13 Week EE Injured (17 wks now) ~Vet Update Not Good~ *Graphic Pics *

[Lolliegee]

Well, I just got back from the vet...and I'm sorry to say I've got sad news to report. The vet euthanized her in the office. It turns out she had a fever of 107.3!!! He said this was barely life supporting at that high a temperature.

He felt that her chances of recovery were very low. Even if we had been able to treat the infection (which would have taken some way to create a way to drain it),he felt that the fever probably had damaged her nervous system. He thought there was good chance she never would have been able to eat on her own. He was willing to try, but thought that ending it would be best. I had to agree. I have felt it might be coming to this, so I'm glad I took her to the vet. At least this way, I didn't have to end it myself. Would've been much harder to do after caring for her for so long.

My 8 year old son went with me and chose to stay in the room while the injection was given. Poor kid, he cried the whole time. We brought her home to bury her after my hubby gets home.

So, thank you to everyone for their tremendous support. I couldn't have done as much as I did without it. I am truly amazed and humbled by the advice and offers of support that I have gotten. Fortunately, the vet bill was only $70. For those who still wish to help me with this (and for this I am truly grateful), PM or e-mail me and we can work things out.

I am now at the point of second-guessing myself. Maybe I should have taken her to the vet sooner...but she had been improving until just a few days ago. I guess I'll never know. I do know that I did as much as I possibly could short of taking her to the vet.

I am sad, but also in a way relieved. I'm glad to finally have resolution. I would have preferred it to have had a positive outcome, but at least I know she won't suffer anymore.

I feel like I have made some real friends during this long ordeal and I look forward to seeing you more her on BYC. Wish there was some way we could all meet for real. Oh, for Chikatopia.

 

[~*B*~]

you did your best.

 

[renemarie]

I am sorry. You were an excellent caregiver and I hope to be half as good if ever called on. Best of luck to you.

 

[kezabel]

I'm so sorry to read your story, all your hard work and effort to save your pet. May she rest in peace.

 

[CallyB57]

To an incredible care-giver, I must say I am so sorry you have lost your little hen, but you did every thing you could to nurse her back to health and that is so inspiring and so commendable. God bless you for all you did to help her.

 

[CMV]

I am so sorry. You did EVERYTHING you could have done. She's not suffering anymore.
So sad.

 

[California Ducken]

Oh my! You can't second guess yourself. You did your best. You are a wonderful mother hen!!! Did you ask the vet if you could get Baytril from him if you ever need it?
I am so sorry that you had to put your chickie to sleep. At least she will be with you in your garden!
Your poor son too. Give him a big hug for me.
At least she is not in pain anymore. She was probably fighting to stay alive for you. She was listening to you talk and care for her and it gave her that incentive to stay alive. But sometimes your body does not agree when some systems start shutting down. You just can't hold on even though you want to and are fighting so hard to.
She loves you as much as you love her. She will be your driving inspiration when you ever have to care for another chickie! Hopefully you will never have to.
Have your son make a cement stepping stone with her name and year and what ever you want to put in it. You can mix it and pour it into a tin pie pan or in a pinch line one with tin foil (very well) and make sure the cement is thick and pour it in. wait a little while and add her name, year and stuff like that. After it's done you can place it at her final roosting place. (Ok I know it's not the time for humor, but I hope I made you smile)

I will be PMing you!!
Smiles and Clucks,
Keccia

 

[threehorses]

Oh now I'm on pins and needles about the vet visit!

Yeah I did catch that possum last night. Today wasn't a lovely day because of that, but it's done anyway. I'm going to set a live trap up and let the city deal with the rest of them. I'm not cut out for doing it myself.

So when you get back - oh I have to say I'm relieved for you. Because you've done so much yourself, now the vet can give you better tools. Hmm maybe she can even give you some crisis feed to get more nourishment in her?

PM me - I'd like to also help.

 

[threehorses]

I feel horrible. I must have been posting my post whenever you were posting yours. I completely missed it.


I'm very proud of you. Please know that while in body the little hen is gone, she's not only in one heart - she made her way in to a bunch of hearts here. Including mine. I know that you impressed and taught a lot of us how to be good stewards by all the care you gave this girl, and teaching your sons the value of life. I know that I will always have that impression in my mind and heart whenever I, too, have to do something difficult.

Your tenacity and huge heart will save other lives here on the poultry board. Thank you for going beyond what most would have.

As for second guessing, there's always something to second guess - even when the perfectly right and merciful decisions are made. I hope in the end you have no regrets at all because you shouldn't. You made all the right decisions.

Anyway, this isn't a goodbye. Let's just hope we get to talk about more good stuff coming your way. You've earned a break!! You've earned about 20 breaks! Honestly if we could, I think a bunch of us would take you out to lunch to thank you. Darn this world sometimes for being bigger than just a neighborhood.

Lots of hugs. I'm heartbroken for you, and I don't know really what else to say. I'm going to PM you, but please always feel free to PM me - even for no particular reason.

Nathalie

 

[Zgoatlady]

Im so sorry, Ive been reading this for days now.
You have been the best chicken mom that I know of.