Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Severe frostbite treatment and recovery in a grey-headed parrot
By Martel-Arquette, Anna et al.·Published in Journal of avian medicine and surgery·2016·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Management of Severe Frostbite in a Grey-Headed Parrot (Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus).
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old female grey-headed parrot was brought in after being outside in extremely cold temperatures for about 22 hours, resulting in severe frostbite on her toes, dehydration, and a low energy level. The veterinarian treated her with a combination of oral antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatory medications, and topical aloe vera. Although she developed some skin issues due to changes in how she stood, she did not need surgery to remove the frostbitten toes. Remarkably, within five months, the damaged toes fell off on their own, and the parrot was able to move around without any problems.
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Abstract
An approximately 5-year-old female grey-headed parrot (Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus) was evaluated after exposure to outdoor temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) for approximately 22 hours. Severe frostbite affecting multiple digits, as well as dehydration and a depressed attitude, were diagnosed. Treatment included oral antibiotics, antifungals, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), pentoxifylline, and topical aloe vera. Surgical amputation of the affected toes was not performed. Mild to moderate pododermatitis over the intertarsal joints developed because of a shift in weight bearing after the loss of most digits. Within 5 months after initial presentation, all frost-damaged toes had self-amputated, and the bird was able to function independently with no limitations in mobility.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27088743/