Blu is sick

[LaManuka]

Blu was cleared for his fungal infection, and I was able to leave the country. We did one last test for a protozoal infection, but he passed that as well.

Blu is generally better, but he is still low energy overall. He typically does not leave his cage except for maybe one a day to go visit his brother. He can fly but his ability to do so has extremely deteriorated. The usual energy and agility I know he is capable of isn't there anymore. I haven't weighed him recently but I can tell he is still overweight despite being on a pellet/veggie diet since I've owned him. I added more seed per the doctor's request as well.

I started taking him out of the cage to try to do some flying and target training in hopes of getting his strength back. My hopes are this is temporary and is a side effect from being sick. But it still begs so many questions. Why did his normal flora infect him in the first place? Why did he see such a significant gain in weight and a loss of energy, even after being cleared of any infections? Is he deteriorating, is he hurting, is there something I can do for him? I can't find any similar reports from people online, and the vet can't determine much else either.

I wont lie I'm still very concerned, but for now I'm just happy that he pulled through what could have been a fatal illness. So we're just enjoying the days with each other and being grateful for his health.

That's all any of us can do, @MrJackpotz. Nothing in this world is permanent, every day with them is a blessing, every moment a gift to cherish. Blu is very much loved and cared for, and that is what matters most.

 

[rheashard2]

Fighting infection human or pet puts stress on a body. Response depends on a lot of factors. Give Blu lots of love and encouragement. Keep both of your moral up.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Man I'm wore out reading what all the little guy fought thru. How longs it been since he was given the clear from everything?

I know myself I am tired and low energy easily winded etc for a long time after beating an illness. Maybe he just needs some more TLC time to build back some reserves.

Have you given any probiotics to help boost him back up after the antibiotics and antifungal?

 

[MrJackpotz]

Hi everyone

Unfortunately I had to euthanize Blu on Christmas. He needed another visit to urgent care after he had some more sticky droppings and lost a lot of weight. We put him back on Sucrulfate and started Gabapentin and he gained some weight back after 2 days. We spent those days together quite a bit, sitting outside, watching tv, and just chilling. On Christmas I woke him up and found him sitting at the bottom of his cage. He refused all food and water, and I knew it was his time to go. I had an at home euthanasia and had the other birds present in the room with me. I held him as his cries slowly faded from the sedative and he passed away in my hands.

We believe he passed from some sort of a GI issue, be it cancer, pancreatitis or some sort of ulceration. The vet ruled out all treatable illnesses and we moved him to palliative care for the end of his life which is the most I could do for him. He let me hold, cuddle and pet him for long periods of time, which tells me he is unwell because he wasnt the most snuggly budgie.

I'm very broken up about this but im happy I no longer need to see him suffering. These were a long 3 months. He was the sweetest boy ever and it was so hard to watch him suffer. Bijou keeps looking for him in the cage but I think he is starting to understand that Blu is gone. The birds have been leaning heavily on me for social interaction. They seem lonely but are enjoying each other's company more than usual. I am going to get another bird at some point but I'm not ready. I still havent changed his cage papers out because I know how difficult it will be to finally leave that cage empty.

Thank you all for the support and giving me an outlet here. Every Christmas I'm going to dedicate to remembering him. I'm looking forward to receiving the ashes (however little there is) and having some closure.

 

[MrJackpotz]

Man I'm wore out reading what all the little guy fought thru. How longs it been since he was given the clear from everything?

I know myself I am tired and low energy easily winded etc for a long time after beating an illness. Maybe he just needs some more TLC time to build back some reserves.

Have you given any probiotics to help boost him back up after the antibiotics and antifungal?

Yes we had him on probiotics for a week and it seemed to help. Sadly I think he just had something untreatable.

 

[nkrbkr]

I’m so sorry for your loss

 

[DonnaBudgie]

So sad, but you did the right thing. Blu is free from pain and disease now and will live on forever in your memory.
Sometimes there's nothing more you can do. Systemic illness and organ failure happen. Blu held on for a long time like my Mariah did. Maybe the two of them will make friends over the rainbow Bridge.
You should make sure Blu's friend has plenty of companionship. Budgies are very social and don't thrive alone.

 

[LaManuka]

Hi everyone

Unfortunately I had to euthanize Blu on Christmas. He needed another visit to urgent care after he had some more sticky droppings and lost a lot of weight. We put him back on Sucrulfate and started Gabapentin and he gained some weight back after 2 days. We spent those days together quite a bit, sitting outside, watching tv, and just chilling. On Christmas I woke him up and found him sitting at the bottom of his cage. He refused all food and water, and I knew it was his time to go. I had an at home euthanasia and had the other birds present in the room with me. I held him as his cries slowly faded from the sedative and he passed away in my hands.

We believe he passed from some sort of a GI issue, be it cancer, pancreatitis or some sort of ulceration. The vet ruled out all treatable illnesses and we moved him to palliative care for the end of his life which is the most I could do for him. He let me hold, cuddle and pet him for long periods of time, which tells me he is unwell because he wasnt the most snuggly budgie.

I'm very broken up about this but im happy I no longer need to see him suffering. These were a long 3 months. He was the sweetest boy ever and it was so hard to watch him suffer. Bijou keeps looking for him in the cage but I think he is starting to understand that Blu is gone. The birds have been leaning heavily on me for social interaction. They seem lonely but are enjoying each other's company more than usual. I am going to get another bird at some point but I'm not ready. I still havent changed his cage papers out because I know how difficult it will be to finally leave that cage empty.

Thank you all for the support and giving me an outlet here. Every Christmas I'm going to dedicate to remembering him. I'm looking forward to receiving the ashes (however little there is) and having some closure.

I'm so sorry for your loss, @MrJackpotz, but you definitely did the right thing by him. I once had a budgie who contracted testicular cancer. With veterinary assistance and monitoring he fought it for about a year with a great quality of life, but like Blu, he let me know when he had had enough. They certainly do leave a hole in our hearts much bigger than their tiny little bodies, and I hope you can take some comfort in the knowledge that he knew just how much he was loved and treasured, as every little birdy should be.

 

[MrJackpotz]

So sad, but you did the right thing. Blu is free from pain and disease now and will live on forever in your memory.
Sometimes there's nothing more you can do. Systemic illness and organ failure happen. Blu held on for a long time like my Mariah did. Maybe the two of them will make friends over the rainbow Bridge.
You should make sure Blu's friend has plenty of companionship. Budgies are very social and don't thrive alone.

He's getting lots of love and head sits right now. And he has my other birdie to chase around. I can tell he's lonely though , so i've been trying to be home and spend more 1 on 1 time with them. I sure hope they become friends too <3

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

Such sad news I'm glad he was there with you, though. **Hugs**