Urgent - Picking at feet

[katie_fleming]

I hate to throw more suggestions at you, especially since it's so non-specific but you might try adding a humidifier. Wrangler has been barbering feathers like a demon the last few days with no specific trigger. He's not bored, he's not stressed...he will be playing with me then stop and bite a few off right in front of me! I think he is itchy/irritated from molting and we had a spell of VERY dry/low humidity days. Single digit humidity. I doused him under the faucet in the sink and he calmed down a good bit and seems more comfortable. It made me think of you---couldnt hurt, but I know ou already have a ton of suggestions to work through. Still thinking of you and Jasper--and wishing for a quick resolution

Ty, yes I use a humidifier

 

[katie_fleming]

Ok, so a lot has happened recently.

Monday ended up being another really bad day for Jasper. It was also the first time that he picked until a bit of blood appeared. I broke down. After 5 weeks of watching him suffer I just couldn't handle it anymore. I called and begged my parents to take him. I wasn't helping him, the vets weren't helping him, nothing was working. I was just broken and done.

My boyfriend drove me halfway to Ottawa to meet my parents. They agreed to take him. I kissed him goodbye in his bag and told him he was going to get better. He beak scrapped and kissed my cheek.

Long story short he's now going to a parrot rescue tonight, in Smiths Falls. This woman comes highly recommended from a lady who has worked with Ekkies for 30 years in BC.

I don't know how long he'll be there for but the woman will work closely with the one in BC for diet changes. She's also going to get him to a vet to get his legs looked at. She said he's excellent.

I'm exhausted. Please keep Jasper in your thoughts. I will keep you updated and plan to get a bus ticket to go see him this weekend.

 

[YUMgrinder]

So this is temporary? sending my best wishes your way!

 

[Laylatoo]

I hear the tone of desperation and understand completely. I’m going on over 2 months of watching Layla pull out her pin feathers and being obviously uncomfortable with horribly itchy skin and taking her to two vet clinics over and over to try and get answers but coming home with none. It’s heartbreaking to watch and not be able to help. I feel emotionally exhausted as you do too I’m sure. Best wishes for Jasper and I hope he gets the help he needs.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Ohh Katie...:15: my heart breaks for both of you.

You certainly have gone above and beyond. Lots of prayers will be said in the hopes someone can get to the bottom of this and Jasper comes back home soon and healthy once more.

Hugggs to you!


Jim,Amy,and BB

 

[Anansi]

Sending hugs your way, and scritches for Jasper. As Jim said, there have been and will continue to be lots of prayers going up for Jasper. I know you feel like you're at your wits end, but hold on. Okay?

What is the agreement, exactly? Is everyone on the same page about this being a temporary thing? This is something you want worked out very solidly before going any further. I'm not implying anything negative toward those stepping up to help you and Jasper in your time of need, but rather urging caution since misunderstandings abound in situations like these.



Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[tashawithanekkie]

*virtual hugs*

 

[katie_fleming]

Yes, this is absolutely temporary. She thinks he'll only need to be there 1 week so will see where he's at at that point. She is going to bring him to the vet either today or tomorrow to get his legs checked.

I'm so thankful to have someone looking over him right now. They strongly believe it's diet related, and because of his blood results, they're revamping it right now. She's in constant contact with the lady in BC. I know I'm not allowed to post links here but hopefully names are ok. It's a closed Facebook group called Eclectus in Eden. The founder of the group has been caring for Ekkies for 30 years and said in every case she's seen it was always diet related. She said in every case where the vets suspected PDD, it wasn't. She said it can take some time.

I will be in touch daily to see how he's doing. Honestly last night was the first night in WEEKS when I didn't have horrible dreams about him. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts, prayers and messages. It means so much to me. I can't wait to have him home.

@Laylatoo - I am so sorry to hear this I understand your pain. I'm wondering if there's someone on that group (even though it's for Ekkies) that might know. There seem to be a ton of knowledgeable people there. Apparently they've been able to help lots of birds. Might be worth a shot. So hard to find a good vet.

 

[Violet_Diva]

I'm so glad you've found these people to help! That's excellent news. Hopefully Jasper will be back to his old self and back with you soon. Sending you hugs from me and my flock. Hang on in there Katie! We're all thinking of you both xxxXxxx

 

[Keatz]

Hi, Katie,

It sounds like this has been taking its toll on you emotionally. I think it's great that you're taking care of yourself and that Jasper is being taken care of too. I'm inclined to believe the lady when she said these things take time. Oscar once had a toe tapping episode that lasted three months. While doing some of my own research, I read an avian article that said that some toe tapping episodes can last weeks and some can last months. But I do believe Jasper will get better, and the help that you've been getting from people gives him the best possible chance.

 

[katie_fleming]

I've had several updates about Jasper since he got there Wednesday. Firstly, he's had NO tt/wf or picking. I can't believe it.

He's apparently been eating like a little pig (INCLUDING greens...come on Jasper! You NEVER ate those for me!!) and decided to be the guard birdie of a swallow's food dish while hes been there. Sounds like he's being a little booger, which is great news.

I still can't believe there's been a complete turnaround in such a short amount of time. Maybe the worst of it is out of his system.

He's on milk thistle daily to help with liver damage (as indicated by his blood results).

More news as I have it.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Wow Katie! That's very encouraging news Maybe just a "change of pace" is what Jasper needed?? At any rate..COOL BEANS!
Definitely keep us posted on his progress.

Now don't start stressing YOURSELF out, on the "whys"..it'll all fall into place in time

Yippiieee for Jasper!!




Jim

 

[LordTriggs]

yay good news!

Maybe the change of locale broke his habits? hopefully the new food is tasty enough that he likes it now

 

[katie_fleming]

Now don't start stressing YOURSELF out, on the "whys"..it'll all fall into place in time

How did you know I had started that?! LOLLLLL

I am just amazed. But I am still quietly preparing for a relapse just in case. He had good days before then it all went downhill. I am truly hoping whatever was in his system is out. I will be throwing out all of his dinners and proceeding with his revised list only.

Oh, and it looked like pineapple was a trigger for sure. Within no time after eating it on Tuesday he was wf/tt like crazy my parents said.

REALLY hoping he's going to stay in the clear.....and in the meantime have ordered 4kg of various sprouts lolll

 

[Kentuckienne]

That's such great news!

 

[Anansi]

I'm hoping he stays in the clear too, Katie. And I'm glad he's gotten a few days of relief. Little guy has been a trooper!

 

[katie_fleming]

My parents picked him up last night, and unfortunately I'm going to have to wait until Saturday to get home. Couldn't find a ride to meet them halfway until then :/

Anyway last night/today my mom said Jasper has minor wing flipping again. Man! The only "different" thing she gave him was a bit of banana. I was told he might be sensitive to high sugar fruits. Apparently if the banana is green it's good to feed him but if it's ready for us to eat, too much sugar. No clue if that's what caused it or not.

Hopefully he improves through the week. I miss him terribly.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

That's just crazy.....and i'm sure he misses his mommy!





Jim

 

[katie_fleming]

Ok long story short....Jasper is still with my parents. He had two excellent days. No wf/tt/or picking. His legs are healing nicely apparently.

Then today after work I call to see how he's doing and my mom is at the vet in Ottawa. Jasper started vomiting all over today. She rushed him to the vet and when she looked at him she said "low calcium" right away. She gave him a shot and apparently within minutes he perked up and even wanted to eat for the first time today. (My mom had said he was very quiet earlier, looked sad, not well....then the vomiting)

She ended up giving him a 2nd shot of calcium before they left. She also took a look at his folder I sent with his bloodwork, xrays, etc. She said definitely not PDD. She said low calcium and this was the tipping point. She said his legs look great and should be healed completely within a day or two.

She gave a calcium supplement to add to his water for a little bit (someone on the private Ekkie group had suggested an oral supplement which I had given him for 5 days when I first got his blood tests back but then I stopped).

We Skyped quickly so I could see him and I just started crying. He looked awful. But I know he is exhausted from being sick today and vet visits are stressful. But he has been unwell since September 8th.

More as I find out.......I might try to catch a bus on Sunday to go for a day or two to Ottawa and see him.

About the calcium supplement..when I took Smokey to her doc because she was acting "drunk",stumbling and falling over..he gave her a shot the fixed her up within minutes..

Any vomiting?

 

[plumsmum2005]

Aw Katie, poor you and poor Jasper, your little man is a trooper. Pleased to hear about the AV @ your parents, seems more focussed. Hope Jasper is much improved for your visit at the weekend?