Dulcolax confusion.........BEWARE.

[Wonderwend]

I've been reading a few of the threads about impacted crops and some people are advocating the use of 'Dulcolax' for their birds.

************PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE MEDICATION YOU ARE GIVING YOUR BIRDS - DULCOLAX IS MARKETED UNDER A SINGLE NAME BUT THEY CONTAIN DIFFERENT THINGS**********


DO NOT USE THIS ONE!!!!!! It contains Bisacodyl which is a bowel stimulant. It works ( in humans) by making the bowel contract stronger. This is NOT what you need for an impacted crop.







THIS IS THE ONE YOU SHOULD USE: It contains Docusate Sodium, which works to relieve constipation by softening the stool. It's mode of action( in humans) is to draw fluid into the bowel making the stool softer. This should be taken into consideration when dealing with a dehydrated bird.


I hope this clears things up a little

 

[BeachMomma]

This is great that you've posted the difference in the two.
Thankfully we haven't had to deal with impacted crops yet! How does a stool softner work for it though?

 

[Wonderwend]

Beachmomma it is used to attempt to soften and break up the mass that's in the crop. It would draw fluid into the area. This plus massage will hopefully break down the lump ( depending on what it is of course).

 

[casportpony]

I've been reading a few of the threads about impacted crops and some people are advocating the use of 'Dulcolax' for their birds.

************PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE MEDICATION YOU ARE GIVING YOUR BIRDS - DULCOLAX IS MARKETED UNDER A SINGLE NAME BUT THEY CONTAIN DIFFERENT THINGS**********


DO NOT USE THIS ONE!!!!!! It contains Bisacodyl which is a bowel stimulant. It works ( in humans) by making the bowel contract stronger. This is NOT what you need for an impacted crop.







THIS IS THE ONE YOU SHOULD USE: It contains Docusate Sodium, which works to relieve constipation by softening the stool. It's mode of action( in humans) is to draw fluid into the bowel making the stool softer. This should be taken into consideration when dealing with a dehydrated bird.


I hope this clears things up a little

This is a perfect example of why people should read labels and know the name of the active ingredient they want to give! Thank you for posting this. They should also know how many mg to give as many of these drugs come in different strengths.

 

[casportpony]

Quote: That's from http://www.drugs.com/mtm/dulcolax-stool-softener-oral-rectal.html

 

[casportpony]

FWIW, I just finished treating one with an impacted crop. Turns out mine was impacted because he was severely dehydrated and his intestines were impacted due to that. He was treated with fluids orally and fluids under the skin. If anyone wants to learn how to do this, just let me know and I can teach you.

 

[Eggcessive]

I have worried about this for a long time myself, and I feel that the brand name Dulcolax be removed from posts about doccusate sodium stool softener. it is better known by the brand name Colace, or just described as "stool softener." Dulcolax is a very old brand of strong laxative, and they have also put their name on a brand of stool softener. Always look at the generic name.

 

[casportpony]

For those on a budget, get the store brand. Here is Walmart"s


Not positive, but I think it's about half the price of Colace.

 

[BeachMomma]

Beachmomma it is used to attempt to soften and break up the mass that's in the crop. It would draw fluid into the area. This plus massage will hopefully break down the lump ( depending on what it is of course).

​

Thanks for clarifying

 

[Wonderwend]

You're very welcome @BeachMomma