Cookie-The end might be near

[Scott]

Thanks again.

He's got a vet appointment late this afternoon. When I talked to the office this morning I decided to go ahead and bring him in for two reasons. First, I'm really hoping this is something simple and easily fixed and he's not going to die any time soon. Second, if he is sick with something contagious, we need to know so we can take the appropriate precautions with the rest of the flock. I don't believe that's the case, mostly because he never goes anywhere, but I think I would rather be cautious on that point.

He's falling off his perch this morning. When MrC gets up (he sleeps late, usually), I'm going to move his perches so they are low enough that he won't injure himself with another fall.

I think you are handling this admirably. Check for the basic and easy to solve, and safeguard your flock. If Dr. J believes Cookie is simply geriatric, you know how to give him the very best quality of life.

Best of wishes with the visit, Cookie!

 

[BeatriceC]

He's maybe, possibly, even probably not dying!!!!!!

He's got a lame left foot. His right foot is also arthritic. He's apparently been in a lot of pain for a while now and not showing it. Doc said all his symptoms could be explained by simple pain, so I have pain medications to give him twice a day for the foreseeable future.

There's a small chance that it's kidney failure. Doc wants to see how he responds to pain meds before he puts him through the discomfort of a blood draw. Even if it is kidney failure, due to his age, we will just keep him comfortable until the end. But based on his reaction to his first injection (he's hopping around like he hasn't done in months), I'm very hopeful this is all just a pain issue and he still has a long time with us.

 

[Allee]

This is wonderful news! I hope the pain from arthritis is truly causing all the symptoms and there is nothing else to worry about. I hope the meds do the job and your sweet Cookie will be healthy and happy for a very long time.

 

[Terry57]

That is wonderful news! I am hoping that Cookie will be around for a long time to come

 

[Scott]

Fantastic, you are such a wonderful parront for giving him a chance!! This is exhibit "A" as to why having a skilled avian vet is so critical. I hope the pain meds are all that is necessary to improve his function and outlook!!

 

[BeatriceC]

Thanks, guys. You have no idea how thrilled I am right now. Or maybe you do. I'm pretty attached to that little guy, so while there's still the small chance of kidney issues, I'm cautiously relieved and excited. The rest of his physical exam was as perfect as could be. The mostly liquid poop is the only reason why we have that question hanging over our heads, but Dr J said that does happen when a bird is stressed, and pain certainly causes stress. He thinks the chance of having a kidney issue is tiny, but was still worth mentioning. I'm supposed to call him next Monday with an update.

 

[BeatriceC]

Oh, and to be clear, he had regular, formed fecal matter and a normal amount of urates, but there was a LOT of liquid.

 

[BeatriceC]

Guys!!! He's a new bird this morning! It's like the clock has wound back 5 years! He's eating, he's all over his cage, he took a controlled flight around the living room, he's dancing around like a baby bird! He's had his second dose of pain meds and it's like a different bird moved in.

His poop is still a little runny, but better than it was. I'm so freaking happy!

 

[Piasa]

Watery poop could also be because he hasn't been eating as much as normal. It can take a couple days to normalize. I am SO happy he is responding well and back to his old self!

Celery seed is supposed to help with arthritis. I mix it in with my birds' mash. Dose isn't too important. I use 1 capsule of an organic supplement for 3 days worth of food, but you can also get the spice jar kind. Might be worth trying!

 

[BeatriceC]

Dr. J. wants to be conservative for now. He wants to give the pain meds a chance to do their thing for at least a few days first. I agree with him on that point. We shall see what happens in the next few days.

Cookie is back in his cage because I have the other birds out, but he's singing a nice, pretty song, which he hasn't done in a few days. It's so wonderful to hear his nice, clear voice again.

 

[wrench13]

YAHH! Go Cookie ! That's a good outlook, after the beginning of this thread. I am really happy for both of you.

 

[Notdumasilook]

Yeah I got a big hug for ya too. My BFAs name is Cookie also.. I had an older tiel a few years back "Squeaky" that was an awesome lil buddy. She died in my hands being cuddled by me in her last moments from what appeared to be a stroke or heart attack. At least it was quick. Going thru this thread it seems like things are looking up and you are doing great takin care of your lil birdie. Just curious... what pain meds are you giving? Oh another thing... if you run across any cherries... cherries also have a natural anti-inflammatory. Might help with birdies pain somewhat. Ask your vet maybe for some celocib? Metacam can be tuffer on an older birds kidneys/liver.. it cost a bit more but methinks lots better for your birdie.. Best wishes from this ole fart...

 

[Scott]

Guys!!! He's a new bird this morning! It's like the clock has wound back 5 years! He's eating, he's all over his cage, he took a controlled flight around the living room, he's dancing around like a baby bird! He's had his second dose of pain meds and it's like a different bird moved in.

His poop is still a little runny, but better than it was. I'm so freaking happy!

I cannot sufficiently praise your decision to seek vet care for Cookie!! Given his age, the choice to simply keep him comfortable would have left him hobbled and pain-riddled to the end. Granted not everyone has the resources and superb avian specialist, but an important lesson lurks within this thread.

 

[Rival_of_the_Rickeybird]

Very good news, and a good example for all of us who have older birds.

 

[BeatriceC]

Thanks guys. He's doing so much better today after just a couple doses, and the vet said it would take a few days to see full effect, so I'm quite hopeful for what he's going to be like after he's had a few days.

And to answer somebody's question, it's just an NSAID.

 

[GaleriaGila]

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY, Cookie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a happy day.

 

[Moose]

I'm so happy he's responding well to pain meds. Yay!

 

[BeatriceC]

He's arguing with me this morning. He did NOT want to come out of his cage and let me know it! Normally I'm not thrilled with a misbehaving bird, but less than a week ago he didn't have the energy to even verbally protest, let alone hop and fly away from me. He's a completely different bird and getting better every day.

I can't believe what a difference this has made!

 

[Scott]

He's arguing with me this morning. He did NOT want to come out of his cage and let me know it! Normally I'm not thrilled with a misbehaving bird, but less than a week ago he didn't have the energy to even verbally protest, let alone hop and fly away from me. He's a completely different bird and getting better every day.

I can't believe what a difference this has made!

So nice to hear an positive update! How are you administering the meds? Must Cookie be restrained or can you disguise his wonder drug in a reliable delivery source?

 

[Teknogeddon]

What good news despite him being a little brat! You must be thrilled to have him in such high spirits. He's lucky to have such a caring Parront.