Sick little birdie needs prayers...

[Larry, Baby and Me]

Dot has been sharing information with me via email about this sick little birdie. I will try to piece together as much information as I know so we can send prayers and good vibes to this little one for a speedy recovery.

The lady's name is Terry and her bird is named Sandy.

Here is the first post from another board...

Hello,
I have a dilemma that I need some help/advice with. My Amboina King Parrot Sandy fell off his perch during the night. I thought he'd injured his leg since he couldn't use it and was holding it out. I checked him for breaks but all seemed okay. This changed over the course of a few hours to involuntary muscle contractions with his body jerking, his leg thrusting out, and making a "cheep" sound. The spasms were on the rhythm of a hiccup over and over with no let up.

The vet said that birds don't get strokes but what has happened to Sandy is the equivalent of one. A rupture in a blood vessel and perhaps a slow bleed has caused swelling on his brain. He doesn't think the fall caused it but that he fell because of it. He's on a steroid to reduce the swelling in his brain and an antibiotic as a backup (I've been home sick with strep throat). The vet didn't hold out much hope and prepared me for the worst, making sure I knew how to keep his body preserved for necropsy.
Well Sandy was one of my babies and I handfed him. Since he couldn't feed himself I started handfeeding him. Luckily his tongue works and he can swallow, his feeding response is good. I'm feeding him every three hours with a six hour fast overnight.

The handfeeding is keeping him going and giving him the time he needs for his body to heal if it can. His muscle contractions have gone from his lower body but he still has a slight head jerk and the constant tweet. His bowel movements were pretty loose but are starting to look more normal now. Sandy can't eat on his own yet, he can't walk or properly use his left leg, and he can't talk normally. We aren't out of the woods yet but there are improvements.

What I need help with is in knowing what to do to keep him strong and healthy. He can stand for short periods but mostly sits and sleeps. I've started making him flap his wings a bit - this in hopes of keeping his chest muscles and lungs working. When holding him I'm wrapping the toes of his left foot around my finger and rubbing them. The toes have circulation he just can't make them move correctly yet. I have one perch in the cage about an inch off the bottom and have food and water available if he wants to try eating. Does anyone else have any ideas or know of anything I need to be doing to help him? This is my baby.

[Larry, Baby and Me]

Here is another post of Terry's

Last night Sandy didn’t want to be put back into his cage. He just wanted to sleep on my shoulder. He hasn’t wanted that much closeness since he was a baby and it would be wonderful if he wasn’t sick. It looks like he’s going to have to learn how to walk and eat and get around all over again. Right now his left leg won’t co-operate. I’m making him flap his wings a bit each time I pick him up to keep his lungs clear and his muscles moving. The vet didn’t think he’d make it to the weekend so I’m just guessing as to what he might need. I need to get online tonight and ask for ideas.

[Larry, Baby and Me]

Dot asked our Bill to get involved and here is his email to Dot to pass on to Terry...

How long ago did this happen? Are the improvements over the course of a day , two days, a week....? What do you know about the time frame?

If "last night" in her email was really last night...(Friday) then I would set up a typical hospital cage. I would take any high perches out of the cage so the bird doesn't try to get up on one and fall again. I would put a towel in the bottom of the cage so that the bird can rest on the bottom until some strength and perching ability comes back. It could take days, weeks or a month or more.

The fact that the bird is still with us and is improving is very encouraging. I've nursed two tiels through this and one survived until a ripe old age and then passed away and the other is with me doing just fine except for some very minor difficulty with grip. She has adapted very well though. I also had to devise some "physical therapy" for a parakeet that had no use of his legs and feet:-) He's doing well too.

I am only adding that to encourage Terry as a bird can absolutely get through this and get better.

The King parrots are just beautiful birds....Anyway...Depending upon the handfeeding formula being used, I might add a little bit of a vitamin supplement as it is being prepared, only 1 or 2 drops would be all that was needed in a day mixed in with the handfeeding formula. If Terry is using Kaytee handfeeding formula, I wouldn't worry about adding a supplement but it still couldn't hurt. Just don't over do it.

Something to be considered is the possibility of a seizure. Do you know if the vet took blood? The assumption of a bleeder in the brain is not the only thing that should be checked. Neurologic symptoms were described and that could be an indication of heavy metal poisoning or a low calcium level in the birds blood. Sometimes a handfeeding formula used after an episode like this increases the available blood calcium and the bird begins to improve. Once the handfeeding is backed off, the same thing happens all over again. It is unfortunate but some vets don't look beyond the symptoms to find what could be a different reason for the problem. Very early on in my "bird life" I went through that routine with a conure that is just fine now that had seizures. One vet said it was a brain bleed. I went to a different vet and we did bloodwork only to discover an extremely low level of available blood calcium.

As the bird improves further, I would crush Roudybush pellets, the minis, into a fine powder and add it to the handfeeding formula in small amounts.

Once the bird can eat solids I swear by Roudybush pellets in a case like this, once the bird is able to take nourishment again on its own. Both my birds improved dramatically by eating those pellets along with a little less of the foods they usually had. I don't feel that it was a coincidence. The bird though absolutely has to be able to get to a point where it can feed on its own before you try solid foods. You also know me well enough to know that I'm not pushing a product, I've just seen excellent results in my birds when they were stricken down.

Things not to do:
Don't use things like "gatorade" or human type drinks to add electrolytes. Some vets suggest that and it is dangerous as the sodium levels are way to high.

Don't be afraid to let the bird get some rest.

Things to do: LOVE that bird with all your heart! They can feel it and that helps them get better!

When the bird can use a little more of its feet muscles, get the bird to step up from one hand to another while holding the bird close to your body or lap in case he loses his balance.

Above all, don't give up.....Figgy had a slight headshake that lasted for six months after she fell of her perch and basically couldn't move. She's the tiel that is with me to this day. Improvements may be slow don't be discouraged.

I know it may have sounded as though i was rambling a little so If I didn't hit on something that you specifically have a question about, please feel free to ask.

I'm praying for that bird and for Terry and for you!

Bill

[Dot]

Don H and Don D, this is Terry from along time ago. I hope Sandy gets well so she can share a photo of the Amboina King. They are beautiful. Bill, thanks for all your help.

This is her baby, so let's pray hard.

[Anne-Samantha's Mom]

oihmygosh prayers and positive thoughts for that birdie

[too&me]

Sending the power of prayer and love.

[birdie]

Hugs, prayers, positive thoughts for a turn around and recovery for the little one.

[FoxersArtist]

Keeping Sandy and Terry in my prayers. Poor baby but hoping and praying she will pull through.
-Anna

[Chrissy and Flock]

Praying for this baby...

[birdscomefirst]

We are going back and forth via email with Dot's help. (my email doesn't want to play nice with Terry's email for some reason.

It's gonna be a tough road and I hope that Sandy continues to recover.

Bill

[Dot]

We are going back and forth via email with Dot's help. (my email doesn't want to play nice with Terry's email for some reason.

It's gonna be a tough road and I hope that Sandy continues to recover.

Bill

Thanks for your help. I talked with her earlier and explained the situation. I sent some photos from the San Diego Zoo and she got them, but not our emails. I just resent them and am waiting to hear from her.

[iti hoa's mom]

Yes, birds can have strokes. Strokes are hard on both people and animals but it can be managed. I have included a link to another bird who had a stroke and Beakers story. Mike has done bird rescue for a while now. He enjoys educating people and I am sure he would answer an email should you want to contact him.

http://mikeoso.homestead.com/birds.html

My best wishes for a recovery to Sandy. Yes, ambonian king parrots are beautiful birds.

Be careful with vitamins as hypervitaminosis also can create neurologic problems. Pellets are fortified with vitamins.

Please let us know how they are doing.

[lcarle]

Poor thing!! Prayers are coming their way.

[donnakris]

Poor baby, sending positive energy and good thoughts your way.

[birdie]

has there been an update on this little birdy?

[angelvixe]

My heart goes out to you and your baby. Its such hard times when our babies are sick or injured. I pray that your baby makes a full recovery soon and that God gives you the strength to get through this. Hugs, Vickie and Family

[All4Birds]

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for the well wishes! As an update Sandy is getting better but it's slow going. He's over 10 years old but to the best of my knowledge Amboina's live to be 30-40 so he's still young. He can't walk yet and won't attempt to eat on his own. He is sitting up more than he lays down so that's an improvement. I took the perch and regular food bowls out of his cage and keep a low profile bowl in there instead with the bottom of the cage padded with supplemental heat. My husband took a photo of Sandy with his phone on the 6th of this month. He had the stroke on the 9th. The second photo was taken on the 14th. Sandy isn't a cuddly type bird he's very independant so for him to lay down is not even close to the norm. He is getting better though and that's cause for excitement.

Thank you again,

Terry

[Dot]

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for the well wishes! As an update Sandy is getting better but it's slow going. He's over 10 years old but to the best of my knowledge Amboina's live to be 30-40 so he's still young. He can't walk yet and won't attempt to eat on his own. He is sitting up more than he lays down so that's an improvement. I took the perch and regular food bowls out of his cage and keep a low profile bowl in there instead with the bottom of the cage padded with supplemental heat. My husband took a photo of Sandy with his phone on the 6th of this month. He had the stroke on the 9th. The second photo was taken on the 14th. Sandy isn't a cuddly type bird he's very independant so for him to lay down is not even close to the norm. He is getting better though and that's cause for excitement.

Thank you again,

Terry

I'm glad Sandy's doing better. Do keep us posted. Prayers are still going out to you guys.

[too&me]

Continued prayers and well wishes for Sandy.

[birdscomefirst]

I am still praying for Sandy. Any improvement is a good sign! It's going to take time but Sandy will continue to improve.

Bill

[All4Birds]

Sandy suffered from a series of small strokes Saturday evening and night. He died in my arms shortly before six this morning. His pain is over now and he died knowing he was loved. My broken heart will be a very long time healing, he was such a special friend. I've preserved his body for necropsy to verify the vets diagnosis.

Terry

[Dot]

Sandy suffered from a series of small strokes Saturday evening and night. He died in my arms shortly before six this morning. His pain is over now and he died knowing he was loved. My broken heart will be a very long time healing, he was such a special friend. I've preserved his body for necropsy to verify the vets diagnosis.

Terry

Terry, I am so sorry for your loss. I have been praying for you all morning.

[Chrissy and Flock]

I am so sorry to hear that:pat:....fly free sweet birdy.

[Patty, Linus and Co.]

I am so sorry Terry. Sandy certainly did know she was loved. Please let us know what the necropsy determines. Give yourself a big hug.

[Larry, Baby and Me]

Oh Terry, I am so sorry to hear of Sandy's passing. There are no words to make things better. What a loss.

You need your Happy Birdy family now more than ever. Please share with us your days.

Larry

[iti hoa's mom]

My condolences to you and your family and all who knew Sandy. Everyone gave Sandy their all but it was Sandy's time in which we have no say but there will be wonderful memories.

[Diane, Clouds assignment]

So sorry for your loss. Hugs and condolences for you and your family, Terry. :hugz: Fly free dear Sandy.

[too&me]

Sad painful day but we send our hugs and support. so sorry the outcome was not what was wanted. Bye bye Sandy fly above the rainbow.

[birdie]

Terry~ I'm sorry.
Sandy is flying free now, maybe she'll meet up with my Juliet...
:hgz:

[CrystalinNC]

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you...
hugs

[FoxersArtist]

Oh Terry, such a heartbreak. Sandy was such a beautiful baby and I know that she meant the world to you. I hope that you know that she had the very best care she could have and you really stuck by her. I know that no amount of condolence on our part will make the pain any less but I do hope that you know you are loved and supported here. Great big hugs to you and your family and I'm so, so sorry that this had to be the outcome. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you and please let us know what the necropsy showed.
-Anna

[lcarle]

Terry I am sooo sorry!!!! I will be praying for you!!! hugs

[birdscomefirst]

Terry,

I am so sorry to hear this. I am terribly sorry for your loss.

Fly Free Sandy!

Your Friend,
Bill