parakeet with a swollen eye?

Question

I have an old parakeet, who suddenly started losing feathers around one eye, which is now swollen underneath. I cannot afford to take him to the vet ($98 for the exam alone) especially due to his age. Does anyone know if it is safe to put erythromycin 0.5% ointment on the bird's eye?

it is opthalmic ointment. i figure it's worth a shot to try before having to go to the vet

Answer 1

Only if it's opthalmic ointment.

But if it's swollen, the problem might be inside the bird's head instead of on the skin. It could also be a fungal or viral problem, which erythromycin probably wouldn't cure.

Good luck getting the bird to sit still if you do that.

Answer 2

Hi there. Since erythromycin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, it would be an option for you. I use gentamycin ophthalmic eye drops. Since you have yours in ointment form, it is easier because twice a day is enough. Good luck and you should see improvement in 3 days. Try to treat for a full 10 days to avoid a relapse. Have a tweet year.

Answer 3

I hate to say it, but this bird really does need to see a vet.

Try calling the vet and explaining the circomstances. See if they will work out a payment plan with you, or maybe they know of a place that does exams for people down on their luck.

I would not try to treat it on my own.

Answer 4

I'd take it to the vet, if it looks that bad. My cockatiel has had a swollen pink looking eye before, I think twice in her life (she's 11 years), but it was not twice the size of her other eye. I could tell it was bothering her cause she keep blinking and squinting that eye. I didn't take her to the vet, since it didn't look terrible and by the next day it was already getting better.

Answer 5

I've seen this before and will hazard a guess that your parakeet has mites. You do need to bring him to a vet. Call an avian vet and explain the problem. Maybe you can work something out. There may be a companion pet clinic in your area. They aren't avian vets, but may be able to help at a lower price. Please do that.

Answer 6

you should not put any oily or greasy medications on a bird. The slick base of the medication will mat down feathers and prevent the bird from being able to keep warm.

Answer 7

This is usually caused by a sinus infection, get to a vet.

Answer 8

definatley CALL the vets ask there advice it sounds serious really i mean that if that were my bird i would take it to the emergancy pet room lol

Answer 9

don;t do it man