Heart Disease: A cautionary tale.

[plumsmum2005]

Scott just to add that I am sorry for this news of Angel. Thank you for sharing and bringing this to our attention and all good wishes to you and Angel.

 

[Scott]

Thanks for posting this. Poor Charlie died a month ago from congestive heart failure (he was ten or so). A week or two before he died, I finally figured out he had "water belly." Neither of the avian vets I took him to realized the fluids in his abdominal cavity were caused by heart disease. Instead, he was prescribed Metacam, which I blame for his death. Charlie should never have been given that drug, which in all likelihood caused his horrific death. I held him for an hour before he died, as he coughed and gasped for air, his legs unable to move, with fear in his eyes.

Thanks again for posting. Angel will probably have to see the vet on a regular basis to have her tummy drained. You and Angel have something Charlie never had—a good avian vet.

Thanks so much, you two. I honestly believe he could have lived several more months were it not for the irresponsible prescription of Metacam. Part of the problem was the fact that he was an older budgie. Were he a young cockatoo, the second avian vet would have probably tried harder to figure out what was wrong, rather than chocking it up to old age. I wanted to have more tests run, but she basically talked my dad out of it. Charlie is my boy, but the vet and my dad made me feel guilty about wanting to have some simple tests run on my "old" bird who wouldn't be able to "handle" any treatments.

My deepest condolences for your agonizing loss of Charlie. Especially sad knowing better skilled and more motivated vets may have made the difference. It was NOT from your lack of caring and advocacy. While my flock is so fortunate to have a wonderfully competent vet, heart disease is not a difficult diagnosis, though the therapies can be problematic.

 

[Scott]

Quick update: One week of treatment and Angel regained much of the fluid originally extracted. But her heartbeat is stronger and a bit slower. Took her to the vet and had nearly 30cc drained from her belly! He decided to add Furosemide (Lasix) to help prevent fluid buildup. A few days later she seems to be stable with little fluid buildup. Seems stronger, wants to leave her cage, and is grooming normally.

Part of the challenge is getting her to reliably consume .5cc of the Pimobendan with ease. Oatmeal seems the best substrate, and some days she resists. His long-term solution is to have me obtain more concentrated tablets from a Canadian pharmacy and add sufficient water to liquify.

 

[Anansi]

Scott, I'm so glad that the Furosemide has made a bit of a difference. It's good that you're acting swiftly enough to head things off before they get any more serious.

Is the Furosemide also a permanent measure? And does she dislike the taste quite so much as the Pimobendan?

 

[Scott]

Scott, I'm so glad that the Furosemide has made a bit of a difference. It's good that you're acting swiftly enough to head things off before they get any more serious.

Is the Furosemide also a permanent measure? And does she dislike the taste quite so much as the Pimobendan?

Adding the diuretic was a huge improvement! The Pimobendan is cherry-flavored and tolerated. Furosemide is straw-colored and nearly tasteless, but is just .1cc. He seeks to stabilize her and determine what is best for the long-haul. The imported Pimobendan can be liquified to a much smaller volume and should prove easier to administrate.

 

[Notdumasilook]

Thanks for posting this. Poor Charlie died a month ago from congestive heart failure (he was ten or so). A week or two before he died, I finally figured out he had "water belly." Neither of the avian vets I took him to realized the fluids in his abdominal cavity were caused by heart disease. Instead, he was prescribed Metacam, which I blame for his death. Charlie should never have been given that drug, which in all likelihood caused his horrific death. I held him for an hour before he died, as he coughed and gasped for air, his legs unable to move, with fear in his eyes.


This is not only sad it pisses me off. Another fine example of a vet tossing out metacam as some kind of cure all.
And Scott ..hate like hell whats going on with your kid. Xing fingers that the new meds help out. After reading this story Im gonna make an appointment for my BFA.... the "old' vet... I'll call him "Dr Metacam' last looked at Cookie and said he had a heart murmur but offered NO kind of treatment. Methinks I need a responsible vet to take a look. Best wishes to you and yer birdie.

 

[Kiwibird]

Wishing the best for Angel! A good reminder to always be diligent for signs of illness.

 

[Scott]

Thanks for posting this. Poor Charlie died a month ago from congestive heart failure (he was ten or so). A week or two before he died, I finally figured out he had "water belly." Neither of the avian vets I took him to realized the fluids in his abdominal cavity were caused by heart disease. Instead, he was prescribed Metacam, which I blame for his death. Charlie should never have been given that drug, which in all likelihood caused his horrific death. I held him for an hour before he died, as he coughed and gasped for air, his legs unable to move, with fear in his eyes.


This is not only sad it pisses me off. Another fine example of a vet tossing out metacam as some kind of cure all.
And Scott ..hate like hell whats going on with your kid. Xing fingers that the new meds help out. After reading this story Im gonna make an appointment for my BFA.... the "old' vet... I'll call him "Dr Metacam' last looked at Cookie and said he had a heart murmur but offered NO kind of treatment. Methinks I need a responsible vet to take a look. Best wishes to you and yer birdie.

Thank you. Truly great vets are invaluable, but I've seen my share of quacks. I would definitely take Cookie to a competent vet, as an early diagnosis far brightens the chances of success. Good luck, and please post how it goes when able.

 

[Allee]

Scott, I'm so glad you are seeing Angel improve already! It sounds like your vet is definitely on top of things and will give Angel the best possible ongoing care. You've both been in my thoughts and you will continue to be. Wishing Angel a very positive outcome.

 

[Taw5106]

Scott I am so sorry to see this and I'm praying for Angel and you both. I'll be following you, this raises a lot of concern with Venus but I'm sure it will be a while. However you are so experienced with female Ekkies, that's awesome. Please keep us posted!


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[Terry57]

Scott, I am so glad the Lasix seems to be helping, and I am praying that they will be able to take her off of it soon. I so hope the fluid doesn't build up again. When does she go back in again?
I am sending prayers and healing wishes your way, my Friend.

 

[Mariar]

Sorry Scott just read about angel. My dearest doolie died from an under developed heart and high cholesterol...from his life before me. My baby had a stroke and I had no clue. I'm much smarter now. I hope a speedy recovery is in the future. My thoughts are with you.

 

[Scott]

Scott, I am so glad the Lasix seems to be helping, and I am praying that they will be able to take her off of it soon. I so hope the fluid doesn't build up again. When does she go back in again?
I am sending prayers and healing wishes your way, my Friend.

Thanks Terry!! Recheck next Tuesday early AM. Getting stronger and grooming herself more frequently! More resistant to her meds twice daily, but still getting them down - oatmeal seems the most accepted.

Unsure of how long the Lasix will be required. She seems to be retaining a bit of fluid, but far less than before. The vet believes Pimobandan can strengthen the heart over time; while not a cure it can reduce the tendency to bloat.

 

[Scott]

Sorry Scott just read about angel. My dearest doolie died from an under developed heart and high cholesterol...from his life before me. My baby had a stroke and I had no clue. I'm much smarter now. I hope a speedy recovery is in the future. My thoughts are with you.

Thank you Maria. There is so much to learn about our feathered babies, and even the experts realize our limitations. Please don't ever blame yourself!

 

[Scott]

Just want to give a quick update nearly 3-months later. Angel had her monthly check-up yesterday and is now released from continued care. Her heartbeat is stable, stronger, and slower. Pimobendan has proven the game-changer drug for heart failure as recommended by my vet. She will for now require a low dosage of Furosemide (Lasix) to prevent water retention. Because of her chronic beak growth, she will see the vet at roughly 3 month intervals.

 

[SailBoat]

Just want to give a quick update nearly 3-months later. Angel had her monthly check-up yesterday and is now released from continued care. Her heartbeat is stable, stronger, and slower. Pimobendan has proven the game-changer drug for heart failure as recommended by my vet. She will for now require a low dosage of Furosemide (Lasix) to prevent water retention. Because of her chronic beak growth, she will see the vet at roughly 3 month intervals.

Scott,

Thank-you, for the update!!! It is so very heart warming to hear that Angel has responded to the medication(s).

 

[Violet_Diva]

I'm so glad she's doing better. Thanks for the update. She's such a trooper!

 

[Scott]

Most importantly, I wanted to plant the seed of inquiry should fellow members have a bird in heart failure. At one time there was little a vet could recommend for treatment. My vet, an experienced avian ABVP calls Pimobendan a "game changer." Also known as Vetmedin for mammals.

I hope y'all never have this problem!!

 

[Taw5106]

I'm so glad to hear there is improvement with Angel. You may have posted, but what where the signs of this? Yes I'm worried and thank you for sharing. I've been sifting thru your updates, looking thru the originating signs. Out of my three fids, my Venus (Ekkie) and I have the best relationship. She's my Velcro Venus. I want to give her the best life possible. As well as my others but she and I have such an amazing bond. She's with me for life.


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[Anansi]

Scott, I'm so happy to hear that pimobendan has worked out so well for Angel's heart condition. You continue to take wonderful care of her, and your diligence is paying off.

Is the oatmeal still her food of choice for downing meds?