Help! My bird stole cat meds!

[marie83]

I hope she is just tired but definitely get her that check up asap

Things like this are what makes me a firm believer that all parrots should have a cage -even if they aren't in it for very long (which is the ideal). Harpmaker please don't feel criticized by that comment because 1. you probably do already have a cage and 2. what you went through last night will stay with you (and hopefully everybody else who reads the thread), after all there is always potential for accidents no matter how careful we are. I just sincerely hope there's no hidden or otherwise damage to your feathered friend, I'm still keeping everything crossed for you.

[Wolf]

I would get her a check up asap , as well. I hope all is well.

[Pajarita]

I'm sorry I did not check on the board last night but, if she is fine after 12 hours, she will be fine. Yes, Atenolol is for mainly for high blood pressure but it's used (particulary in children and pets) for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy because it has less side-effects than the main drug and it's almost as effective (my mother used to take it).

I've learned, as you now have yourself, to identify a 24/7 emergency vet clinic that treats exotics in my area and keep the phone number handy. It makes the difference between panic and mere worry.

[Harpmaker]

Thanks to all. I do have the phone numbers of emergency exotic clincs handy, but there appears to be a perfect storm this month. Closest clinic's AV on vacation, second closest changing hands and the one they refer to only does cats and dogs, etc. And because there are AVs in the area, no regular vet will touch a bird for fear of making a mistake and being sued.

[Pajarita]

Oh, geez, what bad luck! This had to happen on a 'black hole' of emergency clinics availability - Murphy's law at its best!

[Harpmaker]

Wolf, what happened to your dog?

[Wolf]

I have an appointment with the vet tomorrow to put him down.

[Harpmaker]

I'm so sorry to hear that.

[Wolf]

Yeah, he is nearly 20 years old and not doing well. I had him in to the vets this past Sat., but I wasn't sure even then, but the meds are not helping either and he has been on meds for several years as it is and after spending another sleepless night with him, I see no reason to prolong his suffering any further.

[Pajarita]

I am sorry for the difficult decision you have had to make, Wolf, but one needs to do what's best for them and that means no suffering so you are doing the right thing.