I have a 25 year old rose-breasted cockatoo named Ruby. I've had her since she was 18 months old. I took her to a person to get her toenails clipped, yesterday, and found out she has some kind of infection, possibly yeast, on both feet. One is worse than another. I live in a rural area without transportation and with limited care for birds. There is one place that will see birds for non-emergency situations. They won't see Ruby for this. Luckily, I have a friend with connections who knows a retired veterinarian who can, and will, treat cockatoos. That person will see Ruby the 30th of August. That's the soonest available appointment, but I'm also on the cancelation list in case something comes up before then.
I'm looking for advice to keep this infection at bay until my Ruby can be seen and treated. In the research I've done, I believe Ruby has bumble foot. I'm not sure if she's overweight, although it's likely because she hasn't been as physically active as she used to be. She's not lethargic or anything like that. She eats well and doesn't have any visible changes in droppings. I have used Neosporin spray with pain relief on her foot about three times in 2 weeks (which is when I noticed one foot was slightly raw). I've padded her perches with foam and a sports bandage. She is not chewing on them, but even if she did, I know she won't swallow any of it because she's had foam toys before under supervision. Also, Ruby does have a variety of perches: not dowels.
I read that hydrogen peroxide can kill yeast infections as well as some viruses and bacteria. Can it be used as a wound cleaner on a cockatoo? I know peroxide breaks down into water pretty quickly, so it seems like it would be safe to use. If not, I plan to use Saline, at least, to clean her wounds daily. I also have a Chlorhexidine gluconate antiseptic and antifungal spray in my pet first aid kit. Is this a better alternative (or addition) to peroxide and/or Saline? Additionally, I have an antibiotic: Tylan (powdered) from when another one of my birds was sick. I know how to mix it up and how to determine the dosage for Ruby if needed. Obviously, idk if she has a fungal infection, virus or bacterial infection. But, from what I read about bumble foot, it usually tends to be bacterial. So, should I start giving her the oral antibiotic until her appointment? Or just clean out the wound? And, can I safely use Neosporin at least once a day after cleansing her wound?
Any help or advice would be appreciated. I do NOT want this to get any worse than it is. Oh, and from pictures and written descriptions of bumble foot, it looks like she is at stage 2. Two weeks ago, it was at stage 1 because the worst of her two feet was raw without any cuts. She now has lesions on both feet and a little swelling. I simply want to prevent this from progression until she's seen.
I'm looking for advice to keep this infection at bay until my Ruby can be seen and treated. In the research I've done, I believe Ruby has bumble foot. I'm not sure if she's overweight, although it's likely because she hasn't been as physically active as she used to be. She's not lethargic or anything like that. She eats well and doesn't have any visible changes in droppings. I have used Neosporin spray with pain relief on her foot about three times in 2 weeks (which is when I noticed one foot was slightly raw). I've padded her perches with foam and a sports bandage. She is not chewing on them, but even if she did, I know she won't swallow any of it because she's had foam toys before under supervision. Also, Ruby does have a variety of perches: not dowels.
I read that hydrogen peroxide can kill yeast infections as well as some viruses and bacteria. Can it be used as a wound cleaner on a cockatoo? I know peroxide breaks down into water pretty quickly, so it seems like it would be safe to use. If not, I plan to use Saline, at least, to clean her wounds daily. I also have a Chlorhexidine gluconate antiseptic and antifungal spray in my pet first aid kit. Is this a better alternative (or addition) to peroxide and/or Saline? Additionally, I have an antibiotic: Tylan (powdered) from when another one of my birds was sick. I know how to mix it up and how to determine the dosage for Ruby if needed. Obviously, idk if she has a fungal infection, virus or bacterial infection. But, from what I read about bumble foot, it usually tends to be bacterial. So, should I start giving her the oral antibiotic until her appointment? Or just clean out the wound? And, can I safely use Neosporin at least once a day after cleansing her wound?
Any help or advice would be appreciated. I do NOT want this to get any worse than it is. Oh, and from pictures and written descriptions of bumble foot, it looks like she is at stage 2. Two weeks ago, it was at stage 1 because the worst of her two feet was raw without any cuts. She now has lesions on both feet and a little swelling. I simply want to prevent this from progression until she's seen.
