My dog ate a baby bird. 2 days later and she's been vomiting, lethargic, and has diarrhea. Her temp is 99.5. What should I do? Can I wait it out?

Updated On August 31st, 2016

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Female | spayed | 1 year and 4 months old

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

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It sounds like Nola has gotten ill from eating the baby bird. It could be that baby bird has gotten stuck in her GI tract, or she has picked up a bacterial infection from the baby bird. She doesn't have a fever (normal temperature for a dog is 101.5-102,5), but she does sound quite ill. Given the fact she has been vomiting, having diarrhea, and has been lethargic for two days, I would not wait it out. It sounds like to me from your description that she needs to see a vet immediately. She might need a shot to stop her from vomiting, IV fluids if she is dehydrated, and x-rays to see if the bird has gotten stuck in her GI tract. If it's a bacterial infection, she would benefit from antibiotics. I recommend taking her into your vet now.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    I would not wait any longer and have Nola checked. An abdominal radiograph would be needed to have a more precise idea on where the bird is at the moment (which part of the gastrointestinal tract) and if an obstruction is possible. Mineral oil and a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice would be beneficial.

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