Tragedy Struck At My House Today [Archive]

enborgle

11-23-2010, 09:43 PM

Today when I got home from work, I was startled to see that one of my Amazons, Gretchen, was not on her stand. A quick scan of the room found that she was on Casino's cage, and poor Casino was huddled in a heap at the bottom, his tiny body mangled.

Poor little guy had been badly attacked but was still with it. He had blood on his face and his feet just looked like little balls of hamburger - no discernable toes. I managed to move Gretch and get Casino out of his cage and it was clear that he needed a vet, ASAP. The local guy is not my vet of choice, but I'm afraid my options were exceedingly slim - everyone else is well over an hour away, the roads are bad and the local guy is the only one open this late in the evening. I didn't think Casino had time to waste.

I drove him down there, bawling the entire way, and they saw him immediately. He will need several toes amputated and there was also a small hole in his side that I hadn't seen at first. The damage to his face is superficial. The vet thinks that his chances are fair to good - if he has no internal injuries he will likely make it through the night - if he does have internal injuries, he will likely succumb to them. I had to leave my baby there to get a local anaesthetic so they could amputate his toes, give him injectible anti-shock medication and injectible antibiotics.

I had no idea Gretchen could reach Casino's cage and she had never shown any interest in him before. I don't know how long he was lying dazed on the floor of his cage before we came home - we were gone for almost 12 hours. I don't know why I didn't come home for lunch today. And I don't know if my little man is going to make it through the night. I am barely holding it together.

Please pray for him, if you believe in that sort of thing, or else just cross your fingers and wish really, really hard. He was alert enough to puff up for skritches from me and bite the vet, so I am trying to be hopeful. I am going to call for an update at 11pm my time - he will have had his surgery and the first round of antibiotics and anti-shock by then. It's 9:43 now.

rubberstampman

11-23-2010, 09:59 PM

this is just terrible news.......you're both in my thoughts and prayers......hope it works out and little casino recovers quickly!

pea_pea

11-23-2010, 10:21 PM

I am so very sad to hear your horrific news! That must be a real nightmare. Will definetly say some prayers for you and your babies! Know that you're not alone!:(

jodeg

11-23-2010, 10:31 PM

Oh Leigh, I'm so so sorry to hear about Casino! I'm crying right along with you. I'll be saying special prayers for him tonight. Please keep us posted as often as you can. This is such a shock!

Callie

11-23-2010, 10:59 PM

Healing thoughts and prayers are coming your way from Florida! I'm so very sorry to hear about Casino and, hopefully, he will make a full recovery.

enborgle

11-23-2010, 11:06 PM

Thank you all. I just spoke with the vet's office and they have decided to wait until the morning to proceed with the amputation, but they cleaned up his feet as best they could and gave him steroid and antibiotic injections. He is eating, having normal poops and even walking around a bit. It sounds to me like his behaviour is just as it was when we dropped him off, so no deterioration, but he has the added benefit of the cleanup and the injections for now. The vet is coming back in at 9am to do the amputation. I wish they had done it tonight, but they are the vet facility and I don't call the shots.

Evelyn

11-23-2010, 11:25 PM

Oh my, prayers are on their way, and good wishes too, do keep us informed..Poor little guy..

Bodie

11-23-2010, 11:34 PM

Oh dear poor baby. I will say some healing prayers for you and Casino.

Callie

11-23-2010, 11:56 PM

Whenever I've had birds go in for any kind of surgery, I always request that my vet's office give me a call as they start the procedure. I normally go to the vet's office and am there when my bird wakes up. It's very comforting and reassuring for my birds to see something/someone familiar after an event which is definitely traumatic for them.

I'm glad that Casino is holding his own at the moment. Healing thoughts and prayers continue from FL.

Crys12065

11-23-2010, 11:56 PM

Awww..Praying for Casino! So sorry!

Wuzzoluvr

11-24-2010, 12:14 AM

pea_pea

11-24-2010, 12:51 AM

This is terrible news...I am so very sorry to hear this. I'll be praying right along with everyone else tonight that Casino makes a full recovery. Maybe the vet waited to do the amputation for a reason. Is there any possibility that they could be saved or heal if he is walking on them? I'll pray very hard tonight. Hang in there...we're all just a click away. Many hugs to you tonight from Canada.

Oh good thinking wuzz, I hope you're thinking works, maybe things will look better by then! We'll keep hoping & praying for Casino, and his mother hen! Poor babies! Probably a night with little sleep! I'm praying that all goes well, and casino bounces back fighting! And also peace for mama!

n2mystical1

11-24-2010, 01:34 AM

That is heartbreaking! Prayers for you and Casino.

JudiNH

11-24-2010, 05:45 AM

Oh no..Im so sorry. So traumatic for Casino, and also for YOU to come home and find him like that. So sorry....hoping hard that he can pull through. I'll be anxiously awaiting your update, as everyone else here will be. Hang in there Casino....

MommaBird

11-24-2010, 06:13 AM

I am crying and praying for a full recovery. We share your pain.

enborgle

11-24-2010, 09:06 AM

Thank you so much everyone. I called around 6am today and he had made it through the night. They observed him sleeping, preening and eating. They are planning to amputate "at least" one toe from each foot, so there is a possibility that some may be saved. I am encouraged that he did not succumb to his injuries overnight and I hope this is a sign of good things to come. Thank you again for your kind words and healing thoughts. It is 9:05 here so I know they will be starting the surgery soon. It's my hope that they will use a local instead of putting him right out - the toes that have to be taken off are already just hanging on by flaps of skin and I would be surprised if he hadn't chewed them off himself overnight, which is why I would have preferred they do the surgery last night. Hopefully it will be quick and painless for him. I am going down to see him later today, probably around noon.

Jose's Mom

11-24-2010, 09:20 AM

SO sorry to hear of this news.. it never ceases to amaze me to hear how resiliant our pet birds are.. I realize that this is not a P'let, but even so birds can take so much... it is too bad that they have too, but so good that they are stronger than we often times undersatnd. Will be checking in on both of you... :(

enborgle

11-24-2010, 09:22 AM

crickets girl

11-24-2010, 09:23 AM

Fingers crossed and prayers said. Please keep us updated and our thoughts are with you. Get well soon Casino!

Bird Lady

11-24-2010, 09:35 AM

Oh dear, this is just awful for you and Casino. I empathize with your shock of finding your bird in such bad condition. Will be thinking of both of you and praying the little one pulls thru. So sorry for both of you.....

Wuzzoluvr

11-24-2010, 09:50 AM

Still thinking of you today...prayed for Casino last night,glad he made it through the night. I was hoping his talons, all of them, would be saved but at least he's still here. Keep us posted on him throughout the day when you can. So sorry this happened but accidents do from time to time. Chin up!

michiganlet

11-24-2010, 10:17 AM

Oh wow saying a prayer for Casino.
Was Gretchen out of her cage and how could she do so much damage to Casino if he was in cage. Maybe she has been after him before and this first time she caught him. Hoping they may be able to save his toes.

jodeg

11-24-2010, 11:03 AM

Thanks for the update! We'll be praying! Keep us posted!

Callie

11-24-2010, 11:17 AM

Glad to hear that Casino made it through the night! The power of prayer is a wonderful thing! Hopefully, surgery will go well and Casino will make a speedy recovery.

Jose's Mom

11-24-2010, 12:37 PM

Jose's Mom, Casino is a parrotlet - apparently a very tough little one. I was so sure we would lose him overnight because they seem to be so fragile as a species, I am strengthened to hear that he's come through so far.

Sorry for the misunderstanding- had to re-read thought he was a different birdie of yours. Tough little guy... Hang in ther little Casino!!! Let's hope for a "winning hand" for you... :)

Bobioden

11-24-2010, 12:46 PM

Sorry to hear of the misfortunate incident. I wish for a speedy recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with the little guy.

How did Gretchen get in his cage?

lily2

11-24-2010, 01:00 PM

So sorry to hear about your little bird. If it is any comfort, this happened to me years ago. I was bird sitting someone's love bird and while I was at work she let herself out of her cage and into my budgie's cage. When I came home there was feathers and blood everywhere. The lovebird was still sitting in my budgie's cage. Nicky, my budgie was huddled in the corner of her cage on the floor. She was barely alive. Her toes were mutilated. The vet told me that because she was so weak to not bring her in until morning so she could regain some strength to be able to go through surgery. He told me to put her in a small box with a heating pad underneath and give her pedalyte through the night. In the morning she was up on her feet. I took her in and they amputated 4 whole toes and 2 half toes. She did just fine after that. She lived another 5 years. So I pray that your little bird pulls through. I know that these sweet little critters do have a strong resolve to fight and live.
Leanne

Tina&Jeremy

11-24-2010, 01:35 PM

Oh Leigh...so so sorry to hear this news!!!!!! We are thinking of you and wishing Casino a full and speedy recovery.

qtbirds

11-24-2010, 02:34 PM

I hope Casino makes it through all of his surgeries and injuries. It's so sad to hear of a tiny bird with injuries. I will be thinking of him and hoping that he'll be okay. He sounds resilient and strong so I think he'll be okay.

jodeg

11-24-2010, 03:07 PM

Any word on Casino's status? How did the surgery go?

scooby

11-24-2010, 03:30 PM

I am praying for the little guy

enborgle

11-24-2010, 04:16 PM

Still waiting for word on the surgery - it was delayed again until midafternoon. None of the techs seem to know whether it was because he needed to be further stabilized or because another emergency took precedence. I called around 2:45 and the receptionist told me the vet was "examining him right now" - she didn't know whether that meant they were starting surgery or not. Communication has been poor, so I am waiting with bated breath. I stayed home from work today, anticipating that he would be released by nightfall, but if they have waited this long to do the amputation they may want to keep him another night.

To those who are wondering how this happened, here is my best guess. Casino is caged for his safety but my bigger birds stay out on stands. They are arranged throughout my living and dining room with lots of space between each bird so nobody gets testy, and the big guys are clipped. Casino's cage is a hanging cage, so there would have been no way for Gretchen to climb up to it - my best guess is that she launched herself from somewhere nearby and by total fluke, managed to flap hard enough and landed on top of his cage instead of the floor. She was likely as surprised as I was to find herself there. Based on the blood on Casino's cage bars, I suspect he took exception to having her there and climbed up onto the inside roof of his cage, hanging by his feet, to defend his territory - his toes would have been curled around the cage bars and within reach of her beak from the outside.

Thank you all for your kindness and commiseration. I will keep you posted.

freedomgirl

11-24-2010, 04:17 PM

Oh I'm so sorry! It must be such a shock to come home and find one of your beloved birdies in such a state. I'll pray he continues to thrive.

Crys12065

11-24-2010, 04:38 PM

so glad to hear he made it throught the night! He sounds like a fighter. I am praying for him!

enborgle

11-24-2010, 05:48 PM

I just spoke to the vet. They amputated two front toes, one from each foot, but he was very concerned that the other two damaged front toes look even worse today than they did yesterday - I'm not even sure how that's possible, so they must be awful. He is keeping Casino overnight "for another day or two" in hopes that those other front toes can be saved, since it's much easier for a bird to have at least one front and back than to have just four back toes.

Casino is chirping and eating and showing an interest in his environment but he is sitting on the floor and has not attempted to perch on his damaged feet. His prognosis is still guarded - when I asked the vet if he would survive, he said that he hoped so but there could be no guarantees - there are never any guarantees.

Please cross your fingers that Casino continues to heal and safely makes it through another night.

Jinx n Noodle

11-24-2010, 05:57 PM

Oh my goodness, I haven't been keeping up the last couple of days and just started reading this post. Definitely praying for Casino and hopefully his other toes can be saved. Sending lots of prayers!

jodeg

11-24-2010, 07:24 PM

Thanks for the update! We'll all be hoping and praying that Casino makes a full recovery!

trueblue

11-24-2010, 09:20 PM

Oh, I'm so sorry. Fingers crossed for little Casino.

BeakerLuvsBunsen

11-24-2010, 09:56 PM

Oh what a horrible thing- I will be away for the holiday
but I hope everything goes well for your little guy

Bodie

11-24-2010, 10:54 PM

Praying that his other toes can be saved. Such a sad turn of events for the little guy. Parrotlets are indeed very brave for their size. I will continue to say prayers Casino recovers quickly and is ok.

Sara!

11-25-2010, 12:09 AM

Oh my goodness, I am shocked to hear this. I hope very much that everything will be okay... hang in there Casino!

ninjacherry

11-25-2010, 12:28 AM

Hope Casino is doing better... The main thing is surviving this, he can probably adapt to his new condition no matter what... We're all hoping for the best.

Callie

11-25-2010, 07:48 AM

Glad to hear that Casino made it the surgery to remove his 2 front toes. The fact that he's eating, drinking and preening are all positive signs rather than negative. My gut feeling is that Casino will do just fine. While his injuries are bad, he's not giving up or he would not be eating and the vet would tell you that Casino is being tube fed.

What Casino needs now, more than anything, is a visit from you, especially if there's a close bond between you. A visit would do wonders for his morale! TLC is some of the best medicine you can give to any sick animal. :)

Prayers and healing thoughts continuing from Florida.

enborgle

11-25-2010, 08:41 AM

Callie, one of the reasons that the local guy is not my vet of choice is that they do not permit visits to any animal that they are actively treating. I am still hoping that maybe he can come home tonight.

I spoke to a vet tech this morning and Casino has come through another night, and she thinks he looks better this morning than he did yesterday morning - more active and more engaged. He has been shredding up whatever they use to line the cage to amuse himself and chatters at the staff. Since they won't let me visit, I told them some of his favourite phrases so maybe he will take some comfort from familiar words.

Thank you all so much for the support you've offered over the past couple of days - we are a truly remarkable community here and never have I felt more connected to you.

Wuzzoluvr

11-25-2010, 08:56 AM

That's great to hear that he made another night. It sounds good...hopefully he will be able to come home very soon. I wouldn't care too much for this vet either if visits weren't permitted. That's too bad. Hoping hear more positive things as you update us. Thanks for keeping us posted on Casino. Thinking of you often...

Jose's Mom

11-25-2010, 09:36 AM

Had to take break from Thanksgiving cooking, only to check on Casino.. again my family thinks I'm nuts!!! (My husband actually asked me this morning how he was doing, LOVE that man!) ~ Glad to hear that he is chewing thing's up and chattering away.. that has got to be a good sign... I am still amazed at how resiliant these little birdies are, and what wonderful bird parents we have on this forum.. restores my faith in humainity! :) At my thanksgiving table I wil say a prayer for Casino..(my in-laws will probably think I am praying for the local casino.. and be happy that I am doing so as they love to go there! LOL!! You take care now...

jodeg

11-25-2010, 10:20 AM

Leigh - Glad to hear Casino made it through another night and is vocal and active. We'll keep on praying for him!

Callie

11-25-2010, 10:36 AM

Callie, one of the reasons that the local guy is not my vet of choice is that they do not permit visits to any animal that they are actively treating. I am still hoping that maybe he can come home tonight.
That's very sad to hear, as it's very comforting for animals to be with/see those they love! Even our local emergency clinics allow owners to visit with their pets. It can be especially valuable if the pet is in serious condition. TLC is very valuable "medicine" and my own vet always encourages bringing a bird's mate (if there is one) along for moral support. I don't know how many times I've taken one lovebird for treatment and the other just to be there for the other!

At any rate, it sounds like Casino isn't letting his injuries get the best of him, not by a long shot! More prayers coming your way for his homecoming tonight, if they feel he's stable enough to leave.

Evelyn

11-25-2010, 11:05 AM

Casino, is on the mend, more prayers will bring him home, try to enjoy your day..All will be well..

Crys12065

11-25-2010, 11:40 AM

Sending more prayers your way today. Sounds like Casino is a real trooper! Hopefully you get to bring him home soon

Sara!

11-25-2010, 12:37 PM

Go Casino! Navi and I have been checking the forum to make sure he's okay. Fingers and toes crossed that he can come home soon.

It's weird that the vet won't let you visit him. You'd think it might help with recovery if the patients could see their families. But it sounds like they did a good job taking care of him. He is a little trooper.

Tina&Jeremy

11-25-2010, 05:29 PM

Such hopeful news! Leigh and Casino, you are in our thoughts! :D

And just my two cents - even though you can't visit him (which I don't get at all!) he definitely knows how loved he is, and I'm sure all of your love to date is what has helped move him through this. The love of a great parront can move mountains ;)

ninjacherry

11-25-2010, 09:10 PM

I don't understand this no visiting allowed thing either, very odd - But it's great to hear that Casino is getting better and being more active. That is a very good sign, I hope he can make it home soon!

miatiny

11-25-2010, 09:29 PM

Hope Casino keeps doing well and gets to keep the remainder toes and go home. Will be thinking of you and Casino and keeping my fingers crossed.

enborgle

11-25-2010, 10:42 PM

A happy update - the rescue that I foster for has a pre-existing relationship with this vet, so they were able to advocate on my behalf and tonight I got to spend an HOUR with my little man :) They even let us have an exam room with a rocking chair because it wasn't busy.

Mentally, he is back to his old self - happy to see me, jumped right up onto my hand, chattered and spoke a few words to me, chewed up my shirt a bit and then snuggled in my hair making his sleepy peeps and beak grinding (it was almost 10pm when I left). It was very hard to leave him there - he did NOT want to get down off my finger, and he did a really good job holding on for someone in his condition! I could still hear him chirping when I walked by the exam room window outside the clinic.

Physically, he is going to lose both front toes on his right foot, but I think he will keep two front nubbins (half-toes?) on his other foot, and all 4 back toes. He gets around with no problem - a little unsteady, but using his beak and wings for balance. Thank goodness his clip is old and half grown in - I think having his wings is really helping his adjustment. He should do fine on rope perches and I will put a couple of shelves up in his cage for when he wants to rest. The injury to his side is healing well and the vet is not concerned about it. Casino will stay there until Saturday so that he can have two more days' worth of antibiotic injections, but then he will be cleared for discharge :D

jodeg

11-25-2010, 10:44 PM

Oh Leigh, that sounds great! I'm so glad you were able to spend so much time with him! I just know it helped a lot! It pays to "know people"! Maybe the vet will change his mind when he sees how much this helped Casino!

Thanks for the update, keep us posted! I'm sure you're both looking forward to Saturday!

Cosmo

11-25-2010, 10:47 PM

Sooo glad you got to see him and he got to see you - must have done him a world of good.
My thoughts are with you both.

Evelyn

11-25-2010, 11:10 PM

What great news, on a day to be thankful for, I am so glad to hear he is doing so well, he must of been so happy to see you too..He sure can take pain , the way you said he was moving around, what a brave little boy..

pea_pea

11-25-2010, 11:53 PM

So glad to hear that casino is holding on, and fighting like a trooper. You are still in thoughts & prayers! xoxo hang tight mama, it'll all work out some how.

Sara!

11-26-2010, 01:05 AM

Horray! He made it!

Callie

11-26-2010, 01:20 AM

I'm so glad that you got to spend time with Casino tonight! I don't know what this vet's reasoning is but many birds become very attached to their "human" and they feel abandoned when the one they love the most is absent at a crucial time like this.

Sounds like he's doing very well and I'm sure modifications to his cage will help him considerably.

JudiNH

11-26-2010, 05:28 AM

Great news! What a little trooper. Bet you cant wait to get him back home.

Tina&Jeremy

11-26-2010, 09:59 AM

What fantastic news! This thread is the first thing I've been checking when I get to my computer - what a strong little man you have! Wonderful, wonderful news.

Wuzzoluvr

11-26-2010, 11:15 AM

Awesome! Just awesome!!:D. He's a real little trooper!!

Crys12065

11-26-2010, 01:23 PM

Wonderful news!!! So happy to hear the little guy will be just fine!

Jinx n Noodle

11-26-2010, 10:12 PM

That is great news:) I'm happy he's adjusting so well. Something that I saw worked with a one legged tiel at the shelter that I used to volunteer at is using slightly larger perches. That allowed it stumpy leg to sit on the perch and the little guy used his other leg to grip a little bit.

enborgle

11-27-2010, 08:13 PM

Casino came home from the hospital today! He will continue to get 0.06ml Baytril daily as well as an antibiotic cream to be applied directly to his toes, but he no longer requires injections or painkillers. After I visited him on Thursday night, he started plucking (he does this when we are separated for too long, like when we go on vacation), so he is a little downy right now. I wrapped his ladders in vetwrap all the way around and then adjusted them so that they're horizontal platforms, and he has taken to them right away. I am so glad to have my little guy home. Here he is in his usual spot, like nothing even happened:

http://i51.tinypic.com/2guvz3p.jpg

Callie

11-27-2010, 09:52 PM

I'm very glad to hear that Casino got to come home today!!! You do realize, of course, that he has a LOT of TLC to catch up considering he was gone for several days!! And I'm quite sure he views it exactly that way!

Good that he's well on the road to recovery and have fun pampering and loving him, fidma! :)

Bodie

11-27-2010, 09:56 PM

Yeah. Lots of special treats and TLC for Casino.:)

jodeg

11-27-2010, 10:05 PM

Awww, sweet little baby, he's been through a lot! He looks like he's glad to be home!

Wuzzoluvr

11-27-2010, 10:25 PM

He looks awesome! So glad he's home with you, and even more glad that he's going to be ok. That was scary!!

rubberstampman

11-27-2010, 10:33 PM

that's the best news I've heard in a long time......definitely something to be very thankful for this holiday season!!!!!!! I bet you are so glad to have him home! what an uplifting story.......I am so glad things worked out!!!! it's great to know these little spitfires are so resilient and adaptable! what a relief!!!

pea_pea

11-28-2010, 04:22 AM

So, glad to know that your baby is back home and looking & doing so well! Totally amazed that such a tiny delicate little creature can have such a strong & robust will to come thru such a close call. Welcome home, casino!;)

Cosmo

11-28-2010, 10:50 AM

He must be so glad to be tucked up on momma's neck - that will heal him even more! So glad to see how well he is doing. Congrats.

Sara!

11-28-2010, 11:59 AM

Yaay! So happy to see him home and looking good!

Bird Lady

11-28-2010, 01:56 PM

So glad Casino is back where he belongs - he looks very happy and content sittinng on your shoulder. Very very glad everything turned out ok. Have the two contenders seen each other again? Will Casino be in a separate room now? What a relief to have him home (for all of us)..........

enborgle

11-28-2010, 02:26 PM

Gretchen has a very dominant personality and has also bullied our elderly Amazon, so I've decided to remove her rather than Casino - I didn't want to punish Casino by removing him from where the family spends the majority of the time, although I did move him to the far end of our dining room, the farthest away he can be from the others and still be within sight and sound.

Gretchen is now caged during the day downstairs in our bird room, where the other caged birds - our Lorikeet and the fosters - are kept. She has adjusted surprisingly well to being locked up, and we bring her out in the evenings to join her Nanday companion on their stand while we're here to supervise. We're not taking any chances!

Jinx n Noodle

11-28-2010, 06:27 PM

That's good news about Casino, he's such a trooper. As for Gretchen, I'm sure she's appreciating the change in scenery:)

Jose's Mom

11-28-2010, 07:59 PM

Welcome home little Casino!!! Been wonondering about you though could not get on the computer to check on you!!! You are adorable on your mommies shoulder.. full recovery little guy!

cioci t

11-29-2010, 03:40 PM

haven't been on here in a few days and i guess i've missed a lot. i am so happy that things are going well for casino. you must have been horrified when you got home and walked in on that whole scene. my stomach was in a knot while i was reading it. so glad he's home now and doing better.

TweakFox

11-29-2010, 03:57 PM

Wow. I'm on my lunch right now, trying to catch up on everything and I have to say that I was in tears (at my desk no less!) and am so glad I have finally made it to the end to see that all is well! I am so happy to read the good news! Big hugs from me and Chicken-D!

binkybirdy12

12-01-2010, 08:25 AM

Oh wow!!! I was on vacation for a while so I couldn't come on and it's amazing how much I missed! Casino is amazing and I was reading this thread with bated breath! I'm so happy Casino's home and doing well! Lily is next to me right now and I can't imagine this ever happening to my bird, but I never know I guess. Wow this was an inspiring thread! Thank you for sharing! GO CASINO!

raiven

12-02-2010, 01:52 AM

I just now read this! So sorry about little Casino and glad to hear he is recovering well!

gemma&obi

12-03-2010, 01:08 AM

I am sending all of my best thoughts to Casino and you!

skthurley

12-03-2010, 03:35 AM

I am just reading this now. I am soo glad that Casino is recovering well!

And home safe, sound and alive.

Please keep us posted with his recovery and how he adjusts to his nubbins

Sondra

12-05-2010, 03:49 PM

I too am just reading this. Am so happy for you and Casino.

FancyFeathers

12-05-2010, 09:20 PM

YAY!! Casino!! Brought tears of joy! So so so happy for you that your little one survived. :D

cioci t

12-08-2010, 01:49 PM

so what's the latest? is casino doing well? is he all healed up now?

enborgle

12-08-2010, 02:27 PM

He is doing okay. He continued to pluck for his first day or two home, so he is down to just the downy grey feathers on his chest and back, but he has stopped that now. He finished his oral antibiotics but still gets topical Baytril once a day. The two front nubbins on his left foot are really helping him, but he does prefer to use the ramps I've rigged up rather than actually perch - we also moved him to a much smaller cage so he can get around it better. His one remaining toe on the right foot is dead - totally dead, like a piece of wood, and awful to look at. It is starting to slough off now, and you can actually see down in behind it where the flesh is healed. The vet tells me it is acting like a bandage much more effectively than a man-made bandage could, and when everything is healed in behind, the whole thing will come off. I expect that to happen in the next week or two. You can tell it's uncomfortable and he often rests with that foot raised, although he's not in any pain. His appetite is great and even though he's not playing as much, he is talking more and has become VERY tame and lovey.

Thanks for asking! Once that toe is gone and everything is healed, I will post photos of his nubbin and his stump. We joke that we should get him a peg leg - the parrot with a peg leg instead of the pirate.

Sara!

12-08-2010, 03:23 PM

I was wondering how he was getting on. Poor Casino.

jodeg

12-08-2010, 03:28 PM

Great to hear he's doing so well! He's a survivor and wants to get on with his life!

Hey, you aren't going to rename him "Pegleg Pete", are you??? LOL!

Sondra

12-08-2010, 05:56 PM

Am so glad to hear he is doing good.

Cosmo

12-08-2010, 06:20 PM

So glad to hear he's progressing...

jeane

12-09-2010, 04:47 PM

way to go casino

Crys12065

12-09-2010, 04:48 PM

That is awesome!! Glad to hear he is getting back to his old self, GO Casino!

skthurley

12-09-2010, 04:58 PM

So glad to hear he is geting back to his old self! Such a relief!

edward

12-09-2010, 10:09 PM

Oh wow, I just seen this thread and read it through with my heart in my mouth. I am so sorry to hear of this happening, I do not think I would have even dreamed that a bird would do this to another bird, I mean tame birds I ahve seen many examples of birds in the wild attacking and eating each other. I am glad your parrotlet casino is doing much better, sounds like a giant of a bird.

ed

Jinx n Noodle

12-11-2010, 10:14 PM

Poor toe. Hopefully it'll heal right up and he'll be fine...

Debra

06-20-2011, 12:33 AM

I started reading this thread from last Thanksgiving and it was quite a story!! I'm just wondering if Emborgle (Leigh) could tell me/us how is Casino doing these days?

Debra

06-20-2011, 12:39 AM

Ahhhhh! :eek: This posted like a new post and I know that everyone will be so concerned!! :eek: I didn't mean for it to go that way... I'm just curious about little Casino! Next time, I'll just pm the person. My apologies to anyone who doesn't immediately realize that THIS IS AN OLD THREAD. :eek:

enborgle

06-20-2011, 08:40 AM

LOL Debra, no worries!

Casino is doing marvellously. He has reworked his toes so that even though he only has front toes and front nubbins, he curls some of them backwards and uses them as hind toes for climbing and grasping the bars. I was able to return his cage setup to normal and he gets around just fine, but it's like watching him move around on little wishbones because of how he holds his toes now. He started plucking from the stress of being away from home for so long while the vet had him and unfortunately this time I haven't been able to break the habit - he had done this before when we went away on vacation and eventually feathered up again, but not this time - his tummy is fuzzy gray down. The other thing he can't do well anymore is perch on fingers - they're just too wide for him to grip. He is afraid of flat hands also, and we didn't want to resort to grabbing so now we let him climb out when he wants to come out of the cage and then he jumps from the cage to my shoulder, where he can grip the fabric of my shirt. So far so good!

Gretchen, the aggressor, was moved into the bird room with the other large birds. Unfortunately about a month ago, she learned how to open her cage door and let herself out and immediately went after my other BFA, Pumpkin. Pumpkin ALSO lost a toe in that incident and was also caged at the time. After this incident, we considered rehoming Gretchen for the safety of our flock but she is not an easy bird and we felt that we would be risking her future in trying to place her somewhere else, so we moved her cage downstairs away from all the other birds into my husband's "man cave". She is much happier now being well away from the others because she does not have to watch me interact with them and get jealous, and she alternates spending time out with my husband downstairs and coming up to hang out with me on her Wingdow when I can supervise her.

ParrotletsRock

06-20-2011, 08:57 AM

Awww poor Pumpkin... Glad all she lost was a toe. Naughty Gretchen!! Glad to hear you found a place to put her that she is no longer a danger to the rest of your birds and she is happier herself not having to share HER humans! What sweet people you are to keep her even after she has badly injured two of your other flock members... many people would of gotten rid of her with no thought of what might happen to her... even tho she has been aggressive she is only doing what comes naturally to her and I am very happy that she is still a loved member of your family! Glad to hear little Casino has healed all up and is doing good ... also glad poor pumpkin was not injured to badly... good luck to you all!!

b_c

06-20-2011, 09:31 AM

Wow this was quite some thread. I am so glad to know that Casino survived and is doing great.

ninjacherry

06-20-2011, 10:30 AM

Good to know that Casino is doing well! I think it's good that you kept Gretchen, it would be hard to rehome a bird who is difficult to handle and have the peace of mind that other people would have the patience and dedication to work with her - I'd be scared that she just would end up being rehomed time and time after, that's not fair to the bird. Her being in another room should be safe enough.

Debra

06-20-2011, 01:25 PM

I'm so glad to hear the Casino has adapted to his "disability" (so to speak). These little birds never cease to amaze me! As for Gretchen, she sounds like she would be in heaven in a man's cave. It's so nice that you've been able to keep her and adjust to her needs. It really is a very interesting story that captured my attention. It was like reading a book! I was on the edge of my seat hoping that Casino would come out of it OK. Thanks for the update!

Chae

06-20-2011, 05:45 PM

wow.. I'm glad casino is doing well. he's a tough little guy. :)

julia22

06-21-2011, 08:00 PM

I had a dream/nightmare inspired by this thread last night... except it was slightly distorted in my mind. In my dream, I had an amazon, a parrotlet, a cockatiel and a bunny. I had housed the cockatiel and bunny together because they're both gentle (um?) and was trying to figure out how to keep my amazon and parrotlet away from each other. Then I realized that I didn't remember buying the amazon, and started wondering if it was even mine. Then I woke up :confused: