Conjunctivitis occurs when a cockatiel suffers from irritation and swelling in the membranes around the eyes. The conjunctiva is the tissue between the eye and the eyelid that can be seen by gently lifting the bird's eyelid, and when healthy, it will have a light pink color. This condition can be due to several aspects, so it is essential to take the pet to a veterinarian specialized in birds to treat the cause. For this, ointments and eye drops will be used; the owner will also have to regularly clean the cockatiel's eyes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Seeking Veterinary Help
Step 1. Take the pet to a specialized bird veterinarian
The condition can be caused by bacteria, fungi, roundworms, protozoa and even one by an injury, so the veterinarian will have to examine the animal and lift its eyelid. In addition, it may be necessary to perform an analysis of the discharge present at the site to confirm whether there is bacterial or fungal contamination. Airway infections also lead to conjunctivitis.
There are still other disorders with symptoms similar to conjunctivitis, further increasing the importance of an early diagnosis so that treatment can be started quickly
Step 2. Give veterinarian prescription drugs
Depending on the disorder, the specialist will prescribe topical medications, such as ointments or eye drops, as well as oral drugs, antibiotics and even sprays. In case of fungal infection, the most frequent option will be topical medications.
The vast majority of medications will only be sold under prescription retention, so consulting the veterinarian is essential
Method 2 of 3: Treating the Eye at Home
Step 1. Clean the eye with water
As there will be the formation of scabs on the eye affected by the disease, it is important to clean it; soak a soft cloth in hot water and gently rub the area, avoiding the accumulation of secretion around the membrane. Be very careful not to touch the cockatiel's eyeball!
Step 2. Clean dirt from the eye
Sometimes, conjunctivitis develops after dirt and other debris enter, irritating and inflaming the bird's eye; analyze it and see if there are any foreign bodies. Use a cloth dampened with slightly hot water to remove.
Cracker cracker powder and bran, for example, often get into the eyes of these birds
Step 3. Give eye drops
A few drops of eye drops will help a lot to fight the cockatiel's eye irritation, lubricating and reducing discomfort in the eye.
- It is a good option for cases where conjunctivitis is caused by dirt or to reduce the pet's discomfort before the veterinary appointment.
- Take care: use only sterile eye drops unless the vet prescribes one after examining the bird.
Method 3 of 3: Identifying Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Step 1. Look for swelling in one of the ocular membranes
The conjunctiva is light pink and surrounds the white part of the cockatiel eyeball; if you are suffering from conjunctivitis, this membrane will become inflamed. Look for reddened or irritated areas around her eyes.
Step 2. Check for scabs around the eyes
A clear or cloudy discharge from the eyes of birds that have the disease can also occur, causing scabs to accumulate and form there. There is a possibility that they will stick to the swollen membrane or enter the cockatiel's eyes.
Step 3. Check for any irregularities in the eyelids
They are also affected and can signal the presence of conjunctivitis; the lower eyelid may be slightly lowered or even hanging, and there is sometimes a prolapse of a third eyelid, where the reddish membrane can be seen.
The bird's third eyelid is practically transparent, allowing the cockatiel to clean the eye and get rid of dirt and dirt, keeping eyesight in good condition
Step 4. Monitor the bird's behavior in relation to the preening or smoothing of feathers
She may start to do this more often after getting conjunctivitis; you may notice that the feathers around the eyes have more moisture, or that the feathers on the wings or feet look wet and knotted, because the bird starts to smooth and clean the feathers more than necessary.
Step 5. Observe if cockatiel “rubs” eyes
Some will rub them against the cage or even with their paw or wing due to infection; in extreme cases, she can rub using the sole of her paw.