiff as the
muscles had been strained. However, after a few weeks in an aviary where
he could get about by walking up branches, he soon had his wing moving
as he practised floating down from his perch. It was about two months
before he could lift off and fly upwards and then he was released.
(ii) A mallard drake had a broken leg. It was set using the flat section
of a swans quill as a splint. Symphytum was given daily for four days
and after two weeks the binding was removed. The leg had repaired so
well it was difficult to believe that it had been broken.
(iii) A little owl was hit by a passing car and found lying with his
legs sticking out behind him. One was badly strained and the other was
broken. The first treatment was Arnica for the pain and shock and to
relieve bruising. Then his leg was set using part of a feather quill.
He could not stand up because of the strained leg which he was unable
to move. He was laid down on his front, but slightly elevated, so he
could move his head and feed from a little bowl placed near his beak.
He was given Symphytum in the morning and Ruta 30 in the evening for
the strained leg. Normally only one medication is given at a time so
that we can monitor the reaction to it. In this case the Symphytum was
a timed course for the bone, and if we had waited, the delay could have
been damaging to the strained leg, causing it to remain stiff or useless.
By the time the binding had been taken off the broken leg, the little
owl was able to stand, putting a bit of his weight on the strained leg.
After a few weeks he was as good as new and was released.
Chills
Birds usually get a chill in wet weather especially when for some reason
their plumage has lost its waterproofing, allowing water to penetrate
their skin.
The symptoms are a fluffed-out appearance indicating that they are cold,
usually with their heads under their wings or pulled down low to their
bodies. Eyes are often closed, or have a lifeless, dejected expression.
Sometimes they are watery. If the chill has gone down to the chest,
they will be wheezing.
If the bird is wet or it is wet weather the first choice would be
Dulcamara 30. Dose the bird 2 or 3 times a day for approximately 3 days,
depending on its reaction.
If the bird is shivery and cold, with its right foot warm and its
left foot cold then use Lycopodium 30 and dose as above.
If the weather is cold, dry and windy and particularly if the bird
is hot and restless then the choice would be Aconite 30 and dose as
before.
If the bird is cold, restless and anxious and the weather is changeable,
choose Arsenicum 30.
If the bird is very tired, without fear but still fluffed-up and looking
ill, give it Gelsemium 30.
Case
Histories
(i) A peahen was found in rainy weather just sitting, with her head
tucked under her wing. She was very drowsy and thin and had no strength
to stand. She was put in a warm, dry place and given Dulcamara 30 twice
a day for three days. This was all she needed to put her on her feet
in addition to feeding, although it was a couple of weeks before her
weight returned.
(ii) An adult-sized cygnet was found in wet, cold conditions. She could
not stand, was shivering and had wet nostrils. All she wanted was to
be left alone to sleep. On examination, she was found to have one hot
foot and one cold foot, so she was treated with Lycopodium 30. Over
the next couple of days she began to improve and was standing and eating
by the end of the fourth day.
(iii) A chaffinch came in with a face wet from running eyes. The weather
was cold and windy one day, and mild and wet the next, so the remedy
choice was Arsenicum, especially as the bird was nervous and restless,
in spite of having little strength. It took only two doses to get him
settled and eating. The next day his face was dry and the following
day he flew away.
Collapse
Sometimes we have to deal with the urgent situation of a bird that has
collapsed. There is one remedy in homeopathy that is known affectionately
as the Corpse reviver. Always have this on hand. As you must have
a fast response it has to be Carbo Veg 200 as the 30 would not react
quickly enough.
If the bird is cold and barely breathing, or gasping weakly, unable
even to hold up its head- give Carbo Veg 200, 1 dose every ½ hour until
improvement sets in.
When the bird can open its eyes and hold up its head then change to
Sulphur 200 for up to 3 doses, 3 hours apart. If further medication
is required then reduce the potency of Sulphur and Carbo Veg and continue
to dose one of each alternatively for up to 3 days, 5 hours apart.
Occasionally a bird is desperately taking short, gasping, breaths,
but not wheezing, particularly if its legs are abnormally mottled. Here
Oxalic Acid 12, given every 15 minutes for 2 to 5 doses, can work wonders.
If the bird is lacking energy after the first treatment then a few
doses of Gelsemium 30 should improve matters.
If a herring gull, a lesser or great black-backed gull is unable to
stand, wings and head hanging, and gasping for air, sometimes wheezing,
also hot and salivating, a good remedy is Ipecacuanha 30. Dose 1 every
hour for several doses.
Case
Histories
One hot summer within a period of ten days, over 40 gulls came to a
sanctuary and after treatment all but one
were able to fly away; some within 2 or 3 days, some by the end of 2
or 3 weeks, and some of the bigger ones taking longer.
(i) Two herring gulls, both female, arrived in a state of collapse.
Both were very hot, with their wings and legs quite loose and floppy
as though without any bones. They were each settled in a box, side by
side, and given Ipecacuanha. There was only time for three doses before
bedtime. Next morning both were still alive, one improved and looking
around, altough through bleary eyes. The other one supporting her head
on the tip of her bill had her eyes shut. The treatment was changed
to Arnica 30 for the improved one as this continues well after Ipecacuanha.
in these circumstances. The other gull seemed to be breathing its last.
She was quickly given Opium 30 and after which she held up her head.
After one more dose the medicine was changed to Nat Mur 30 and she opened
her eyes and tried to peck the doctor. After several doses of Nat Mur
the gull had progressed in as much as she was breathing comfortably,
could hold up her head and keep her eyes open, but she was paralysed
from the shoulders down. She was given Gelsemium 30 which finally brought
life into her limbs. It took several doses over a couple of days, but
she stood and later was able to go outside with the others. Here you
can see two birds with apparrently the same symptoms but the disorder
took different turns, so much so that one nearly died
(ii) A black-headed gull had been found in a field unable to stand.The
farmer had been dressing the seed so it was a suspected case of poisoning,
possibly mercury. The gull was very sick, eyes nearly closed and having
difficulty in breathing. He was able to stand shakily but kept falling
over, in fact he seemed reluctant to lie down. Alumen should have been
used but as time was short, she was given Hepar Sulph 30, 3 times in
the one day. By evening he was much improved and by the following morning
he looked a different bird. He ate several sprats and flew off two days
later.
Concussion
A sign of concussion in birds is detected if one is standing with its
head hanging down between its legs, often with its head twisted to one
side. It could also be lying down, often with wings extended and again
with its head twisted or held sharply down against its neck. Sometimes
the bird flaps its wings as though trying to fly, but its eyes are closed
and its head and neck are as just mentioned. In this latter case the
bird often flutters round in circles dragging its legs behind it.
Concussion is usually caused by flying into window-panes or into moving
cars. Sometimes light-weight seabirds can be blown into buildings by
a strong wind.
The first remedy is Arnica 200, 3 or 4 doses, 1 hour apart. You can
carry on with Arnica 30 if necessary afterwards, but an early start
with 200 helps to avoid swelling of the head, and its consequential
pain. Obviously a bird cannot eat in this state so it must be helped
as quickly as possible. If you have to carry on the medication with
this potency then reduce the dosage to 4 doses day.
If the spine is injured and paralysis has set in, follow the Arnica
200 with Hypericum 200 with 2 to 3 doses, 2 hours apart. This is also
a powerful pain killer if the problem is nerve injury. After this you
could continue with Hypericum 30 for a few days.
If paralysis persists after this treatment, see section on Paralysis.
Case
History : Kestrel female
She was flying fast across a field and swooped low over a road and straight
into an oncoming car. She tried to swerve away, and so caught the blow
on her lower spine. She had total paralysis downwards of the hips and
great weakness in the shoulders. She lay on her front, a beautiful but
helpless creature, her black eyes staring fearfully and in bewilderment.
First she was given Arnica 200 and then Hypericum 200. It was four days
before she could push herself up by her wings. She had to be hand fed
with small pieces of meat; a whole (dead) day-old chick went down her
in a day. She was getting fitter but her legs did not improve at all
and remained sticking out behind her quite uselessly. The nerves had
obviously been badly injured. Ignatia 200 was then given once a day
for one week, and then once every four days for another 5 doses. Gradually
her legs began to move, and finally she got to her feet; legs spread
widely for support, but she was up. After this she had no more medication
as leg use was of the most importance, and the earlier medications would
still be having some effect. See Materia Medica for working times. You
may have noted that in the treatment mentioned above it has been directed
that, do this or that for only one or two days, and above you have just
read to use Ignatia 200 for one week.It is better to err on less rather
than more as it is safer that way, however, if you have a case like
the one above there is no reason why you cannot follow the same procedure,
but space out the doses in the same way.
An adult sized cygnet flew into some overhead power-lines and crashed
down to the field below, twisting a leg on landing. He burnt his neck
feathers but did not burn his flesh, neither did he break any bones.
He was very nervous and very aggressive. At first he was given one Arnica
200 for shock from trauma, and then had one dose a day for two more
days. The potency was then dropped to 30 and the Arnica continued for
one week, still at one per day. The twisted leg gradually returned to
its normal position, and the cygnet was able to hobble on it. The web,
however, remained closed as his toes were still affected. He was then
given Gelsemium 30, one a day for another week and watched as the web
began to move as the toes regained mobility. By this time the cygnet
was stamping around his room hissing at anyone he saw. He was a typical
juvenile telling the world what a grand chap he was. He was carried
outside to join other youngsters, and after a time he became inseparable
from a young pen, and the two eventually went off to a private lake.
The wings were intact, so it was up to the birds whether they stayed
or left.
Diarrhoea
Birds are prone to diarrhoea, often from the shock of an injury, or
an accident or just being caught or handled and caged. At other times
it is due to an infection, starvation, or from poisoned foods. After
surgery they sometimes have a bloody diarrhoea.
If it is caused by starvation it is often bright green and liquid.
Here Arsenicum 30 for 3 or 4 doses over a couple of days can clear it
up.
It it is dark or light brown, and the condition does not clear in
a day or two then Alum 30 can be given, doses as above.
After surgery Arnica 200 for two doses - 2 hours apart, should correct
any bloody diarrhoea and also aid healing and counter bruising, so it
does a multi-job.
If the weather is wet and the bird has a chill and diarrhoea, then
Dulcamara 30 will help.
For diarrhoea caused by emotion, Argentum Nit 30 can be helpful.
Case
History
A swan cob arrived and was very aggressive and nervous, he could stand
but with difficulty. His left leg kept sliding away from him sideways.
He had a very liquid diarrhoea but apart form the leg there did not
seem to be anything wrong with him. The treatment therefore had to be
for diarrhoea caused by shock. Presumably the swan had had an accdient
resulting in a sprained upper leg causing weakness there. As he was
agressive it was obviously affecting him emotionally, so he was given
Argentum Nit 30 twice a day for two days. On the third day he was walking
and his diarrhoea had cleared up. The Argentum Nit was chosen because
it would not only remedy the diarrhoea in those circumstances, but it
was ideal for lack of balance and withered legs. This particular swan
did not have a withered leg but the leg was weak with no obvious injury.
Feet
A bird can get a type of paralysis in the toes, when the toes droop
and the bird cannot open them. They are soft and floppy so can be walked
on with the toes curled underneath. Two or three days on Plumbum 6 at
the rate of 3 times a day can correct this condition.
Case
History
A mallard duck arrived with a leg tucked under her feathers, webbed-foot
closed and held limply. It was obviously painful so the bird was treated
as for a blow and given Arnica 30 for three doses over two days followed
by Ruta 6 for four days at the rate of 2 per day. At the end of this
treatment the duck was walking about quite happily.
Fluid
Loss
When a bird has been bleeding profusely and is consequently weak then
Phosphoric acid 30 can be given, 1 dose every 2 hours for 4 or 5 doses.
If the weakness is from diarrhoea then Carbo Veg 30 should be given
instead.
Infection
There are times, for example after surgery, when there is a danger of
infection. Using standard medicine the preferred choice would be Penbritin
as birds seem to react well to this. However, homoeopaths do not like
to use an antibiotic because, not only does it kill the bacteria that
it is supposed to kill but other useful bacteria in the body as well,
leaving the body temporarily susceptible to other infections after the
Penbritin has worn off. You may have heard of people who have had flu
jabs say they did not have flu that year but the following year without
having jabs, they became more susceptible to flu'.
The homeopathic answer is Hypericum 30 or 200. The 30 being used as
a preventive and the 200 for an emergency, or where a fast action is
needed. It is even reputed to be effective in preventing tetanus, though
there is little experience of this.
After surgery Bellis Perennis 30 is excellent to counter pain and
infection and creat good healing. It also controls swelling.
Hypercal when applied to the wound, creates fast and healthy healing.
Injuries
- Eye
Only if it is inflamed, then use Aconite 6 for 3 or 4 days at the rate
of 3 doses a day.
If the eye has pus in it, or an inflamed eye does not respond to Aconite
then give Euphrasia 3 for a few days.
If there is a great deal of pus present then use Argentum Nit 6 instead
of the Euphrasia - dose as before.
Case
History
A swan pen had an eye completely hidden by pus. She sat in a corner
in a very dejected manner, would not eat or bother with anyone. She
was given Argentum Nit which completely cleared the eye within a couple
of days. Her miserable state changed and she became a happy bird, eager
to eat, swim and generally join in with whatever was happening. She
was released soon afterwards.
Injuries
- Skin
When a bird is injured by a cats claws or teeth, or if it is caught
on barbed wire, you have a situation of torn flesh and puncture wounds
together with danger of infection. There is also pain and shock to deal
with.
The first priority is shock treatment and Aconite 200 3 or 4 doses,
½ hour apart will counter this and reduce pain and inflammation. If
any stitching is required it is best done at this stage, of course under
anaesthetic. Hypercal cream applied to the wounds several times a day,
until healed, keeps them clean and aids good healing.
If there are puncture wounds only and the skin has closed over them,
where also the skin is cold give Ledum 12, 3 or 4 times a day for a
couple of days. This is also a useful remedy against tetanus.
If there are puncture wounds with excessive painfulness Hyupericum
30 is the choice, - also for anti-tetanus. Sometimes, after stitching,
the flesh edges are so febrile they slough off the stitches. Here Calendula
30 is very useful, dose 3 times a day until improvement.
Case
History
There was a case of a shelduck who had been caught by rats and the flesh
of one wing was practically torn away. The first reaction was to put
her down as she was in such a mess. However, she suddenly began flapping
strongly, even her badly multilated wing was getting knocked about.
She deserved a chance to live and so she was given Aconite 200 for a
couple of doses and then went in to surgery. Under anaesthetic she was
stitched up as much as possible, but large holes still remained where
the flesh had literally been eaten away. The holes were filled with
Hypercal cream and Hypericum 30 was given as soon as she came round
and kept up twice a day for a week.
Not only did the bird live but healed astonishingly well, even new
skin filled in the holes. She had no infection and has since accepted
a mate and had young.
A blackbird was caught by a cat and suffered torn flesh, feathers
ripped out and a broken wing. He was very shocked and so was given Aconite
30 for a couple of doses. The wing was set and Aconite continued for
two more days. Having established that the wounds were healing, Symphytum
30 was given for 3 more days, 1 per day. The wounds and the bone healed
well.
Open
Wounds
All open wounds can be best treated with Hypercal tincture or cream.
Tincture is diluted 1 drop to 3 drops of cooled boiled water. Cream
is just applied from the tube. It does not matter which you choose,
which ever best suits the situation. It is a combination of Hypericum
and Calendula.
Case
History A swan pen was caught up in a fishing line which was wound
tightly round her leg, and attached to it was a 3 ozweight. The other
end of the line had a hook on it which was embeded in the outside of
her neck, which shackled her neck to her leg. The terrified bird was
hot and in pain. The line was snipped and a tablet of Aconite 200 given
immediately. The line was removed from her leg and Hypercal tincture
dripped onto the raw parts. She was lightly sedated and a local anesthetic
applied to the skin round the hook. After its removal Hypercal was dripped
into the wound. Hypericum 30 was given to allay infection and soothe
pain. Two hours latter the bird was walking about, waiting to be let
out into an outside area with others.
Slow
Healing wounds
Sometimes wounds are slow to heal in which case Calendula 30 twice a
day for 2 or 3 days should be given.
Case
History
A moorhen had been tangled in netting and had broken his leg. He was
very dazed and his leg was hanging by a muscle, the flesh torn all round
the wound. One dose of Aconite 200 preceded surgery. The bone was aligned
and set and the skin flaps stitched up. Hypercal was dripped into the
wound. In spite of the Hypercal, the wounded flesh was slow to heal.
Calendula 30 was given for three days and all went well. With the spling
covering part of the wounds it was not possible to continue the Hypercal
in those areas. Afterwards Symphytum 30 was given to heal the bones.
After three weeks the binds were taken off the broken leg, and it was
found to have healed beautifully.
Gun
Shots
Unfortunately many birds get shot, some are hit but are not killed by
organised shoots, others are shot for fun by certain types of people
from their own gardens or because some birds are considered a nuisance
or pests. Surgery is nearly always needed here, to remove the penetrated
shot and to stitch up the skin. A bird that has been shot in the crop
and food is exposed, must have the shot removed before cleaning and
stitching because there is a danger of infection of left. The first
medication is again Aconite 30 for 2 or 3 doses then surgery should
be carried out. It is good policy to give Calendula 30 afterwards to
aid healthy, fast healing, especially with a crop wound. The bird cannot
eat or drink until the wound has healed as the substance would ooze
through the wound and cause problems. Injection of Glucose saline is
the easy answer here. Keep the bird in the dark or a shady place to
encourage sleeping, this puts less strain on the body that cannot take
in food. To test the wound for leaks let the bird have a drink of
water before it tries food. If the wound is infected give Hepar Sulph
30 for 3 or 4 doses over a couple of days. You can also dissolve a tablet
of Hea par Sulph in a clean teaspoon with slightly cooled boiled water
and drip it onto the infected wound when sufficiently cool. Later follow
it with Hypercal.
Case
History
A racing pigeon was shot in his crop, and his food of grain was spilling
out. The shot had gone in at the frontand out through the side. He was
given the treatment as above, Aconite then Calendula. He was a strong
bird, and at the end of the second day was able to drink water. The
third day he had a good feed, and all was well. He was allowed to go
soon after, taking his dissolvable stitches with him.
Legs
Apart from broken legs which we have discussed and paralysis which we
will discuss, birds often get stiff legs.
If the weather is damp and the bird can walk but it is obviously painful
to do so, and the right leg is worse, then give Mag Phos 30, 2 doses
per day over a few days.
If, however, it is the left that is worse than the right then give
Colocynth 30 instead.
Sometimes a bird walks on its toes unable to get its foot right down
onto the ground, then Lathyrus 30 should be given.
Should a foot and leg have swelling and inflammation give Arsenicum
30 and dose as before.
Case
Histories
(i) There was a black-headed gull that had sore legs; he did not want
to put any weight on them. He could move them with a little pressure
on them from a hand. He could walk a little but stiffly and it was obviously
painful. The right leg seemed worse so it was given Mag Phos 30, which
after four doses over two days, had him strutting around and ready to
leave.
(ii) A domestic gosling was brought by its distraught owner, who had
slipped trying to catch him, and had fallen with his hand in the middle
of the birds back. The goslings legs were splayed and he cried out
when touched. He lay in his box for a day with Arnica 30 being given
every two hours. The following day he sat more comfortably and was given
Ruta to help the strained muscles and tendons. Two days later he was
fine and returned to his home.
(iii) A moorhen arrived with very dirty feathers covered in mud. His
legs were sore and inflamed as though he had been caught by them. They
had been trapped. It was very wet weather and he was soaked. Water birds
somethimes lose their waterproofing if their feathers have been allowed
to get dirty. When they preen they cover their plumage with oil from
the preen gland which keeps out water and also makes them buoyant. This
moorhen had lost his waterproofing and thus was soaked, his sore legs
preventing him from getting out of the mud. The first treatment was
a warm box under an infra-red lamp and doses of Dulcamara 30 three times
a day for two days. The bird started to eat a little but had fear of
water when shown some to paddle in. He drank but that was all. He was
given Sulphur 200 once a day for two days. This is useful if a creature
does not want to wash. He was soon standing, and with my encouragement
of splashing my hand in the water as though it was washing itself, the
moorhen began to copy and have a little bath. He had to have many short
baths and a warm box to prevent him getting a chill until he had preened
enough to get his waterproofing back.
Loss
of Appetite
It is often a mistake to force-feed a bird so it is better to medicate
first. More often than not when a bird is reluctant to eat, its digestion
is at fault as well, so food can inflict discomfort or worse. A few
doses of Ignatia 12 twice a day brings back most appetites. A small
bird cannot last long without food, so a decision must be made as to
how long you can leave a bird without force-feeding.
Oiled
Birds
Some birds can be saved with homoeopathy but too many are beyond help,
as the digested oil destroys the liver completely. All one can do is
try.
Place the bird in a small, warm box with a low-fitting lid to prevent
it from preening. Give Petroleum 200, 4 times a day for up to 2 days
or until the tar stops showing in its droppings. When the bird is strong
enough i.e. eating sprats well, it can be cleaned. It is best to get
oiled birds to a cleaning station, as this work is very specialised.
The correct strength of washing-up liquid and temperature, rinsing and
after-care take a great deal of explanation. Wrong treatment makes it
very difficult for the bird to get back its waterproofing. This results
in the bird either drowning as it returns to the sea, or dying from
exposure on the beach, when it realises that it will sink in the water.
Assuming you have washed or received a washed bird, the next important
step is to treat the shock. Gelsemium 30 for 3 doses, 1 hour apart is
good.
If the bird is lying down for more than a day, give Psorinium 30 1
dose a day for 2 days.
If the bird is weak Gelsemium 30 again is helpful.
Surgery
To counter shock, prevent bruising and pain, give Arnica 30, 3 times
a day for 2 days.
See also sections on Bleeding; Diarrhoea; Loss of Appetite; Fluid Loss;
Sleepy; Anaesthetic antidote.
Paralysis
If the bird is quiet and frail with little movement in the legs or wings
(often due to shcok or weakness) give Gelsemium 30 3 or 4 times a day
for up to 2 days.
If it is trembling, tries to move but falls over because its balance
is impaired, use Argentum Nit 30 and dose as above.
If the trouble is due to a blow on the lower back give Arnica 30 as
above.
If the nerves have been injured (leg seems all right but the bird
cannot use it) give Ignatia 200 1 per dayfor up to 4 days. If necessary
continue dosing but space out once every three days. Stop at 10 doses
or drop to 30 potency.
In other cases that have begun with Arnica, where the joints are stiff
use Sulphur 30 twice a day for 3 or 4 days.
If there is lameness, trembling and twitching of muscles and the feet
jerking, use Zinc Met 6.
If the joints are swollen and shiny in appearance: the bird lame with
trembling and twitching, use Manganum Acet 6 twice a day for a few days.
Zinc and Mang alternate very well.
Case
History
A kittiwake arrived with paralysed legs. These birds are not scavengers
so it was unlikely to have been poisoned by eating rotten food off rubbish
tips. It was given Sulphur 200 for a couple of doses, then dropped to
Sulphur 30 and alternated with Rhus Tox 30 for a couple of days. This
brought the bird to his feet, enabling him to be released a few days
later. Sulphur was chosen as the bird was under weight yet was eating,
he was also sleepy.
Parasites
Some feather mites are very tiny. They not only cause irritation
but if they are not regularly preened away, they multiply rapidly and
then inject a poison as they take nourishment from the base of the feathers.
Often they can be seen on the heads of birds, known as head-mites. By
the time they are obvious the bird is usually weak from their attentions
and unless help is at hand, can die. Other types are flying mites, which
look like flat-bodied house flies. These are blood suckers and once
again can kill their host.
The treatment firstly is to kill the mites with a bird insect spray.
Then give Ledum 12 - 2 doses morning and evening, or if the case is
severe give 4 doses in the day.
Sometimes water-fowl are infested with leeches, and can attach themselves
in the nostrils and even in the mouth of their victim as the bird searches
under water for food. It is easy, once in the mouth to get right down
the respiratory tract.
Panacur - a non-homeopathic liquid kills internal parasites. Then
treat with Ledum as before.
Case
History
A black-headed gull arrived in a very weak state, but able to walk about.
His wings seemed too heavy to hold up and were dragging on the floor
and he kept having to flick them back into position. Inspection revealed
his head was covered with head-mites. They looked like small black dots
over the crown of his head; as he was in winter dress they were easy
to spot as the bird did not have his black cap. He was sprayed with
insecticide, after carefully covering his eyes with fingers. He was
then given Lachensis 30 to counter the poison in his blood from the
mites, as they continually make wounds in order to suck nourishment.
Respiratory Some respiratory symptoms are to be found under the heading
Collapse, so only some medications are suggested and the dosage can
be worked out from the other sections and the Case Histories.
If the bird is hot and has a great deal of fear and laboured breathing,
but not wheezing then use Aconite.
If the bird is cold and weak use Carbo Veg.
If the bird is very restless then choose Arsenicum. With respiratory
problems there is often a relapse and in each case it is no good repeating
the same remedy but change to Sulphur in each of these instances.
Case
Histories
A black-headed gull was found being washed by the waves, backwards and
forwards on the shore. He was too weak to resist the action. When he
arrived sand was caked on his wings as they dragged in the wet sand.
He was cold and gasping, lifting his head up and down in the effort
to breathe. After two doses of Carbo Veg 200 1 hour apart, he stopped
his laboured breathing and closed his eyes and tucked his head under
his wing for a weary sleep. He awoke several hours later and started
gasping again, it was given Sulphur 200 and within five minutes he had
stopped, stood up and shook himself. His legs were weak and he did not
stay up for long. The following morning the bird was given Sulphur 30
and as he was not capable of standing long and seemed to be sore, it
was given Rhus Tox in alternation with Sulphur 30 for a day. The result
was that the bird was standing by night fall and did not look back again.
Shock
This, as has been previously stated, is a killer and so we must act
quickly.
If it is caused by an accident which causes physical injury then Arnica
200 or 30 is the preferred choice. Depending on the severity, the dosing
can be as close as ½ hour and used 2 to 4 times.
If there is great fear, as from being caught and injured then give
Aconite 200, as above.
If the shock is from grief or fright, e.g. a swan witnessing the death
of its mate, then Iganatia 200 or 30, dose as above.
If the patient is cold, has no fear, is quiet (apparently tame) sometimes
prostrated, the Gelsemium 30 can work wonders.
Sleepiness
There are times when a bird seems absolutely perfect but it cannot stay
awake, and will sit on your hand as though it were a tame cage bird.
Put its head under its wing and no matter how much you try to disturb
it, it just stays like that. Often it is thin, usually due to sleeping
instead of finding food.
If the bird has a warm body then give it Opium 30, for 1 or 2 doses
½ hour apart.
If the body is cold then give Carbo Veg 200 and dose as before. You
must decide why the bird has got in this state. Look for signs of a
bump on the head, missing feathers, injuries under the feathers inflicted
by cats claws and then encourage it to feed. A dose of Ignatia will
help. The worse thing is if it has been poisoned, perhaps from eating
dressed grain from the fields or a poisoned and dying mouse (if it is
a bird of prey). If it is one of the latter then you have little change
of saving it.
Wings
Different birds are susceptible to certain types of poisoning and drooping
wings are one of the first signs. These heavy limbs are in need of strength
to hold them in position.
Seagulls, in hot weather, scavenge the rubbish tips and are susceptible
to food poisoning. Arsenicum 30 is excellent. 2 to 4 doses 1 to 2 hours
apart.
If the bird is hot and salivating (particularly a herring gull or
a great black-backed gull) and maybe gasping then Ipecacuanha 30 is
good, ½ to 1 hour apart for 3 or 4 doses.
If the bird is quiet and cold then Carbo-Veg 200 should be given,
dose 2 or 3 doses 1 hour apart.
If the bird improves but is still weak then turn to the section on
paralysis for futher treatment.
If you have found a thin pigeon in the fields then give Aurum 30 to
try to counter possible mercury poisoning. If the bird cannot stand
or is wobbly use Merc Sol 30.
If poisoned meat is suspected Pyrogen 30 is also very good, especially
if the droppings are very offensive and dark. Tumours Sometimes budgerigars
get this problem and it is not always easy to operate.
If they are fatty cysts use Calc carb 30 twice a day for 2 days then
once a day for a week, then once a week till there is improvement.
If the cyst is hard then give Silica 30 dose as above.
If the lump is hard with weight loss which suggests cancer then try
Scirrhinum 200 1 dose weekly.
As you will see from the case histories, it is not always the obvious
that cures. Only a general guide in treatment can be given. If your
chosen treatment from this guide fails, do not despair for with help
from the Materia Medica, which follows, and possibly a little more detective
work on why the bird is ill, you could find another remedy. Like some
of the case histories it is not always the first diagnosis that is the
answer.
Always remember symptoms are caused by something, as is the bodys reaction
to it. It is the cause which is important in finding the remedy and,
unfortunately, our little feathered friends are not very good at telling
us what has happened. We do, however, develop an intuition for this
detective work, or perhaps an englightened guess.
