Ask the Veterinarian/injured gull

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Expert: - 2/28/2010


Question
I found a seagull, outside my house yesterday, which could not walk. I live on the coast of Maine, where they are prevalent. The wings appear evenly seated, and it flaps them well. I tried pinching the toes rather hard, but detected no response. I thought I got a very slight one today. I have placed in on a towel on top of straw, in a box, and have small towel rolls on either side to support it.  However it has not touched the water, or moistened dry cat food, that I placed in the box, in front of it. I am in a remote area, where there are no rehabs. I suapect spinal injury, or perhaps poisoning.  How long should I let this bird remain like this, before considering euthanasia? I don't want the poor creature to suffer.     Thank you!

Answer
This is a tough one Amy. Gulls are pretty tough creatures. Poisoning is usually not an issue unless it ate fish that was poisoned.

Maybe just giving it some rest will help it regain the feeling in its feet. I am not sure cat food is what they will eat, but gulls are scavengers so they eat just about anything. You might want to get some sardines in water for it.

You should keep it warm, but not too warm. Seagulls don't drink water like most animals, they have specialized kidneys that get moisture from food, since they live on salt water.

You might want to call a local vet, but if this bird is trying to walk after about 4 days then there is a good chance it isn't going to.

Be careful, they are mean and will peck you really hard!! We had one here once and I couldn't believe how mean it was.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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