Sick Pea Chick Died - Going to Vet School For Necropsy - Will Post Results

[casportpony]

Here is a source for metronidazole. They have 100mg and 250mg tablets, no prescription needed. http://www.jedds.com/-strse-Medicine->>-Canker-cln-Metronidazole/Categories.bok

And this is where I got my compounded liquid suspension for the chicks, prescription needed. Cost was $45 plus overnight shipping for a 240ml bottle of 50mg/ml. http://www.roadrunnerpharmacy.com/

 

[casportpony]

Curiously, did you show the necropsy report to your vet? If so, what did he say about the secondary bacterial and fungal infections? One of mine that died also had those and would have needed different drugs for those. Even then, it probably would not have made it.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Curiously, did you show the necropsy report to your vet? If so, what did he say about the secondary bacterial and fungal infections? One of mine that died also had those and would have needed different drugs for those. Even then, it probably would not have made it.

Yes, I faxed it to him. He didn't say anything. But I can ask him about it when I talk to him. Thanks for mentioning that. I will let you know.

 

[casportpony]

Yes, I faxed it to him. He didn't say anything. But I can ask him about it when I talk to him. Thanks for mentioning that. I will let you know.

From what I remember, I think the bacterial infection was due to E.coli and your poor chick was septic? Secondary infections are quite common with birds that have been sick with blackhead... your report looked almost like mine did, except that mine had info on what antibiotics the E.coli might have responded to. It seems like you have a good relationship with him, so I'd just like to know what he would've done if you don't mind sharing that info.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Yes, I faxed it to him. He didn't say anything. But I can ask him about it when I talk to him. Thanks for mentioning that. I will let you know.

From what I remember, I think the bacterial infection was due to E.coli and your poor chick was septic? Secondary infections are quite common with birds that have been sick with blackhead... your report looked almost like mine did, except that mine had info on what antibiotics the E.coli might have responded to. It seems like you have a good relationship with him, so I'd just like to know what he would've done if you don't mind sharing that info.

Ok. That is good info to know about the E. coli and what to do. I will definitely ask and let you know. Good observations. Good points to point out.

 

[Frosty]

If I recall correctly, some e-coli is naturally found in the body but the immune system keeps it in check. When the immune system is compromised fighting something else, the other bacterias can get out of control. This is why when people (and our pets) get something like sinusitis, it's often treated with an antibiotic. The antibiotic won't do anything for a virus, but will take care of secondary infections which are bacterial. I think there is a chance that if you treat the underlying problem, the body may be able to get the e-coli under control on it's own. It would be interesting to find out if other birds with blackhead (especially if they survive) have e-coli also.

 

[kuntrygirl]

If I recall correctly, some e-coli is naturally found in the body but the immune system keeps it in check.  When the immune system is compromised fighting something else, the other bacterias can get out of control.  This is why when people (and our pets) get something like sinusitis, it's often treated with an antibiotic.  The antibiotic won't do anything for a virus, but will take care of secondary infections which are bacterial.  I think there is a chance that if you treat the underlying problem, the body may be able to get the e-coli under control on it's own.  It would be interesting to find out if other birds with blackhead (especially if they survive) have e-coli also.      

Yes, it would be interesting to know if birds with blackhead have e-coli also.

 

[zazouse]

I would think that the e-coli was able to take hold of the bird because it was already weakened from the blackhead as i have read that e-coli is prevelent with birds around so the bird was more sucetible to getting it. the bad thing is peas hide their illness well and by time it shows any symptoms it is already well under the way to being very sick before you know and treatment is often times to late.

 

[kuntrygirl]

I would think that the e-coli was able to take hold of the bird because it was already weakened from the blackhead as i have read that e-coli is prevelent with birds  around so the bird was more sucetible to getting it. the bad thing is peas hide their illness well and by time it shows any symptoms it is already well under the way to being very sick before you know and treatment is often times to late.

You are so right about peas hiding their illness well because my pea that died was flying around, walking, running, eating AND drinking all on it's own the night before it died. It "appeared" to be picture perfect.

 

[Yoda]

It is important that pea chicks stay off the ground for at least the first 4 months, mine do not touch dirt til they are 6 months. The only fingers they have are the beaks. They touch everything with it. Granted even with them off the floor there is still a chance of them catching something but their immune system is stronger at 6 months. I am sorry you lost your little one. I read the entire thread and was so happy you saved it just to lose it when everything seemed to be going right. Peas do hide the illness very well. Sometimes they are there looking at you one day and the next it is gone. I feed my chicks and all was fine. I went back to lock everything up and there was one dead. it had a piece of shaving stuck in it's throat. The body was still warm so it had just died. Still hurts to see it die for any reason. All we can do is try to learn from what happened and try again. Again I am sorry you lost the little one