Help my parakeet (budgie)!!! I was checking a sore on one foot, and she got the other claw tangled in ...?

Question

the towel I had her wrapped in. One of the claws came off, and I can't get it to stop bleeding. I've tried pinching it, putting styptic powder (i use cornstarch) on it, etc, and it won't stop bleeding... I don't think she'll live thru the night but I can't afford an emergency vet on a sunday night--even for euthanizing her... Any advice would be helpful, esp from vets and bird people!

She's a "senior citizen", but I don't want her to die like THIS. Always thought she'd just peel off the perch with a heart attack or something...

Answer 1

Oh Sh*t!

OK, I'll walk you through what I can.
First, pinch that toe nail tight for at least 3 minutes. Use something like a scrap of toilet paper so that when you let go, the clot does not come off stuck to your finger.

If you have someone at home that can go to the drug store, look in the animal section for a product called 'quick stop'- it's to stop bleeding on nails- (it's also at pet stores, but it's late) If you can find it, pack the bleeding tip with it.
Also, in the mens shaving products there is often a type of 'styptic' powder or stick, for sealing shaving cuts. You can try that although I do not know much about it.

AS A LAST RESORT- hold her gently, use your fingers to clamp off the blood flow to her toe, leaving the end exposed and wipe it free of wet blood. Put a tiny drop of super glue on it. Let it dry before you let go of her foot. It will burn and hurt, but it is similar to surgical glue. I am not sure if there is an over the counter version of surgical glue available (I've never had to buy it...) but super glue will work in a pinch.

Then, keep her warm. Keep alight on her cage tonight so she can be awake to eat and drink- is she's lost blood she needs calories and fluids.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Have you tried flour? Sometimes that works better. Here is some more information. It suggests pepper. I have never heard of that before, but anything is worth a try. I hope it helps. I hope she will be ok. Good luck to both of you.

Answer 3

try ice.