Styptic powder... Quik Stop. Good or Bad?

07-18-2008, 04:49 PM

Let's dialog about styptic powder.

I use flour to stop bleeds in my house. I avoid Styptic powder.

I have read several articles that say to use it to stop feather and nail bleeds, and I have read just as many that tout the dangers of Styptic powder cauterizing by chemical burn; and that the nature of it makes it dangerous for use in birds. It can burn their skin or airways (if inhaled accidently). I err on the side of caution with this one.

Thoughts? Experiences? Let's talk intelligently and learn from one another. Thanks.

07-18-2008, 05:03 PM

I only use corn starch or flour.
I know how much it burns me when I use a styptic pencil so it has to be worse for a bird.

07-18-2008, 05:10 PM

I have used styptic pencils and powder for myself, cats, dogs and birds without much consideration (my bad). However, I am not sure that there really is one "styptic". I know that Kwik Stop <RTM> has benzocaine (an analgesic) along with some clays, and some ammonium and aluminum chlorides and sulfates; haven't really checked what is in other products.

07-18-2008, 05:33 PM

I would use the styptic in an emergency. Better a little burning than bleeding to death.

07-18-2008, 05:40 PM

I have some "Quick Stop" but mainly use it on the Doggies if needed. I don't use it on the Birds, I use Corn Starch or Flour. Thank God I've never had to use anything.....yet!

07-18-2008, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Styptic powder cauterizing by chemical burn

I have always thought of it more as a clotting agent.

I have the Avi-Stop Styptic Powder (Triple acting Antiseptic) on hand for the birds and used it once when I cut a nail way too short.

I have always used Kwik-Stop for my dogs.

I'd have to say for nails I prefer the Styptic Powder because it does contain an analgesic to help with pain and an antiseptic to prevent bacteria from entering the blood stream.

07-18-2008, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandma

I would use the styptic in an emergency. Better a little burning than bleeding to death.

No doubt !

07-19-2008, 12:18 AM

I have never used styptic yet, we only get broken wing feathers or bite which corn flour works for. I have on occasion simply pulled out the feather to stop bleeding, when the feather is too shattered or on of the aviary birds. I don't as a rule try stop the bleeding on the aviary birds since handling them is way too scary, my first choice here is to pull the feather out. It is very rare that the aviary birds get injured, they a lot more careful with the plumage.

07-21-2008, 07:06 AM

Quote:

However, I am not sure that there really is one "styptic".

That is correct, there are several types of styptic powder on the market.

I always keep aloe leaf in the house. If you cut the nail too close, you can dab on a bit of aloe before dipping the toe in cornstarch. That will provide both a measure of antiseptic and analgesic -

07-21-2008, 07:10 AM

I have all in my arsenal. Thank God I have never had to use any yet. I did find a dove once that had been hit by a car and until I could get him to the bird center I just put cornstarch on him. His wing was almost severed. He made it fine though and was release back into the wild.