ABSTRACT

Trauma to the nails and tip of the beak can lead to significant blood loss, especially when birds continuously remove the forming blood clot. Attempts can be made to stop the bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a sterile gauze to the bleeding area. In the case of a nail, gently squeezing the toe at the base of the nail can reduce blood flow. Treatment with analgesic drugs for adequate pain relief must be started immediately in case of trauma to the beak. Sealing the defect of a nail or beak can help prevent repeated bleeding and reduce pain afterward. For the beak, this can be done by applying a thin layer of epoxy resin or tissue adhesive over the defect. This is done under general anesthesia. Beak trauma in particular can be painful for a long period of time and can lead to anorexia in addition to an impairment of well-being.