Not again. I'm super stressed.

[SilverSage]

Regardless of the cause we are here for you; you are a dedicated parront and Leo knows he is loved.


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[Aidualc]

Oh no.. I was so hoping that no news was good news ! You're doing such an amazing job and I agree with SilverSage.. Leo has no doubt he is loved!

 

[Scott]

I hope the news is better today, Beatrice. Did Dr. J do additional lab work to compare?

 

[BeatriceC]

Yup. That's what he did. And he also took blood for some "zebra hunting" tests. We shall see.

 

[SilverSage]

Fingers crossed!


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[BeatriceC]

They redid several tests that had initially come back negative. One of them came back positive. We know what's wrong now. He has ABV. I'm devastated.

 

[BeatriceC]

After a short phone conversation we decided to bring in Goofy, the only other bird who's shown any potential symptoms of ABV, and had him tested. We did not pay for the rush test, so we will find out at the end of next week what Goofy's status is. If he's negative, we can breathe a sigh of relief. If he's positive, everybody else will get tested as well, and we will rearrange the house appropriately to manage the care of all the birds based on ABV positive or negative status.

We also had a long discussion about prognosis and quality of life. Leo has had the best vet care money can buy. Dr. Jenkins is one of the most renown avian vets in the US. He's been in practice over 30 years and is well known even internationally for his skill and expertise. Leo could not have been in better hands. That said, he is an extremely sick bird. He is in a lot of pain. The only thing keeping him alive right now are the formula feeds. He requires a medication to ease his stomach pain to even tolerate those. The bacterial infection he had was probably a crop infection, which is a common secondary infection in ABV patients. The formula feeds are stressful and painful for him. His prognosis, even with the standard support medication regime for ABV patients, is extremely poor. I feel like keeping him alive at this point is pure selfishness. I have decided that I no longer want to see him in pain like this. It is time to let him go. We have an appointment tomorrow afternoon.

I'm heartbroken. I don't even know what to think. He's on my shoulder now, and I don't plan on taking him off unless I have to.

 

[SilverSage]

My heart is broken for you. I'm so deeply sorry. My prayers are with you and your flock.


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[GaleriaGila]

Oh, Beatrice...
We are WITH you!
All of you.

 

[Flboy]

I am so very very sorry! This is so hard and painful!

 

[Inger]

I'm so very sorry. I'd really been pulling for little Leo.


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[BeatriceC]

MrC and I are going to take him for a walk so he can enjoy the outdoors. He hasn't been outside except for trips to the vet since he got sick. I want to make his last hours as nice as possible for him.

 

[GaleriaGila]

You are brave.
You are wonderful.
I can only hope to see the Rb out as beautifully.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Paraphrasing but disagreeing with Dylan... Go gentle into that good night, Leo.

 

[wrench13]

Oh no!!!! Little Leo! What terrible news, I am so sorry for your family Beatrice. And what a hard , hard choice, but if he is in pain, unrelieved , your doing the right thing, but oh so difficult. Our thoughts are with you and your family and Leo.

 

[Kentuckienne]

You know that you are giving him the greatest gift possible. We will all cease one day. We don't have any control over how much time we have or what our last moments will be like. Leo gets to spend his last hours with the person he loves. He will be spared days of pain. It's the best possible path, but that doesn't make it any easier for you. My heart is aching and I wish I had something besides words of sympathy to give.

 

[Scott]

I am so sorry, Beatrice. I had to first research ABV before commenting and now understand your decision. My heart is in my throat, my friend, and no words can convey my sadness.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I wanted to say how sorry I am .You are such a strong person.

 

[Doublete]

I am so very very sorry.
Peace be with you and your family and flock.

 

[Aidualc]

Oh no!!! My absolute deepest condolences. You all worked so hard and put everything into trying to help little Leo recover. He got the absolute finest treatment imaginable and you're seeing him out with dignity and love. This is really what we all can hope for in the end. I know nothing anyone says will make it easier, but remember you are not alone!