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Post by bruce on Mar 3, 2016 23:32:54 GMT -5
Sorry I have been pre-occupied for some time. About 2 weeks ago, my elderly QP, Chuckie, suddenly started seizing and being unable to perch. There was no obvious injury, and no signs of infection. I bundled him into his travel cage and went to my vet, Dr. K. He had lost 4 grams since his last weight check. He was "droopy" and didn't put up any of his usual fuss when Dr. K handled him. We decided on a conservative course of treatment, and he had cortisone and vitamin B shots. Dr. K indicated that warmth was crucial to his immune system fighting off any possible infection.
After returning home, I put him in the smallest bedroom, with a humidifier, full spectrum lamp, and a space heater set to a nearly tropical feeling 80 degrees F. I hand fed him as well as sat with him as much as possible for several days. I was very worried he was not going to get better, but after a while he perked up and started acting more like the cantankerous old bird I have come to adore. He is back pretty much to normal other than being fussier about food. I wish I had a way of video recording his polite yet insistent refusals of food. Currently I have him out in the living area during the day, then back to the "Bird Care Unit" at night with a space heater for warmth. I am looking forward to warmer weather so the space heater won't be needed. I am also hoping he will put on a bit of weight and continue to be a cherished friend for many years.
I plan on his sleeping in an intermediate sized "house" in the small bedroom for the foreseeable future as he appears to be well rested when I go in to bring him out for breakfast. I have put all the perches close to the floor to minimize risk of trauma should he loose his grip during sleep. I am very careful about not startling him during sleep and try to have a quiet environment for him at night. If there are any other suggestions as to help him be safe during the night, I would love to hear them.
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Post by biteybird on Mar 4, 2016 5:51:49 GMT -5
Hi Bruce, I don't have advice - but I just want to say that I'm sorry to hear about Chuckie's illness and I believe that he is in great hands (yours)! Others with experience in bird ailments may have some insights for you. I hope you both feel better soon.
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Post by easttex on Mar 4, 2016 6:39:45 GMT -5
I'm sorry to read this. Peppy and I can relate to mystery ailments. It took a long time to recognize his problems, and five months after that we're still struggling to treat him, and still don't really know the rock bottom source of it all. But he's doing a lot better, knock on wood.
Something else you can do to help prevent injury is to put a towel or some bubble wrap at the bottom of his sleep cage. You can cover that with paper towels to aid in the cleanup.
The only other thing I'd suggest is, if your vet is not certified avian, to find one. One who sees a lot of birds is fine for the routine, but without the initial training (and continuing education) on avian health, not to mention bird-specific diagnostic tools, they can be limited in their ability to treat birds.
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Post by aaron on Mar 4, 2016 10:05:48 GMT -5
Sorry to hear of Chuckie's troubles, but very pleased to hear that he is doing well! This all sounds very scary. It sounds like you're doing a great job caring for him. Good parronting!  |
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Post by julianna on Mar 4, 2016 14:41:02 GMT -5
awww poor little guy... and poor you. That must be so scary at the time... I have never gone through any of this (touch wood) and pray that I do not have to.
Take care and best of luck.
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Post by cnyguy on Mar 4, 2016 21:08:43 GMT -5
Sorry to hear about Chuckie's illness, but am glad that he seems more like his usual self now. Esattex's suggestion about providing something soft on the bottom of Chuckie's sleep cage is a good one-- a folded soft towel would work well, one without a rough texture that could snag a toenail.
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Post by beccilouise on Mar 5, 2016 14:30:56 GMT -5
Also very sorry to hear about poor Chuckie. I would second the suggestion to take him to a specialised avian vet if you haven't already. I heard a story about a cockatiel who was having breathing problems. He seemed to get better but then, a week or so later, got worse again and died. Granted, the owner was a complete wally (I met him on the train) who knew nothing about birds and had been feeding the poor thing crisps and chips and all sorts of rubbish. The bird was only young and it was entirely his fault it died, which is obviously not the case with you. But sometimes they can appear better and actually not be. It sounds like you're doing a great job taking care of him. I really hope he keeps feeling better for a very long time to come Good luck! |
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Post by bruce on Mar 7, 2016 20:10:53 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. My vet is wonderful, and has a special certificate in tropical animal medicine. Unfortunately, it is a 3 hour drive to the closest avian vet, and Chuckie does not tolerate travel well. He used to be a good travel bird, sadly no more. He is chirpy and curious again, and surprisingly cooperative about going into his "bird bedroom". Will take him in for a check in a couple of weeks should things stay on a good path.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Mar 8, 2016 3:58:18 GMT -5
While I appreciate the travel is onerous and Chuckie might not like the car, I agree with Beccilouise. These animals can hide their problems. I only have to refer you to Shah's ongoing health problems - it was only an afterthought that I took him to the vet. He now has to have blood tests regularly for the rest of his life and has permanent stomach damage. Same with Pippin who has suffered some major problems of late. Some of the signs of illness are very subtle - like how the bird is holding his feathers, his posture, etc. I noticed it with Pippin but never saw it with Shah and he suffered for 3 years. It is entirely up to you of course but just thought I would give you my opinion - for what it is worth. BTW, I have to put up with Pippin screaming all the way to the vet, while at the vet and then all the way home. You don't notice after a while |
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Post by bruce on Mar 18, 2016 1:05:59 GMT -5
Thanks Jan and Beccilouise. Will check on options. If I can do as up and back trip in single day, would be worth it to get baseline labs and tests. He is still being very fussy about food. At least once I hit on something he wants, he inhales it.
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