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.
! You're doing such an amazing job and I agree with SilverSage.. Leo has no doubt he is loved!
