Learned something new (to me) from Dr. K today

[bill_e]

Was watching Dr. K today and a Grey was brought in for plucking. Turned out he had a yeast infection which was treated with meds but was also given something to calm him down because plucking feathers releases endorphins and even though the meds would relieve the medical reason for the plucking, because he was getting a "runners high" when he plucked, he needed help in getting over that.

 

[SailBoat]

This is true. But there is limited knowledge regarding the long term affects of that type of medication with Parrots. In addition, as time passes, the dosages needs to be increased to obtain the same results. My CAV will only provide it for a maximum of 4 to maybe 6 weeks and then only if nothing else is helping.

My CAV knows Dr. K and was disappointed that in editing that segment the cautions and warnings had been left on the cutting room's floor.

 

[ChristaNL]

I was at a few parrotlectures yesterday and they said more or less the same thing- once plucking is triggered it sometimes becomes an "acquired taste" and they have to be weaned of it, just like smokers, alcoholics etc. because of the habbit as well as the rush it gives them.
So they try from least invasive (better food, more distraction, cage in a more appropriote place: some need more quiet, others need the opposite! etc.etc. to positive reinforcement if they show other behaviours, to restriction (collars if serious plucking/mutilating is going on) and at the very last resort: medication.
Last resort because there is just not enough knowlege in sideeffects and long term use.
So, indeed ... no just "popping a parrot-xanax"

 

[EllenD]

I was at a few parrotlectures yesterday and they said more or less the same thing- once plucking is triggered it sometimes becomes an "acquired taste" and they have to be weaned of it, just like smokers, alcoholics etc. because of the habbit as well as the rush it gives them.
So they try from least invasive (better food, more distraction, cage in a more appropriote place: some need more quiet, others need the opposite! etc.etc. to positive reinforcement if they show other behaviours, to restriction (collars if serious plucking/mutilating is going on) and at the very last resort: medication.
Last resort because there is just not enough knowlege in sideeffects and long term use.
So, indeed ... no just "popping a parrot-xanax"

I have heard plucking equated to humans who "cut" themselves...It too causes the same type of release and becomes an addiction that must be slowly tapered. Makes sense, as plucking turns into "self-mutilating" to the point they chew a hole into themselves...same idea.

I love Dr. K...and Dr. Theilan too!

 

[chris-md]

I like dr. Matt...but likely for different reasons

 

[EllenD]

I like dr. Matt...but likely for different reasons

LOL...Most-likely...

 

[chris-md]

I was thoroughly amused by the episode last night where it took him forever to realize an opossums bladder had herniated. Dr k took one palparían, “oh yeah, inguinal her i for sure”.

Oh the learning curve.

 

[EllenD]

Indeed...It is amazing watching that show and watching Dr. K and her knowledge and experience, and then the other young doctors...They always have a guess as to what is going on and what to do about it, so they go "Hey Dr. K, can I run this by you", and as soon as they start talking Dr. K is like "It's "this", do "this"", and then walks away...20 years of Avian and Exotic medicine/surgery...

All I know is that if I lived anywhere near Florida, my birds would be going there, regardless of the cost. Mostly just because they actually always run diagnostic tests before prescribing medications or treatments....it's an amazing concept.