Update on Lucky

[texsize]

Lucky has not gotten better.
In fact I think he is worse. His breathing is rapid a bit like he got done flying 30-45 seconds ago. Not like right after flying.
No tail up/down motion.
No noticeable panting.
And he is still sneezing.
Called CAV and they are going to try to work him in tomorrow afternoon.e

He is an old bird for a Cockatiel and I don't even know just how old.
21 years +.

texsize.

 

[Scott]

The sneezing is odd. Could there be something going on that resembles a sneeze but actually something different?

Hope the vet has some good ideas, and in any case that Lucky improves.

 

[SailBoat]

With an older bird, this could be a number of aliments. The difficulty breathing is the most concerning as cardiovascular problems tend in increase, which makes them more prone to air sack based illnesses. Good choice of getting Lucky into your CAV.

 

[Laurasea]

I hope Lucky gets a diagnosis that is treatable abd recovers quick

 

[texsize]

I took Lucky back to the vet yesterday.
He cleaned up his nars and gave me the standard antibiotic to give him.
I am to call back on Monday and let them know how he is doing.

If no better he recommends x-ray w/sedation to look at lungs and air sacks.

Lucky still has a more rapid respiration than normal and not very active.

Lucky is one of the most difficult birds to give medicine.

I am worried for Lucky.

 

[Laurasea]

Awww. Its so hard having go through this. Bug hugs.
You've heard my standard, Xtra warmth really helps birds. Xtra calories. If doesn't eat good stuff like veggies and some pellets..then xact baby burd formula fed thicker st yogurt constantly 1-3ml for your size burd. Even once a day as a little support might help.
You've taken care of him to a great old age. I hope mine all reach that. From my reading the standard us 20 years for Amazon and smaller. Even tho listed can live longer and some do. A research project found the reality was around 20..fir GCC a little over 10.

I'm really hoping for yours thus us just a bump, and you get more years of love..

Its a hard night on the forums. Reminds us all to poor as much love into our feathered and non feathered kids as possible.

For help relaxing for you, try hot water with honey to taste, with 1 slice each of orange, lemon, and lime. Its very restoring

 

[Scott]

A course of antibiotics seems reasonable before considering sedation and X-Ray. Will Lucky cooperate taking meds hidden in oatmeal, piece of bread, or any of the commonly used hiding places?

Hope Lucky responds, may take a few days to notice improvement.

 

[texsize]

I took this video yesterday.
Trying to show his rapid breathing.
Unfortunately my essential tremors make it more and more difficult to hold anything still. It is also making it difficult just to give scratches.

But anyway I have seen a very slight improvement.
Lucky had been spending some of his time parched on top of his box.
This is highly unusual for him to do.
He has not been doing that today sofar.

[ame="https://youtu.be/N-ncS-30ac0"]Lucky's rapid breathing - YouTube[/ame]

 

[SailBoat]

Consider a phone stand as they help greatly.

 

[Scott]

I see your point about breathing. Not so much labored but shallow and frequent. Perhaps Lucky has infection and meds are beginning to help?

 

[SailBoat]

Ask for an email copy of Lucky's last Vet Visit!
It should tell you what the Vet believes Lucky is suffering from.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

I see your point about breathing. Not so much labored but shallow and frequent. Perhaps Lucky has infection and meds are beginning to help?

Lucky is breathing like I do at times.. Praying for the little guy.


Jim

 

[texsize]

It's hard to say for sure just how much if any improvement has been made.

I have been giving him his antibiotics for 8 days. today will be the 9th if I do it.

The best I can say is his sneezing is less. Less frequent and not for as long a time. But I can't help think his decrease in sneezing is not because he no longer needs to sneeze but because he knows it's not helping him.

His behavior/activity is a tinny bit better. He had been spending time sitting and sleeping on top of his box. This is very out of the ordinary for him. But I have only saw him do this once recently.

BUT... he still has rapid respiration and he is still sneezing.

SO the question is do I continue force feeding him the antibiotic.

My big concern is asperating the medicine. I think it might have happened with the last dose. I mean he is already having trouble breathing and catching him just gets him breathing harder.

My gut feeling is to stop with the medication as it has not made a big enough difference.

I called the vet's office this morning and the CAV is not in today but I made a 3dr appointment for Monday

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Tough decision Wes...I know when I had to give BB meds for a bacterial infection it was way stressful,not only for him but me He could fly and I'd be trying to catch him and and and...anyway I guess I'd keep a close eye on Lucky and see what his doc says Monday. Good luck.


Jim

 

[Scott]

Wes, some birds are so difficult to medicate it can become necessary to choose the wisest course. Depending on suspected organism, certain antibiotic injections are long lived, greatly increasing the interval between doses. Might that be a possibility to reduce Lucky's stress?

 

[SailBoat]

One needs to know what is being fought to understand how long. Stopping medication early because there is little sign of improvement can mean one is treating with the wrong medication or the illness is strongly set and requires greater time to cure it.

 

[texsize]

I may try to give him some food with the medicine in it this morning.

All my birds like the Hawaii bread rolls.
Got some at the store with that reason in mind.

 

[Scott]

I may try to give him some food with the medicine in it this morning.

All my birds like the Hawaii bread rolls.
Got some at the store with that reason in mind.

Me too, very tasty! Think I could be conned into taking a bitter medicine wrapped in King's sweet bread. Hope that works for Lucky!

 

[texsize]

Just came back from the 3rd appointment for Lucky.

Had a choice of a sedated x-ray for $300.00+ and a chance Lucky would not make it.
He is already not breathing well and he is old for a Cockatiel, at least 21 years old but how much over 21 is impossible to guess.

OR.

Try a different antibiotic.
I went with the antibiotic.

 

[Laurasea]

Remember how long 4 months!! It took to get my flock well.
Wishing him a recovery
Has his weight changed?,