My Ivy.. Latest Relapse...She's Gone

[joletabey]

I think we must have had a sense of that earthquake here- that's about the time I noticed my kids responding to something I couldn't see-

Can you feel a soft spot or something at the point where you took the fluid out? How did you know exactly where to put the needle?

 

[speckledhen]

I really just had a sense of where would be good, away from any major organs, maybe from us doing so many necropsies. It wasn't soft since there was nothing soft about her tummy today, anywhere. Just seemed like the fullest point to me.

 

[joletabey]

Well, Livvie and Ivy are blessed from your experience and knowledge- I wouldn't have the vaguest idea where to drain anything from a chicken. Hope they has some easier days this week.

 

[ChksontheRun]

I am so sorry about Olivia and Ivy. You are so good to them. Know my thoughts are with you as you make decisions about what is best to do.

 

[vnploveschickens]

OMG Cyn, all that fluid! Poor Livvie...tears just welled up in my eyes. I can almost imagine how you and Tom are feeling.

I'm glad Tux perked up, thanks to your loving care.

I think about Ivy and Olivia alot.

Val

 

[speckledhen]

Thanks, Val. Tux is doing very well--she was just under extreme heat stress. Olivia spent a few hours in the house today before and after we drained her abdomen, then we let her go back with her group. Haven't seen much of Ivy today-she has been spending time under the coop in the cool dirt.

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

I just thought i would throw something out there- is there an avian vet in your area? Could he/she do some crazy advanced surgery that would completely heal this?

 

[speckledhen]

No avian vet and if we did have one, no money for it. Someone on here consulted their vet about it and though it's easy to do a hysterectomy on a hen, the bad stuff is all throughout her abdomen, almost impossible to get out, and it would probably just kill her anyway. I've seen that when we necropsied our own hens who have already passed on with the same ailment. Draining Olivia and Ivy only make them more comfortable for awhile. Their abdomens and oviducts are full of solidified "poison".


ETA: DH said that today, Olivia bopped down the ramp, ate scratch with the crew, acted a year younger. I like to hear that, but also, I know it won't last. At least she feels better than she did yesterday since removing all that fluid from her.

 

[Serrin]

Those are some very determined to live ladies you have there Cyn!

I know a lot of humans who would have given up the fight long ago, if faced with an equivalent battle. What an inspiration both you and your girls are!

 

[joletabey]

They need a little ribbon - like the cancer survivor ribbons- what color?