U2 named Snow Cone

[rileybird0527]

Just thought I'd introduce Snow Cone to everyone. He came to us a couple weeks ago from a loved home but one that could not provide the proper care or medical attention needed.

Xrays showed that his leg had previously been broken but that the bone was never set properly Hi right leg sticks so far out, he's got problems standing and especially walking. When he cuddles he actually lays down on you. My vets are trying to find a way of fixing his leg or at least making it easier for him to get around.

Blood work also showed that he's got gout. Vet said it is not related to his injury.

Jeanne and the flock

www.ahelpingwing.org

[Beatriz Cazeneuve]

Ohhh, poor thing! The leg can be re-broken and set but it takes a long, long time for it to heal and will, most likely, require weekly check-ups.

As to the gout, that's, usually, due to a bad diet. Try the uric acid diet and supplements I posted on the diet section here, it worked very, very well on Pretty Bird and Ellie.

[Sunnyskies]

Gout can definitely be helped by diet--and metacam. It's very painful. Special perches can help--perching platforms that take weight off the affected joints are very helpful to birds suffering with gout.

Poor baby. I'm so very glad you are helping him. He's suffered, and with this condition, he'll suffer his whole life to some degree.

[rileybird0527]

I will definitely check out the diet section Bea, thanks.

Unfortunately nothing can be done about his leg. We are re-doing his cage, making wider perches, shelves for him to lay down on.

We're running another blood panel in four weeks to see where his levels are at. His Uric Acid level was a 28.5 on his first round of test, hopefully with proper diet it will go down.

We're also not adopting him out, he will remain A Helping Wing resident.

[sweetmarie]

Thanks, Jeanne.

[Sunnyskies]

It should come down--the uric acid. Sometimes, though, in older birds, it does not. In these cases, you see a great deal of swelling, and even ulcerations, usually on the feet--and the birds are in serious pain. Euthanasia is an option, if metacam doesn't seem to help, as this is a terribly, constant, painful condition. I've had keets come here in that condition from poor diet. Heartbreaking.

But Snow Cone doesn't look anywhere near point, thank God. I'm so glad he came to you, Jeanne. This is truly a sanctuary bird. He'll be special needs, for life.

[rileybird0527]

It is with a heavy heart and tears I type this post. Snow Cone has passed away. Something told me last night would be the last time I cuddled with him.

[Beatriz Cazeneuve]

Oh, poor, poor thing! Then he must have had advanced kidney disease and not just gout. Are you doing a necropsy on him to make sure?

[rileybird0527]

Yes, I'm bringing him down to the vet this morning.

He still has a forever home with us, we're going to do a private cremation and he will sit next to Riley my b&g that passed away in 2004

[Beatriz Cazeneuve]

Let us know what he finds because, if it was renal failure, there should have been more off values than just uric acid, I think.

[Karen]

Jeanne, I'm so sorry. Even though his time with you was short, you made a difference in his life and he knew he was loved and would be taken care of.

[Sunnyskies]

Oh Jeanne--this is truly heartbreak. He looked so well. It was a blessing for him that he had his good days and nights with you. Poor dear Snow Cone. I'm so very sorry.

[sweetmarie]

Jeanne, my dear, I know how much one can love another being who has been with us just a short time. My heart is full - my condolences to you and your husband. Love and hugs, dear Jeanne.

[rileybird0527]

Spoke to the vet, his kidneys failed.

[Beatriz Cazeneuve]

Yes, that's what I figured because his uric acid levels were quite high.