Thin, diarrhea, tired, out of ideas...please help

[pineapple416]

Hi. So sorry for your loss. Yes I cried a few tears while reading this thread.

I think you made the right decision... both in euthanizing and in not trying to do it yourself on a beloved bird for your first attempt. My first time was definitely not a quick smooth experience.

All supporters did nice with caring guidance too.

Maybe Marek's?

I may not have had anything helpful or in time for your gal... She was quite the looker by the way!

But I do want to mention one thing that may be a possibility for you in the future... So I have had a ton of animals. Chickens, ducks, goats, dogs... Anyways, no way can I afford to take them all in. Many of us here (at BYC) do our very best to help our animals and have a pretty good go at it with all of the combined member's experiences. So I mean ZERO judgement at all, and want to share with you one of my ways (okay 2) that I do splurge and why..

In the beginning of the thread you mentioned worming and another poster said the one you had would only treat round worms..

Because roundworms and tape worm are the only ones that will be visible in dropping and even then only under heavy load, and all others stay inside the intestine and only their eggs which are microscopic will pass in the stool... Because worming is hard on the birds, requires withdrawal time for eggs, and won't work unless the correct medication is administered for the correct worm species... I find it MORE beneficial to do a "group sample" fecal float at the vet. Essentially collecting several droppings and including in one sample. It cost me $13-18 to have it ran at the vet, who doesn't have to be avian. Last year I had 82 birds. Not treating for what I don't have and treating if I need to for what I do have with the correct medication, in turn getting healthier more productive birds. In a good size flock, that can add up. So with this method I can get an look at the overall condition of the flock. Even in the same flocks some birds may have worm loads that others don't. I also use the group sample method for each species of animal I keep, if I feel the need to. Once or twice a year would be nice... but meh, we'll see! That's tip 1.

So tip 2.. maybe consider getting your own microscope and learning to run your own fecal samples? I spent $150 on one (I know that's a lot, so again no judgement here)... but 10 floats at the vet and it's covered for me. When I do finally get past my anxiety and try to run my own test.. I will also have the same sample ran at the vet to make sure my skills are in agreement with their experienced assessment. I'm still learning how to use the microscope.

Anyways, it's great that you had a friend who was willing and able to help out in your time of need! Best wishes for you and all your lovely animals.

Aw thank you I can't believe you cried a little bit that is very sweet. Testing at the vet is definitely something to consider especially if we are already paying for the worming medicine. Getting my own microscope is not a bad idea either. Thank you very much and I hope you have good luck with your animals as well. It was really hard to let her go when I held her in my arms for the last time, but I think it was the right choice. I feel much better now not worrying about her and knowing that she is not suffering.

 

[rebrascora]

I too send my sympathies and whilst sad that she is gone would like to commend you for making that difficult decision to end her suffering. I am pleased you had a friend who could do it for you and also give you the peace of mind that it was quick and without drama.

When she was younger she became almost completely paralyzed for a reason I haven't really figured out to this day.

This kind of adds weight to the likelihood that it was a tumour as it sounds like she had an attack of Marek's which often causes paralysis like you describe in youngsters. Many birds die from the initial attack or succumb to secondary outbreaks a few months later. The outbreaks are often triggered by stress, so it is a real testament to her fighting spirit and the happy, loving home that you gave her, that she survived so long before developing the fatal tumours. I hope that is some small consolation to you. I have not had a bird with Marek's survive 3 years so far, so to hear of one reach double that is inspirational..... assuming I am right about the diagnosis, but I have seen plenty with that paralysis by now to recognise the description, particularly the miraculous recovery part although many are not so fortunate.

Thank you so much for posting the photos of her in better health. That was a lovely touch and she really was a beauty. You were very fortunate to have her for such a long time and she, you.

 

[pineapple416]

I too send my sympathies and whilst sad that she is gone would like to commend you for making that difficult decision to end her suffering. I am pleased you had a friend who could do it for you and also give you the peace of mind that it was quick and without drama.

This kind of adds weight to the likelihood that it was a tumour as it sounds like she had an attack of Marek's which often causes paralysis like you describe in youngsters. Many birds die from the initial attack or succumb to secondary outbreaks a few months later. The outbreaks are often triggered by stress, so it is a real testament to her fighting spirit and the happy, loving home that you gave her, that she survived so long before developing the fatal tumours. I hope that is some small consolation to you. I have not had a bird with Marek's survive 3 years so far, so to hear of one reach double that is inspirational..... assuming I am right about the diagnosis, but I have seen plenty with that paralysis by now to recognise the description, particularly the miraculous recovery part although many are not so fortunate.

Thank you so much for posting the photos of her in better health. That was a lovely touch and she really was a beauty. You were very fortunate to have her for such a long time and she, you.

Thank you. Wow I had no idea it was Mareks disease, she really was a fighter. She was a beauty, the older she got the more white mottled feathers she had. I had so many great memories with her and really miss her but feel better knowing she is no longer suffering. Thank you and thank you every one else for your support through this difficult time.

 

[lilmillefleur]

You did the right thing...sorry for your loss. She was such a pretty hen

 

[pineapple416]

You did the right thing...sorry for your loss. She was such a pretty hen

Thank you.