Penny is sick, I've been holding back making a thread

[clark_conure]

I know its been up and down, up and down, but this looks like the tide is receding and everything is coming back into picture.

And not for nothing your entire flock will be more immune and better for it.

Stay strong!

 

[Laurasea]

Penny weight 98 grams same. Brighter this morning. It was azithromyacin day.
We sat in my master bath microscopic. Only long enough fir shower has a special narrow door sbd 2 feet of space with toilet in the no sink!!! Lol so perfect!!! Gets steamy!!! Stated till water went cold, just sitting on toilet in steam.

Fed about 5ml , switched to 1 ccc syringe, goes much better. My understanding, but need to research more, adult birds her size crops dont stretch like baby birds and 3cc at time is average, better to do frequent small feeding.
After feed with food in crop weight 105 . Going to start before and after feed for my info, and to help me judge emptying time.

Haven't done nostril flush yet.......working up my nerve

I'm petting her and she is purring, I love purring parrots.

 

[saxguy64]

Nice! I guarantee she appreciates the steam bath. Sounds like a good idea to check before/after feeding weight and time also. You can never have too much information!

Purring parrots, yes! What an amazing feeling when they do that. Total trust, comfort, and love. Sounds like a very good sign to me, Miss Penny.

Baxter is a purrer too. Lots of folks don't believe when you tell them, but it's definitely real. Sweetest thing ever! [emoji3590]

 

[Scott]

Wow Laura, your hospital ward is doing well! Cannot wait until all have fully recovered and you can take a well earned rest and enjoy your fids.

 

[Laurasea]

She is having less pain than yesterday, all that draining from right sinus yesterday definitely released pressure.

Staying awake!!! Furst day ever has stayed awake,, awesome!! Day 10!! First awake day in 10 days!!!!!!

Fed, 104 before 108 after.

Also I don't think is retaining free fluid anymore. As there was a time with no food in her not eating she had bounced up to 100 grams. I think likely this was free fluid in abdomen from being septic..

Its a great day so far! I want see the same thing tomorrow, because if all her upset sbd downs.. if tomorrow is as great as today, then she is well on her way to recovery!!

I wish would hsve started feeding formula sooner, as I mentioned earlier in thread a sick burds need 2.5 times normal calories when sick...

And it so much easier on me! Instead of constantly trying to get her to eat little bites all day long.

When you have a sick bird supportive care, heat, food, medicine, it all matters. You can't just go to the vet get the medication, and call it good. You are an important nurse, they need your help to recover. And as you've seen with me, things are going to go up and down and changes may have to happen. She didn't end up needing new medications, or more medication added, but your bird might.

And keeping them caged, to save calories, to keep warm, to keep close to food and water. Cuddling sessions important, so brief time with you is good. But don't come back from seeing yiur vet and getting medication, abd just let your bird be free and flying around. They need their rest, and that extra warmth to help recover.

 

[Scott]

We're all receiving a wonderful education Laura, thanks so much for sharing. Wish it were not happening to you and your precious fids. Wishing them a complete recovery!!

 

[Laurasea]

We're all receiving a wonderful education Laura, thanks so much for sharing. Wish it were not happening to you and your precious fids. Wishing them a complete recovery!!

You are kind, many of you know thus stuff ir have been through it all before.

But with all our sick birds lately, I hear them say things like having the bird out flying. That makes me realize they aren't getting this information from their vet. And its their first time taking care of a sick bird. And the thread has had a lot if traffic from guests. Some if tgem may have a sick bird, or it may help them be prepared in the future.

I used to keep emeraid, ( sick bird feeding formula), on hand. As I used to do medical foster. But it's been a long time since I had to gavage, or tube feed, and I was afraid. But Penny took the food herself from the syringe.

So now I will go back to keeping in date formula on hand. So I urge all to keep on hand too. Along with a safe bird heat source. And a gram scale.. track your birds weight weakly, often your first sign something is amiss...Thinking ahead, of your plan, when you wake up or come home to a sick bird. You must get veterinarian care immediately. You don't have much time, when a bird shows you it is sick! As myself and others have been through sometime you just find them dead without signs. So when you have symptoms you must act to save your bird. Then you have to provide follow up care.

Also because I have MBS( multiple burd syndrome) I'm going to make a daily checklist, and make copies for myself. One of my chevk list things, will be weird stuff. So I would catch things like Penny all of a sudden putting everything in her water, switching what she normally eats. That would have flagged me to think, and look for other changes. As well as tge standard, how poops look, changes in vocalization, extra naps ect.

You probably won't have as close of contact with your vet as I do. I've known her 20 years and she is a friend. But you can reach out to the tech, or nurse. Often they have their own extention, and you can set up a time daily you check in with them. Let them know you will want help, and are sure to have questions come up. Likely they will be happy to support and guide you, and will bring any serious issues to the attention of the vet.

Penny just telling me come here come here@
Fed, 105 before 110 after. Pretty consistently takes 5 grams of food. So for you with a 100 gram bird, seems 5 grams a feeding is a good aim. Im trying about every 2 hours, but depends on crop or if she is eating on her own.

 

[bug_n_flock]

This is so wonderful that she is so improved today!! <3 She may not like it much but keeping her quiet even when she is starting to feel better would likely help prevent a relapse. I know when I am starting to feel better after being sick I want to do EVERYTHING, but I am totally wiped out after only 1 or 2 things. Rest is very important. Continuing to send healing vibes and mental hugs.

 

[Laurasea]

her last feeding abd steam treatment, that right eye is squinted closed again. No draining today, but expect might see again tomorrow...

 

[Laurasea]

Penny female quaker by DNA, age est 10 years. Rescued 2 years ago in horrific conditions from a person with substance abuse issues, who then passed from overdose..and clearly had been loved at one point..so a sad situation with owner. Was covered in fecal matter, with matted feathers, plucking, self mutilation, wing construction, hunched from cage so small couldn't stand up. But that was all 2 years ago. Just back story for you.

Day 11 of being sick, day 4 of hand feeding formula. Day 2 of staying awake and no fluffing. Previously switched to 1ml syringe fir feeding. Started out taking only 3 ml of feed at a time. Now taking 7ml feeding at a time. About every 2 hours. Vet advice keep up feeding formula unless she rejects. If I could go back in time, would have started hand feeding formula on day 3 of being sick. Was to sick and shocky on day 1 and 2. Might not have been able to digest.

Penny up 1 gram again to 99g
Staying awake all the time now. Just mad at myself for not starting baby burd hand feeding formula sooner. Even though was constantly trying to hand feed favorites, I knew she wasn't getting enough. Her poops were rare and very scant in fecal matter.. she was starving and crashing from no calories....
Ugh

Still rubbing that right nostril.. but such improvements of last 2 dsys!!:

Rest if the flock will get second dose of azithromyacin Today. And weights rechecked. Then I check with avain vet, and only those we are concerned about will continue to receive meds. Tadah who lost the most weight, also has green tinged urine, which can be a sign of infection. So likely she will continue on meds

And A happy Obi makes an appearance. Was so happy to get mommies attention this morning. Showing off sticking head under bell and we both laughing. Not caught in film tho. Everyone screaming and boisterous this morning. Penny joined in too!

 

[bug_n_flock]

That is wonderful! Aww, little Obi bringing much needed laughter! What a great little guy he is. Glad Penny was boisterous.

 

[Laurasea]

Penny female quaker by DNA, age est 10 years. Rescued 2 years ago in horrific conditions from a person with substance abuse issues, who then passed from overdose..and clearly had been loved at one point..so a sad situation with owner. Was covered in fecal matter, with matted feathers, plucking, self mutilation, wing construction, hunched from cage so small couldn't stand up. But that was all 2 years ago. Just back story for you.

Day 11 of being sick, day 4 of hand feeding formula. Day 2 of staying awake and no fluffing. Previously switched to 1ml syringe fir feeding. Started out taking only 3 ml of feed at a time. Now taking 7ml feeding at a time. About every 2 hours. Vet advice keep up feeding formula unless she rejects. If I could go back in time, would have started hand feeding formula on day 3 of being sick. Was to sick and shocky on day 1 and 2. Might not have been able to digest.

Penny up 1 gram again to 99g
Staying awake all the time now. Just mad at myself for not starting baby burd hand feeding formula sooner. Even though was constantly trying to hand feed favorites, I knew she wasn't getting enough. Her poops were rare and very scant in fecal matter.. she was starving and crashing from no calories....
Ugh

Still rubbing that right nostril.. but such improvements of last 2 dsys!!:

Rest if the flock will get second dose of azithromyacin Today. And weights rechecked. Then I check with avain vet, and only those we are concerned about will continue to receive meds. Tadah who lost the most weight, also has green tinged urine, which can be a sign of infection. So likely she will continue on meds

And A happy Obi makes an appearance. Was so happy to get mommies attention this morning. Showing off sticking head under bell and we both laughing. Not caught in film tho. Everyone screaming and boisterous this morning. Penny joined in too!

Edit: second dose if azithromyacin for rest of flock.

Ta-dah ( GCC , female, age 7 years) , weight same 69 ( normally 74) green tinged urine at each poop.

Orbit ( quaker, less than 1 year old, sex unknown),weight same 92( highest was 96) sneezing today, been taking extra naps poop normal . Been napping since morning

Pikachu ( quaker, age 2.5 years, sex unknown),lost weight down 2 grams to 106, was 108 2 days ago ( highest weight 115) poop normal

3 Budgies all male, ages unknown . One has stains above both nostrils.

Texted with vet, all will stay on medication even budgies for the full 10 days, which with azithromyacin is every other day....whatever this is whole flock has.

 

[Jen5200]

Well you are doing an amazing job with this - they could not have a more dedicated nurse on their side.

 

[LaManuka]

So hopeful that they all get well soon, every day you’re getting closer to the finish line. Penny's boisterousness and Obi's antics must boost your spirits so much, and they do with all of us too. I can’t imagine how I’d handle a situation like this, but I don't think I'd be able to pull it off with the grace and strength that you have shown, you're awesome Laura!

 

[Laurasea]

questions fir those who have had hospitalized burds or sick burds at home, who had to have supplement feeding. How long did vet or you need to do this????

My extremely excellent avian specialist, whom I trust utterly. Has said until she refuses. Which I will do.

But 4 days seems like a long time, granted she only turned the corner yesterday!! And with the right eye squint, stuff is still going on and likely still some pain. ( vet does not want pain meds, I've already pestered her beyond reason so I'm not going to ask her to explain, im sure she has excellent reasons. ),
So probably why nit cracking those seeds yet, or crunching pellets..

So anyone out there please share your experiences

 

[noodles123]

questions fir those who have had hospitalized burds or sick burds at home, who had to have supplement feeding. How long did vet or you need to do this????

My extremely excellent avian specialist, whom I trust utterly. Has said until she refuses. Which I will do.

But 4 days seems like a long time, granted she only turned the corner yesterday!! And with the right eye squint, stuff is still going on and likely still some pain. ( vet does not want pain meds, I've already pestered her beyond reason so I'm not going to ask her to explain, im sure she has excellent reasons. ),
So probably why nit cracking those seeds yet, or crunching pellets..

So anyone out there please share your experiences

I've had a very sick bird but I never had to do what you are doing (or I guess I should say, "I never did" because it may helped speed recovery if I had. I am watching this thread constantly because I hope you guys have are hanging in there (to the best of your abilities). I hope others have answers, but just wanted to let you know that you are doing a great job and that we are all here for you!!! GO LAURA!!!

 

[Laurasea]

update on Ta-dah, she had her second dose this morning. Vet says usually feel better after second dose.

Well its Ta-dah mommy and me time. She is bouncing off the wall!!! She feels better!!!! She is talking up a storm bouncing all over the place lighting fast, eating snacks, .

I'm so glad I was checking weights and picked this up before she got as sick as Penny!!!

 

[noodles123]

update on Ta-dah, she had her second dose this morning. Vet says usually feel better after second dose.

Well its Ta-dah mommy and me time. She is bouncing off the wall!!! She feels better!!!! She is talking up a storm bouncing all over the place lighting fast, eating snacks, .

I'm so glad I was checking weights and picked this up before she got as sick as Penny!!!

that's awesome and good detective work on your part 500%!!!! Do they know what they think it might be yet? Clearly a bacteria is involved if antibiotics are working.

 

[Laurasea]

Tele medicine
Chlamydia brought in by Blue Boy is a real possibility, but doesn't exactly fit. Pseudomonas, e coili, other.... vet said only 5% of the time does she need to know exactly. Like it drives me nuts not knowing exactly !!! But you don't always get to know, even with culture . Its not common knowledge, but when you culture many things are going to grow as " normal flora " but sometimes there are pathogenic strains of the normally normal ( if that makes sense) ...it works better if something is found that shouldn't be there, or if it's predominantly one strain of something, but sometimes you don't get the bad bacteria to even grow out in the culture..all tests are tools..not the whole story...so you need a smart vet, with experience. And I've got a superstar!!

Even human medicine is like thus. I had an sbcess once that was super bad, abd resistant to all but one iv last resort antibiotic. It was cuktured at least 12 times even a surgical culture, they badly wanted to know what it was, we never found out .. such is life....

 

[Littleredbeak]

So I have experience with force feedings but not with birds. My dog who has since pasted was on a extremely potent antibiotic which made him not want to drink or eat. I stopped when he was off the antibiotic he regained he appetite- I was told to stop when he starts eating and drinking on his on.