Rooster with mass in neck, possible tumor, thymus response -- Marek's

[blueberrychickens]

We're all wishing and hoping and sending our best.

May today's appointment bring hope, relief, and a much happier Fud Lady. Trousers is very loved, at home and here as well. Continuing to beam healing energy for this beautiful spirit of a roo.

X2!! Let's hope no news is good news!! Fingers & toes crossed for Trousers!

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[llandry]

I just signed on hoping for some news. we should hear something soon.

 

[cluckcluckluke]

Read all of trousers story so far. He is a very brave rooster and I and all of us are wishing him the best. *positive thoughts everyone*
I hope he makes it through, good luck Trousers!

 

[Nambroth]

This morning in the wee hours as I sat with him, Trousers began to severely struggle for air. His comb and wattles turned purple, and my heart broke to know that he was suffering to get enough oxygen and there was little I could do for him at 3am. As soon as the vet office opened I was on the phone and made an appointment, though the earliest we could leave was noon.

Around 10-11 am Trousers suddenly improved, and started breathing a bit easier. Color returned to his comb. I felt a glimmer of hope that he could pull though, but felt even more that we had to get him to the vet, because I would not put him through the suffering he had prior. Once there, our very kind vet Dr. Wade put him on oxygen while she called the pathologist, and had a tech run a blood panel on him.

Heartbreakingly, the pathology showed clearly that it was malignant lymphoma, and the blood test pointed to the fact that it was systemic; it was very rapidly spreading. The pathologist indicated that he felt that the tumor and the thymus gland were only part of a larger tumor. There was no hope for his recovery and without a way to deliver oxygen to him at home (which might only extend his life a few days) his prognosis would be increased struggling before failing to the cancer. It is hard to describe how attached we were to this gentle, thoughtful, intelligent bird, but I will try tomorrow when I have better words. The decision to euthanize was made and it truly broke our hearts, I cannot even describe. He passed peacefully, and with a bright red comb, breathing well on the oxygen. I left him with Dr Wade for a full necropsy/autopsy and once she finds a facility that will test for infectious disease, tests will be made (apparently Cornell no longer does, we were recommended to GA state). It is my responsibility to my current birds and any I get in the future to understand if this was caused by Marek's disease or any other pathogen.

I will write more about Trousers tomorrow, on the Derp Thread (since it does not really relate to his medical conditions) when I am not so deeply upset. People would laugh if they knew how much I mourned a rooster, but he was special. I know sleep will do me good and I will be headed to bed shortly.

Thank you all so much for your love and support for this sweet guy. You have all showed so much support and a wealth of knoweldge and love for a rooster that you only know though text and photos. I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to me that you care.

 

[Nambroth]

Also I promise to post once I know more and I get the results of the necropsy and the lab testing.

 

[chickenneighbor]

No one here will laugh about the love for an animal. So sorry to hear of the passing of such a special rooster. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time.

 

[PoultryGirly]

I'm so sorry. R.I.P. Trousers!

 

[CinnamonQueen]

I am so sorry, Nambroth, that a very special rooster was taken away from you. Sending you virtual hugs and hoping he rests in peace in chicken heaven.

 

[artsyrobin]

I am so very sorry! It may seem to be only words right now, but you loved him and he knew that, more than many birds can experience- you are a very special and courageous person, and i know the deep love and the mourning, no one here will laugh-

 

[shadow rabbit10]

Good night Trousers.