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Post by camburns on Jul 24, 2017 15:59:56 GMT -5
Hello,
I wanted some advice about my Quaker Chuckie. I have been away from the board for a while and had to create a new login name to access. He is at least 27 years old (probably closer to 31) and has suddenly developed muscle tremors and confusion. I took him to the vet who thinks he may have a brain tumor. We are trying supportive measures such as steroids, antibiotics, and vitamins just to see if he will improve.
I am considering euthanasia if he doesn't respond, as he cannot perch, climb, and is refusing food and water. Once a bird reaches such a state, do they pass on without intervention or is it more humane to ease them to peace?
Thanks in advance for any advice |
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Post by easttex on Jul 25, 2017 4:30:58 GMT -5
I am so sorry to read about Chuckie. If you get to the point where you feel there is no hope of improvement, I think in your place I would have him euthanized. He might pass peacefully due to the tumor. On the other hand, he might die from starvation or dehydration. I know how hard these calls are to make. You want to give him every chance to recover without making him suffer, but it's so hard to be sure. Your vet should be able to help you figure this out.
I hope the meds will help Chuckie and that the decision can at least be deferred, but you're wise to be thinking about it ahead of time.
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Post by bruce on Jul 25, 2017 9:18:21 GMT -5
Thanks easttex. I just spoke with Vet tech, he is a bit better. May be rally before end. I will have talk with vet about options going forward. Perhaps there is an oral pain reliever or steroid that might help. I will not put him on chemotherapy which is mentioned in the vet literature as an option. Thanks again.
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Post by easttex on Jul 25, 2017 12:42:50 GMT -5
I hope he gets better. I wouldn't pursue chemo in his case, either. Your vet would know best, of course, but parrots are often given meloxicam for pain, with good effect.
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Post by biteybird on Jul 26, 2017 4:39:01 GMT -5
Hi Bruce, I'm sorry to hear this about your Chuckie. I remember you and Chuckie from a while back.
I hope Chuckie will respond to the meds but if he doesn't Easttex is right, these decisions are so hard. I know you will make your decision based on what you judge is best for him.
All the best...X
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Post by bruce on Jul 26, 2017 15:18:22 GMT -5
Hello everyone. Chuckie is somewhat better today: strong enough to refuse his oral liquid medications and is perching well. He still appears a bit 'dazed' - unlike yesterday he is 'talking' a little bit and devoured a large sprig of millet. Since he is refusing to eat anything else I suppose it can't hurt at this point. I am having a mess of a time with the liquid medications - I tried soaking bread, a dropper, putting it into his water bowl - he just is refusing to take unless so dilute they can't be helping him much. Any suggestions short of flex tube?
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Post by easttex on Jul 26, 2017 15:52:58 GMT -5
You could try what I did with Peppy. I mixed up baby parrot formula and fed him with a syringe. Even when he wouldn't eat anything else, he would usually take formula. Once he knew to look for something good from the syringe, he would take the meds with no problem. If Chucky likes the formula, which is not unusual when a bird is sick (I think they revert to babyhood at such times, much like us), he's also getting good nourishment. By all means, though, if millet is all he will eat, give him millet. Peppy would also eat scrambled egg, especially with cheese in it.
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Post by bruce on Jul 28, 2017 21:00:55 GMT -5
Hi everyone. Chuckie is much improved. He devoured a lot of millet seed mixed in with his regular bird food (Harrison's). He is still a bit clumsy and definitely cautious when perching or climbing. He does have much of his pugnacious personality back and also did some play grooming of my hand. He is chirping again and definitely engaged with me and my housemate when one of us goes in to feed him or offer treats.
To avoid overtaxing him, I have him in a quiet room I use as my office. I think he likes the location because there is no way a scary predator (me until he realizes it's me) could sneak up on his blind side. I am very thankful he seems to be focusing with his one good eye. Unfortunately cataract surgery is well beyond my means.
I will continue with his treatment plan (oral steroids and vitamins), and good food, some gentle company, and a safe place to relax and sleep. Hopefully he will continue this turn around and recover fully.
Thanks again for your support and advice.
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Post by easttex on Jul 29, 2017 5:14:24 GMT -5
I've been wondering how things were going. So glad to read he's doing better.  |
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Post by julianna on Aug 5, 2017 14:08:02 GMT -5
Poor Chuckie and you too Bruce. Such stressful times. I am happy to hear there is some improvement. Best wishes.
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