Questions & Answers

We have a cockatiel who is 32 years old and is dying. It is so sad to watch him die. Is there anything we can do to make his passing less painful?

Q: We have a cockatiel who is 32 years old and is dying.  It is so sad to watch him die.  Is there anything we can do to make his passing less painful?  Perhaps euthanasia?  He is not in good shape due to being so old and gets worse daily.

A: I’m sorry to hear that your pet’s quality of life is declining. One of the really special aspects of having a pet bird is how long their lifespan is and the incredible bond that is formed during that time between the pets and their owners.  An examination by an experienced avian veterinarian will help to determine whether there is a treatable medical problem or whether euthanasia is indeed the best alternative.

Euthanasia means a kind or painless death.  Just like we have drugs that allow the humane termination of a dog or cat’s life, we can help our avian patients in the same way.  This is much kinder than a slow decline.  Usually the pet is first given a sedative (often a gas anesthetic) then a single injection is given that first anesthetizes the pet then stops the function of the brain. The process is very rapid and painless.

Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can help.  813 973 8566.

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