home from the vet

[jimpierce]

We are home and the news so far is not real good. His gram stain was clear. It really wasn't a problem before either. At least he won't be on anti-biotics for now.
He has gotten to the point of "razor keel". He is wasting away. What ever the swelling is in his abdomen is making me wonder what his weight loss really is.
41g after eating at the vets office. 45g has been his regular weight for ever.
I will get the results tomorrow from the blood work. To know whether or not to keep giving him lactulose/milk thistle twice a day or back off to once a day.
The vet, Dr. Wells this time, was very good about asking about his "quality of life" I don't want to be with out Benji yet. But my selfishness does not out weigh my humane beliefs. For now though, I still hope that just maybe my little man will pull threw.

[Pips mom]

I am sorry it's not the best news you could hope for. We'll all be hoping for and thinking about Benji and wishing him the best. :grouphug::pray:

[wilkiecoco]

What a difficult time this is for you - maybe Benji will get some helpful news with regard to his blood test, something that will help him get better. Meanwhile, I am thinking of the two of you, and sending hugs and good thoughts.

[bookworm0550]

i'm sorry about the bad news and hope benji will pull through too

[Bubblelady]

Oh no! This is not the way it is supposed to be. :( Benji and you are in our prayers. :grouphug:

[thebubbleking]

Peeping you in our prayers!

[cp.lovebird]

I am sorry the news is not good. I am thinking of you and Benji and hoping that he will get better soon.

[bbslovie]

Hi Jim, hugs, thoughts and prayers for Benji. I just hope there is something they can find to help the little guy!

Barb

[Janie]

(((((Benji & Jim)))))

Best thoughts to both of you, Jim.

[michael]

Sending triple thoughts and prayers for your precious Benji.

[Eliza]

You know that I have sweet Benji in my thoughts, Jim.

((((HUGS))))

[HaleBoppPeachyluv]

prayers and fuzzies and warm skritches! hope that thing move more positively...

[Enko_chan]

You're in our thoughts & prayers.

[LovelySydney]

I hope Benji comes out of this ok - my thoughts are with you both.

[jimpierce]

I heard back from the vet and Benji's bile acids are back to normal. This means that for all intent and purpose, Benji is a healthy bird. A healthy bird with a grossly enlarged liver.


So, now I'm even more confused then ever!! I was told to reduce the lactulose/milk thistle to once a day. I am going to go ahead and add aloe detox to his water.
As I have to be told "he has______________" I guess I'm going to try to pin them down.

[linda040899]

Jim,
If Benji has been on antibiotics, add a probiotic to his food to help repopulate the gut with good bacteria. I would also add a tiny pinch of Prozyme to his food to help pre-digest it so that his liver doesn't have to work so hard. Along with the aloe detox, the liver will have a chance to cleanse and heal itself.

I've proven my avian vet wrong a few times by using holistic treatments!

[LauraO]

Jim. I am sorry to hear Benji's health is still up in the air. I have had two lovies over the years who have contracted and passed from liver disease. However, both were able to live for over a year after their original diagnosis. Their condition got worse over time and the lovies slowed down but I don't think either suffered though they obriously didn't feel well. I have known others who's birds live even longer with the condition.

I agree with Linda' suggestions and think the aloe detox should be added daily to Benji's water.

Good luck and know that we are hoping only the best for Benji!

[jimpierce]

I made a whole new mash just for Benji. Of course Cricket will get to eat it too and Sophie already gave it a butts up review. lol
I got it here


http://newyorkbirds.net/fatty_liver_diet.html

[bookworm0550]

hey, that's an awesome website. thanks for sharing. hope benji's feeling better.

[newloviemom]

Hi Jim--

I too am keeping you and your little Benji in my thoughts and prayers!! You are such a devoted papa to all of your fids!! I'm sure your little guy can feel your love for him, and that will help with his healing too!!

[jimpierce]

I e-mailed my vet to ask what, why, how about Benji hoping to clarify things for myself.
I had already done this math in my head but I guess I needed somebody to actually say it.
If his liver is working normal the problem may not be his liver. Tumor. Here is her response.


Hi Jim-
I see Benji came in and saw Dr. Wells on Friday and the Bile acids was normal. I hate to say it but that makes me think that this is a tumor as the liver does not appear actively infected. The only way to confirm this would be an endoscopic biopsy of the liver or whatever the mass is that we're feeling in his belly. At this point, that is probably the next step. It does pose risk so I hadn't suggested it sooner but Benji is not improving. Please call if you'd like to schedule this and we can talk more.
Dr. Shannon Thomas

[Bubblelady]

I hate to say it but that makes me think that this is a tumor as the liver does not appear actively infected. The only way to confirm this would be an endoscopic biopsy of the liver or whatever the mass is that we're feeling in his belly. At this point, that is probably the next step.


:(
I sooooo don't want to hear this. Not that you do, either. Keep us posted. And we will keep you and Benji in our hearts & our prayers. :grouphug:

[jimpierce]

thank you. I will be calling tomorrow.

[linda040899]

Sorry to hear this, Jim. :( Tough call.

[Enko_chan]

We are praying for you and Benji, Jim.

(((((((((((((Jim, Benji))))))))))))))

[Chickobee]

Jim;

Sometimes life is not very easy and we always wish there was something we could do to change things...

You and Benji are in my thoughts and prayers.

:grouphug:

[Janie]

Jim, I'm so sorry to hear this. :very_sad:

[wilkiecoco]

what a difficult decision :( - please know that you and Benji are in my thoughts, and I'm sending continued prayers your way. :grouphug:

[Kathryn]

Thoughts and prayers for both you and Benji.