Because the bird appeared normal except for some wet ruffled feathers, the owner declined. The duty doctor suggested that her bird be examined by an avian veterinarian first thing in the morning. The following day the bird still appeared to be doing well and the owner again decided not to take the bird in for a check-up. Two days later, the bir was very ill and was taken to the emergency clinic. In spite of extensive treatment by the duty veterinarian and myself, the bird died.
Birds have a poorly developed clotting system.
If the injury is serious enough and enough vessels damaged, the bird will continue to bleed until it bleeds to death internally. The above bird had a puncture wound in it's side under the wing. A large bruise and a broken rib allowed the formation of a blood blister that drained into an abdominal air sac. As the blood slowly filled the air sac, it interfered with normal breathing. Eventually, the Cockatoo drowned in its own blood.