antifreeze poisoning?

Question
Hi,

My fiancee found a "Greater Atlantic Gull" who's probably around 6 months old, 2-3 lbs, very light weight, who was to weak to fly...he found him by the Chincoteague Bay and its poop has a flouresent green color to it...there were pools of antifreeze laying around and we're afraid he has ingested it (antifreeze = green poop).

We fed him a can of tuna fish, some cooked chicken, some pita bread in water, and fresh water...he was quite hungry and seemed more coherant and better coordinated, and more active after he ate (he ate quite a bit).  I am also an herbalist and I was wondering if there is anything else we can do for it?  Is there any kind of emulsifier we can give it, I know if it was ethelyn glycol  there's probably not much we can do.  We can't afford to take him to a vet.  If we could even find one open today. We do have some tetracycline (for chickens) could that help?  If so, how much should we give him?  Our neighbor works for the DNR but he won't be home for at least 6 hours.  If you can help us, or put us in touch with some one who can we'd appreciate it.

Thank you

Answer
Dear Bob & Shella -

I am sorry to hear you found a Gull subject to anti-freeze poisoning. I do believe he may have injested some due to the description of the feces.

There is not much I can recommend here with the size of the animal. The best remedy I know of for anti freeze poisoning is activated charcoal. Again, given the size and type of animal, a very small dosage could be administered but I am leary of the outcome. A small drop of hydrogen peroxide will induce vomitting but I'm not sure how much success you will have with this one either.

Another thing is Ipecac Syrup. It is a plant extract made into a syrup that when swallowed, irritates the stomach.  It is an emetic made from the dried root of a plant called ipecacuanha,  which is grown in Brazil. An emetic is an agent that causes vomiting. You should be able to find this in your local pharmacy. This remedy works very well on humans and has had positive results on dogs and cats but there has been no research done on birds.

My best suggestion for a remedy would be Probiotics. Continue to feed the gull and give it lots of water. If you have Acidolphilus on hand try to administer it to the gull. This will help with stomach irritation. You may have caught it in time by feeding him and pushing the poison through his system.

Continue to check the stool for green feces, if it continues try taking the Gull to an animal shelter or clinic just for birds. A lot of times these places will welcome cases like yours with an open heart.

I am very sorry I could not be of more help. From one herbalist to another, this is a tough one!

Please keep me posted on the condition of the Gull. You can email me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com. If you would like information on other natural or herbal remedies you can email there as well.

Thank you and best wishes to you both and the Gull, my heart is with you.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant