Urgent Cockatiel Aspirated in Shower

[SD1030]

I was in the shower with my cockatiel and he wanted to get wet. So I sprinkled him with a little water (away from his face). He got really wet. And he started preening himself and I guess some water got into his nostrils.

In any case, he started forcefully exhaling with this wet sound, and I could see his tail bobbing. His throat was moving forward and back. Expanding and compressing. The episode lasted for 5 min and then stopped. He's perfectly fine now. Breathing normal and everything.

I’m assuming he aspirated some water into his lungs/air sacs, and he was trying to get out? Is he going to be okay? How do I know if he was able to get all the water out? What if there is still some in there?

 

[Zara]

bumping for visibility

 

[Hankmacaw]

Birds rarely aspirate. They can get fluids "stuck" in their throat and struggle to clear them, but they rarely aspirate into their respiratory system. The one thing you need to watch for now is an infection. If he shows any signs of lethargy, coughing, wheezing or struggles to breathe - get him to a vet immediately and have al information ready for the vet.

Here is a video to help you understand the respiratory system of your bird.

 

[iamwhoiam]

How is your bird doing now?