respiratory infection

[jacquie]

Well. We are assuming it is asperogillosis. It just seems to fit with her being underweight and sneezing, voice changes and breathing with an open beak when she is stressed at all. Now that she is off the meds her poop is looking more solid (it was as bit soft and green from the antibiotic).

I agree. Sitting at the bottom of the cage in my bedroom that is now animal hospital central isn't much of a life and I have to do what is most humane for her.

For what it is worth, I would like to say that if it was just up to me I would do every test available to figure this out. I don't want to make my husband sound like an complete jerk because he is actually very sensitive and loving. In this instance I am at a distinct disadvantage since I have to depend on him for driving because of my visual impairment and in terms of finances. I have quit my job to be a stay at home mom right now and he is the only earner. We've spent over $350 in vet bills for a bird who was sickly from the beginning. I am caught in a very uncomfortable position between doing what I think is best for Sunny while also trying to not bankrupt us/take away from our family needs in the process. I also think that he'd stretch finances further if it was the dog or cat since he is more bonded to them. I am somewhat comforted to hear from both vets that they respect my level of dedication and love for my pets. I actually had to see a counselor to grapple with my feelings about having to choose between my intense wish to give Sunny every bit of medical help I can and my husband's financial restrictions. I don't want to resent him for making me make this choice.

I am sure it seems frustrating from the outside looking in. It is kind of a feeling of "just go and do the tests already!" for those reading this, I can imagine. I just wanted to put a more personal perspective in this post so you all know that I am very torn here and why. I have had so many people tell me that they have never met such anyone with such a strong love and respect for animals/pets as me and it makes me feel ill having to be practical and not let my heart be the decision maker.

With gratitude for your opinions and time,

Jacquie (and Sunny)

[Baylee4ever]

If it is aspergilliosis there is a treatment! Ask your vet!

[Polarn]

I feel with you, I too have a bird who was ill when she came here, but she is making some progress but the financial vs feelings kind of bounce back and forth or wel lrather the financials vs the chance of her being rehabilitated and yes she is making progress but im in over 2k USD atm in vetbills with a bird unable to fly when a handfed galah baby is about 1'500... beleive me people think I'm crazy for trying to help this bird and sometimes I think I am as well.... and everytime I go visit the vet I'm trying to figure out in my head how much longer I can keep on doing this before it is time to give up... but I figure as long as I see a decent amount of improvement I will most likely keep going. But yeah it's horrible having a wallet to look at when making descitions... and would it be any other of my birds their insurances would have grabbed quite a big bit of that chunk... but since she was sick when she came here and had no previouse insurance I can not fill in the paperwork and with good conciense checking the box stating my bird is currently at good health...

[marie83]

Absolutely there are other factors to consider, its no good getting her better if you all end up homeless.
This may be something you have already done but have you and your partner sat down and literally gone through your finances with a fine tooth comb to see if theres any money you can realisticly free up, also apparently some vets will allow payment in installments so that may also be something to look into.

Don't feel pressured into making a desicion that doesn't feel right yet. I think gut instinct and your pets have a way of telling you when they have had enough. I never used to believe that until i had to make the choice to have my dog put to sleep but we could see in his eyes that it was time...

[terri]

Heres a thought,You could check into [its called care credit] look it up.You could use this at that place I told you about[cornell with Dr Morrisey]I believe theres no interest if you pay it within a year.So you could try this.Have your vet call Dr Morrisey it may not be as expensive as you think.He will let you know the fee before anything is done.Obviously your far I believe he could help you over the phone.

[jacquie]

On Friday we brought Sunny in for another exam with a plan to do a blood test. We spent an hour with the vet. He was nice and understanding of my concerns.

Sunny was her usual quiet, kind and gentle self. She was great with the vet and even gave him a few happy smacks (you know when they open and close their beak really fast when they're happy to see you?).

Later that day Sunny seemed shocky and was having trouble breathing. I held her in my arms and while we were trying to organize what to do, she lifted her head one more time to look at me, gave me a quiet cheep and her happy smacky beak and passed away. I feel like she was lettimg me know how much she loved me and how much she knew we were both trying together. I am so glad I was holding her close when she died. It was a humbling moment and I have a pain in my heart. It hasn't even been a day and I miss her little personality already. My eyes are swollen and sore from crying. I don't know if I'll ever have a bird again as gentle and loving as her. I hope again one day to have a happy, healthy bird. I so enjoyed my first bird experience (except for the worrying about her health part). Rest in Peace my little Sunny bird. I hope you are flying high as you never could in your 5 short years of life.

[GreenWing]

My heart breaks with this news. I am so, so, so sorry.

[marie83]

Sorry for your loss.

[cml]

Im sorry for your loss .

I am so glad I was holding her close when she died.

When I was little, I had a rabbit which lived happily for many years, but as with all animals, she eventually got older and died.

I was home sick one day from school, and that day she got into a seizure, lying in her cage banging against the bars. I took her out and held her close as she passed away. I am very thankful, even now almost two decades later, that I was home that day so she didnt need to be alone. It was an random illness that allowed me to be home, but it also allowed me to hold her and let her know that I loved her.

[friend2parrots]

my heartfelt condolences for your loss. May memories of your little Sunny comfort you in the days to come.