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Post by Jan and Shah on Nov 4, 2015 2:56:20 GMT -5
Pippin was at the vet on Sat for his 2 monthly check up. There are still some problems but they are being treated. He doesn't have to go back for 3 months. I realised this morning that he wasn't doing well at all and am convinced when I saw him tonight that something is up. I cant get to the vet tomorrow and will have to cancel appointments on Friday to take him then. I am getting concerned with the cost that Shah and Pippin have cost me and I just feel sick to the stomach about it. I really cant afford the amount I have already spent on them (well over Aus $5,000) but I cant ignore the fact that he is sick.
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Post by easttex on Nov 4, 2015 5:16:53 GMT -5
Oh, boy, Jan. I'd like to say I hope it was your imagination, but I'm afraid I have more faith in your powers of observation. So, I hope it turns out to be something easily diagnosed and treated. I empathize with the financial considerations. I haven't even tried to calculate my totals, but I know my husband will want to know one of these days. He's not happy about it as it is, and it's the source of some tension. Have you asked about a discount? I'm thinking about talking to my vet about it. I feel like we both should qualify for one, based on volume alone.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Nov 4, 2015 5:30:34 GMT -5
The vet even asked me if I would answer the phones while he and the nurse were taking blood - but, alas, no discount. I am going to have to speak to him about costs. I think Pips might have an infection in his crop - I heard seed dropping this morning and when I turned on the light, no-one was near the seed dish. His poos have gone dark green and he is a bit listless and sitting on lower branches. He has had this once before - he actually vomits the seed he eats. I will speak to the vet tomorrow. Thanks Easttex, I know you are in the same boat as me with the cost - but what can you do? My friends say to put him and Shah down but I honestly couldn't do that. Pippin just seems to be getting one thing after another - I assume his immune system has been compromised and have got him on special stuff to help him get it back again. At this rate, I will never be able to retire (which I was going to do around January - March). Might have to wait to July so I can recover the vet costs
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Post by Jan and Shah on Nov 4, 2015 15:20:52 GMT -5
He has deteriorated overnight so just waiting for the vet to get in so I can speak to him. I had to come to work today as I am taking time off starting tomorrow and need to get through quite a bit of stuff here but will be leaving early to get him to the vet. Looking at him this morning I felt really bad that I had thought about the cost of getting him better. You just cant consider the money aspect. If worse comes to worse (as I have massive bills due in), I will ask the vet if I can make part payments every fortnight - I am sure he would be agreeable to that
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Post by aaron on Nov 4, 2015 16:00:42 GMT -5
Gosh Jan, I'm sorry to hear this... The money aspect is such a challenge. Between you and Easttex I am really thinking about looking into bird health insurance, although in my initial investigations I've read mixed things about any options I've found. I like the idea of a volume discount! Seems fair to me. Will be sending positive and healthy thoughts for little Pippin.
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Post by cnyguy on Nov 4, 2015 21:02:23 GMT -5
Sorry to hear about Pippin, and hope he'll be better soon. I would definitely discuss financial arrangements with the vet-- I would imagine that something can be done to help ease the burden for you.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Nov 4, 2015 21:50:21 GMT -5
I rang the vet when I got to work and he said to bring him over immediately. I explained I couldn't do that but he insisted the I bring Pippin over as soon as possible as he thought he had eaten something toxic. So I left work and took him and Spike over (as Spike lives in the same cage). Spike came up clean but Pippin isn't so good. There is a blockage which is causing him to vomit. The muscles have spasmed so they are flushing him and keeping him in a hot box. He has to stay in overnight. The vet said it was a good thing that I bought him over when I did as time was of the essence with his problem. Poor Pippin just goes from one disaster to another. He has always been such a healthy robust bird but he seems to be fading away. But I am determined to help him get better.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Nov 4, 2015 22:10:34 GMT -5
The vet just rang. He said it is extremely serious - the blockage isn't moving. I just don't know what to say.
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Post by aaron on Nov 4, 2015 23:19:02 GMT -5
Ugh I am very sorry to hear that Jan *hugs* We will be praying for you and little Pippin.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Nov 4, 2015 23:26:55 GMT -5
Thanks Aaron - he needs all the prayers he can get.
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Post by biteybird on Nov 5, 2015 1:14:28 GMT -5
Jan, I just saw this thread. Poor Pippin (and you). I hope you have some positive news soon.
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Post by easttex on Nov 5, 2015 5:12:36 GMT -5
These little guys will just put you through the wringer. You must be feeling pretty frantic, trying to fit in everything you have to do, all at the same time. I hope you have better news today.
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Post by msdani1981 on Nov 5, 2015 15:42:06 GMT -5
Sending much love and prayers from my flock. I'm so sorry about Pippin. (((HUGS)))
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Post by siobhan on Nov 5, 2015 16:53:41 GMT -5
How is he doing? Any news?
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Post by Jan and Shah on Nov 5, 2015 18:19:25 GMT -5
I rang the vet this morning - he said Pips was a bit brighter and part of the blockage had moved but there was still a lot there, however, it appeared to be breaking up. The barium managed to get through and his poos have returned to normal. I pick him up in half an hour as the vet wants him to come home. Thanks everyone for your good wishes - I really appreciate it. He has really been through the wars but I will have a serious talk to the vet on what I can do to get him better as I think it will be a long road ahead. But Shah is also on the same road and he is definitely improving. Can hardly wait to see him as it was a terrible night last night - I really didn't think he was going to make it. I feel completely washed out now - but happy
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