Derperella, the (weird) Faverolles, & Friends

[Nambroth]

I don't think she has any idea, Drumstick Diva!!

I just got off the phone with her. The lead test came back NEGATIVE.
That is both good and bad news. Good news that he doesn't have lead damaging his body (and good that the chickens didn't find any unknown sources of it) but bad in that it leaves us both pretty stumped.

I asked if the Marek's test could have given us a false negative. She stressed that it wasn't impossible, but very unlikely.

At this point, she said the only two diagnostic things we can do that she can think of is if he gets worse, we can heavily sedate him and take new x-rays of his spine to see if we see any problems. She said the ones we had before were pretty good and that it all looked good to her, but it's an option if we want to try it. I want to avoid it, personally, unless things get worse, because it would be stressful for him, and sedation is never fun for a bird.

She said the only other thing that they could possibly do would be to send him to Cornell, where they have a CT scanner for birds, and they could look at his spinal column and brain to see if there are abnormalities, or swelling etc. They would need to either heavily sedate him or anesthetize him during the procedure so that he didn't move. While the scientific side of me would be fascinated by this, the reality is that it would be immensely stressful on Puddles and extremely stressful on my bank account-- to the point where I am genuinely not sure I could afford it. I think we will leave this option on the back burner for considering... if he gets worse.

Until then, she said supportive care and what I have been doing is great. We can go back for another blood test in a week or so if we want to see if his immune response (to.. whatever?!) is changing at all.

In short: What the heck!! No one knows.
I will give him the best care I can and make sure he has a good quality of life. Tonight, right after I got off the phone and while typing this up, my husband was training the cat and Puddles stood up and stiffly walked four feet to where my husband was! I'd say that's an improvement. I have hope. There is still a chance things can go downhill, but we're trying our best for this guy. He's so super sweet.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Puddles sure does have a mysterious ailment. Stressful tests may not even change the treatment options all that much. Walking four feet really sounds like improvement though. He looks happy in his photos, and I am sure he is proud of his new found ability to crow. We will keep hoping for further improvement for the sweet guy.

 

[CherylR]

So, so strange. Thanks for posting those last photos...Ruffles looks so healthy other than his lameness. So hopeful that recovery is just around the corner.

 

[artsyrobin]

Sure sounds like he is slowly coming around if he is starting to walk- sometimes you just have to be there with support and they come through

 

[froggiesheins]

We are ALL rooting for Baron, sending prayers, healing vibes, the works...I sure hope things keep continueing to improve... GO PUDDLES! we all love ya....

 

[KayTee]

Tonight, right after I got off the phone and while typing this up, my husband was training the cat and Puddles stood up and stiffly walked four feet to where my husband was! I'd say that's an improvement. I have hope.

That's a massive improvement Nambroth! Obviously Puddles felt that he was being left out, and wanted to join in - maybe you could end up with a trained rooster as well as a cat!

At this point, she said the only two diagnostic things we can do that she can think of is if he gets worse, we can heavily sedate him and take new x-rays of his spine to see if we see any problems...or send him to Cornell, where they have a CT scanner for birds, and they could look at his spinal column and brain to see if there are abnormalities, or swelling etc. They would need to either heavily sedate him or anesthetize him during the procedure so that he didn't move

I agree with you that such tests would be extremely difficult to undertake, both physically (for Puddles) and financially (for you). As long as he is showing signs of improvement I can't see much point in them.
Much as we would all really like to know what is happening to him, (and why), his welfare and quality of life are number one priority, as you show time and time again with your birds! It is fortunate that you work from home - he must disrupt your day enormously, but at least you can keep an eye on him most of the time. He is one lucky rooster to live with the fud lady!


(Edited to correct a minor spelling mistake - oh it's a curse being an English teacher!)

 

[Gryphon]

One has to strike a balance between what is best for the animal, what is best for oneself, and what is best for the finances. It looks to me that you've been solidly following that path, and while unfortunately the vet didn't give you a definitive answer, you did at least get peace of mind and somewhat of a baseline for the Baron.

It's great to hear he's improved so much! Here's to hoping he continues to do so!

 

[CinnamonQueen]

I agree that this mystery illness is pretty strange... but I'm glad that Baron isn't in pain! Still praying for y'all!
(P.S. Love your profile pic Nambroth!! Baron is a beautiful bird!)

 

[Nambroth]

We are having a rare sunny winter day! I put Puddles into a sunbeam coming through my patio door and he had a very fine sunbath.



He also stood and stiffly walked about 8 feet today. He stands up and hobbles around several times, sometimes several times an hour. He seems pretty pleased and is preening and chatting with himself right now!

 

[drumstick diva]

Fud Lady is it possible he had a stroke, and is recovering at his own pace? Love to Baron and everybody else