Spice

[Aquila]

I couldn't sleep very well last night, so I ended up being awake until 5:30am until I finally fell asleep. Woke up at 9:30 to the birds making noise and immediately noticed Spice, the female of my conure pair on the bottom of the cage. I put the divider in the cage to separate Pumpkin, and wrapped Spice up in a paper towel.

She looks like she just dropped, she was perfectly fine yesterday and last night, active, eating, drinking, bathing, I don't understand. I haven't had them a year yet, and I guess this is just part of having rescue birds, but I'm heartbroken, and I'm sure Pumpkin is too. I'm worried for him now, from what I know, she was a few years older than him, but I have no proof of age and she didn't have a band.

I don't want to leave the house or sleep because I just want to watch to make sure Pumpkin is okay. I'm going to get a necropsy done and have her cremated, I just feel like I'm doing something wrong, or missing something. My boyfriend and I both sat and cried this morning over her.

This week in general has been one of the worst I've had in a while and I'm afraid of what's going to happen next. Monday, fired from my job, tuesday, my fish that I had for six or so years, died, and today, Spice.

 

[Terry57]

I am so sorry for your losses this week Please do not blame yourself, it sounds like it happened so quickly that there is nothing you could have done.
I am hoping that this marks the last of your tragic losses Sending hugs and my deepest condolences.

 

[RavensGryf]

Oh no Liz, I am so sorry about your loss of Spice. Please don't blame yourself. You are a great bird mom, and I think deep down you know you did all that you could have. As you said, with the rescues, you don't always know the history and if they had a condition that couldn't be repaired . I'm sorry for Pumpkin feeling so bad too. I am going through that too with Mink, so I know how it feels to be helpless to help our feathered babies feel better. Time will heal, but it's hard I know.

I am sorry to hear about your job and your fish too . Maybe the job was just making way for the one you were meant to have .

 

[Psittaciformes]

I'm so sorry for your loss, that's horrible! I'm sure you did nothing wrong though.
Will you update us regarding the necropsy?

 

[Aquila]

Thank you all for the kind words.

I dropped her off today at the vet, spoke with him for a little bit, and he said he'll try to get back to me in 48 hours or so. If necessary, he'll send out tissue samples if he can't find anything.

Although he's not an "avian" vet, he's had a lot of birds himself and I trust him. I talked to one of the girls there for a bit, who also rescues birds and it made me feel a lot better afterwards. I'm really hoping I get a clear answer, regardless of what it is. She'll also be privately cremated so I'll have her ashes back.

 

[Piasa]

I am so so sorry to hear about Spice my heart goes out to you and Pumpkin.

I hope you can get some answers and closure, and that life gets a little easier for you.

 

[Flboy]

So sorry! Hang in there for the rest of ur babies!!

 

[Scott]

My deepest condolences, Liz, on the passing of Spice. A rescued companion brings the promise of renewal and happiness, but we are powerless to overcome that which we are unaware. There is no doubt you provided Spice with love and kindness not recently experienced.

I am sorry you are experiencing the loss of a beloved fish and your job. It is a lot to process. Hopefully you have a close and strong support system.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Oh Aquila I am so sorry what a horrible week. So sad at your loss also. Pumpkin may be a little quiet for a day or two but from what I've read probably good he saw Spice rather than she just disappeared. Sending you best wishes and any good luck I can muster your way.

 

[wrench13]

My condolences, Liz, on the loss of your birdie. Thank you for trying rescue.

 

[Jerseyjeff62]

Sorry for your loss

 

[Aquila]

I did finally get the necropsy results, she had Erythremic myelosis, also known as haemorrhagic conure syndrome, which is a type of lymphoma (blood cancer.)

He said there was nothing I could have done and it would have just prolonged the inevitable. It could have been triggered by dietary problems prior to me getting her (lack of vitamin K and calcium) but it's not really well understood.

 

[DinoTheLori]

I'm so sorry to hear. I need to know why Dino suddenly died. Tomorrow I'm droping him off to the lab. They will provide me a full report.
Thank you for sharing this with us.

 

[plumsmum2005]

I did finally get the necropsy results, she had Erythremic myelosis, also known as haemorrhagic conure syndrome, which is a type of lymphoma (blood cancer.)

He said there was nothing I could have done and it would have just prolonged the inevitable. It could have been triggered by dietary problems prior to me getting her (lack of vitamin K and calcium) but it's not really well understood.

Although painful thank you for letting us know the necropsy results and now you can rest easy, you were not to blame.

 

[Mariar]

Oh Liz sooo sorry you lost spice...at least you know why..I know it doesn't make it any better...my heart goes out to you...sending you love and feathered hugs.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Spice, farewell. I say this to everyone I meet who is experiencing a loss. It was in a sympathy card when my Mother passed, and it stuck with me. The message was... "May the pain of losing her soon be outweighed by the joy of having had her in your life."