Doctor and patient discuss the surgery.
This last Sunday–a hot summer day here in Gilroy, California–my nephew invited me to a BBQ at his home. I love enjoying a pool on these late August and September; it actually makes the heat okay. Just as I walked in the door, and before I could even grab a beer and go sit by the pool, Steve called me over to check out his 40-year-old parrot, Merlin.
Merlin’s rear toe was hanging by a thread of skin, but there was little to no bleeding. In fact, this was the joint he had injured as a “youngster” and had been giving him problems ever since.
I decided that if Steve held him tight I could use regular scissors to cut the remaining attachment, and we could apply gauze and tape to stop any bleeding and protect the wound. Steve then suggested we use pain killers or tranquilizers for the pain. I thought it was a good idea even though the dry piece of remaining skin did not look very “alive” to me. Since my clinic was very close, I suggested we take Merlin there.
Merlin slamming back a "shot."
“Actually I have some tranquilizer here that Merlin has always enjoyed,” Steve said with a smile as he pointed to a bottle of tequila. He held a metal cup filled with a bit of the tequila up to Merlin’s beak; the bird tasted the alcohol and quickly started drinking with repeated lapping movements of his tongue. After Merlin drank a bit, we waited 20 minutes, and when it looked like he was weaving a bit from the “medication,” I cut the piece of skin, removed the rear toe, and medicated and wrapped the wound.
The excised toe.
Now here’s the weird thing: that toe seemed to be hanging from a clean cut through the joint. I’m wondering if maybe the toe was bugging Merlin so much that he just took care of it himself. And the tequila? It worked for Merlin. Steve says he’s enjoyed a little nip for the last 10 years or so. But I have to say that I don’t recommend you try this therapy on your own psittacine! Cheers and bone appétit!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Merlin has adjusted standing on his cage on the remaining three toes. He is as loud as ever and still tries to bite me every time I walk by his cage!
GREAT STORY!!! (knowing Merlin..) I have no doubt.. Merlin took care of its own toe!!.. !! that parrot is such a special bird!!! (and so is his owner… !! ji,ji).
Best Regards!!!