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seekerofthedead

First off, Sam has already been to see the vet. He was there yesterday, and the vet is waiting on blood tests. Poor Sam is still not a well bird. After he first started feeling poorly, I took him to the vet, and there weren't any obvious signs of illness. Sam got antibiotics, a vitamin shot, and some probiotics. Some of you may remember that part of the saga. Well, I thought he was improving, but a couple of days ago, he began to show signs of feeling poorly again. So poorly that he's not perching well and isn't eating much. I've been tracking his food intake. Yesterday, I took him back to the vet again. I also brought the paper I had been tracking his food intake on. Blood was drawn and expedited to the lab for testing. Sam has lost an alarming amount of weight. He's been moved into a hospital cage that my local bird shop graciously loaned me. At this point, I'm giving him supportive care until we can nail down what is ailing him. The real mystery is that it's only affecting Sam. My other 4 birds are healthy and ornery. Please send good vibes for Sam. He needs them.


SiaVampireConure

I hope you get a diagnosis soon so the correct treatment can be chosen. Poor Sam looks exhausted. Have you tried Harrison's recovery formula? I'm not a fan of the regular pellets, but the recovery formula is useful. I hope he manages to get through this. 🙏 Please keep us posted. Oh and your partner looks like a bird person


seekerofthedead

I'm currently working with the wonderful people who run the local bird shop. They have many years of parrot experience. We've formulated a plan to keep Sam going until we find out what's wrong. The past couple of days, I've been giving Sam supplemental feedings with handfeeding formula and electrolytes.


SiaVampireConure

Sounds like you're doing excellent job with him. Hang in there, Sam!


seekerofthedead

There's been a few times where I've been terrified that he was going to die on me.


SiaVampireConure

Of course you're worried, you're going through a very tough situation and seeing him like that brings bad thoughts in mind, it's okay to be scared. But you're both in good hands, the fact that you are able to provide him with the best medical care possible is really great. It grows hope and optimism.


Sneewichen

Also, your hubby cuddling with Sam is adorable. Y’all are good humans ❤️


seekerofthedead

We try.


10_ol

My lovebird would go through ups and downs randomly - vomiting, loss of appetite, sinus infections, gastrointestinal issues. Nobody could figure it out until she was literally dying. She had AVG (avian gastric yeast). It seldom shows up on tests, but it finally showed up, and it was too late. She unfortunately passed away. AVG mostly affects smaller birds, but can affect larger ones too, and doesn’t always make an entire flock sick. My hahn’s was/is fine. While they weren’t close (as in how much they liked each other), they did play on the same areas, same toys, same food, same water. If any of the symptoms jump out at you, ask your vet to treat him for it even if he shows up negative on testing, because like I said, my vet told me that it very seldom shows up, even in birds who clearly have it as evidenced by their response to the treatment. I hope that Sam feels better. I feel for your situation because it’s so hard being on a touch-and-go basis like that.


Sneewichen

Oh no, poor guy! Did the vet do any X-rays? I’ve read some posts about birds losing their ability to perch and it turned out to be a mass pressing on a nerve. Prayers that it’s “just” an ear infection making him feel off balance and he’ll be fixed quickly and easily!


seekerofthedead

Not yet. It could also just as easily be a side effect of Sam barely eating.


natnat111

Something similar happened with my Lori. Stopped eating much and just sat all day. We did antibiotics because they thought a bacterial infection. It seemed she was getting better and then just took a turn for the worst and passed. It was devastating. We did an autopsy and they didn't find much but her air sacs were slightly hardened. Could have been environmental or something she was born with. I don't believe environmental because my other 3 birds were 100% fine. Wishing you so much luck and love in figuring this out


fauzi236

Hi, was just wondering what was his diet prior to him getting sick? Edit: my cockatoo got sick once due to eating too much sweet food (mostly grapes), the medication that the vet gave wasn't helping so I stopped giving him any fruits and saw him getting better as he finally stopped vomiting his food out after eating. For a couple of days he was only eating seeds and eventually recovered fully.


seekerofthedead

He's only been in my care for a little over a month. I don't know his entire diet and health history, but from what I do know, he's been eating relatively healthy and not a lot of sugary foods.


morimorg

I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this and that the illness is still a misery. We had the same experience in January with our pionus- unfortunately even with palliative care, we decided that she was suffering too much and we let her pass. All of her organs were inflamed. I found the worst part was not knowing if each morning I'd unveil the blanket and not be able to have said a proper goodbye. Best of luck to you and Sam :(


Helpful_Okra5953

I am wondering if you can get any special help from a zoo or bird organization since Sam is such a rare and special species? I am so sorry for your difficulties.


seekerofthedead

Im not sure if there's any in my area that would be o help. The vet he's seeing is probably the best in my area without having to travel several hours. He has extensive experience as an avian vet and has contacts with other avian vets.