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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 14:29:08 GMT
Hello everyone,
My name is Kathi. I have two parakeets who are both 3 years, 5 months old. I got them at the same time When they were 4 months old. One is a Blue and white parakeet named Miss Beasley...she's the much shyer of the two, but very chatty. The other is Miss Greenly, she's very feisty...playful...and talkative. Both my keets can talk quite fluently. Complete sentences in fact. And of course I love them dearly!!!! 
All was going wonderfully until 3 months ago. My birds live in separate cages because Beasley was aggressive toward Greenley early on after I brought them home. Their very large cages hang side by side however, so they are able to communicate and see each other easily. About 3 months ago Miss Beasley developed diarrhea. I thought I was likely because I'd changed their diet around the time it started, yet my other bird didn't have those symptoms. I switched both birds back to their original feed hoping the problem would eventually correct itself, but it didn't.
Miss Beasley's diarrhea and overall appearance continued to decline. I called around and eventually found a vet who dealt with birds. I took her in 2 weeks ago. The vet said her breathing sounded good, eyes looked normal and clear...and she suspected an infection type illness. So she sent me home with two medications. Both needed to be administrated using a syringe, twice daily.
The first med was for the diarrhea. The second was for a possible infection, it was BAYTRIL. I gave Miss Beasley both meds for 7 days, twice a day. Beasley is BLIND now. After researching the web for reasons my bird went blind I found out that the drug Baytril was the cause. I'm horrified!!!! She's so confused, she is used to her cage, thank GOD, so she's been able to clumsily find her food and water...but it's heartbreaking to watch. I don't know what to do. She still has the very bad diarrhea, that never went away, and now she's blind.
Does anyone know if blind birds are common, or able to live a good life or not? Should I have her put down? 
Please help us. I don't know what to do. Thanks in advance for any suggestions, and advise.
Kathi...Beasley...and Greenley.
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Post by Emily on Nov 13, 2013 14:41:31 GMT
Hi Kathi, Before I start I just want to assure you that you did everything in your power, you clearly love your feathered babies and this is not your fault. Do you have any pictures of your darlings? How are Miss Beasley's cere, and is her butt matted with her droppings? Have you contacted the vet who administered the medicine and heard what they have to say? A blind bird can have a good life. The only thing now is that you can't change her cage surroundings, can't surprise her with loud noises or voices. Have you seen her eat and drink since she became blind? Just a side note: female budgies often fight it out for dominance. It's likely they don't dislike each other they were just figuring out roles.  I'm currently in a car driving back to my home state but I will definitely research for you when I get home if Sarah or someone else has not answered by then. Have no fear, Kathi! While I'm still scatter brained, try adding a bit of Apple vinegar to her water. Does she have a cuttlebone and mineral block? This will give her a boost of vitamins to give her a fighting chance. Make sure the cage is kept warm to give her body some help, and I would keep your other lady away so she doesn't catch anything. |
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Post by lisamarie on Nov 13, 2013 14:47:28 GMT
Oh wow. Such a horrific consequence. I'm sorry  I would say if you don't see her injuring herself, she should be okay, and you shouldn't "need" to put her down. I'm not sure about birds but I know most animals have heightened senses for their surroundings. I also know that blind people and animals learn to "hear" their surroundings, which is why you never see blind people walk into anything. It's true for almost all living things that when one sense is lost, the rest are increased. Your bird will be able to smell her food and find out where in her cage it is, since you said she is used to her cage. Since budgies need toys for fun, since your birdie cannot see anything, I would suggest that you buy her a foraging toy where you put food or teats inside, and they have to shred the toy to get to the food. She will be able to smell it inside so I think it would be a good idea. However, I would also wait for another's opinion on this, because the toy could work in the other way as if your bird smells the food and becomes aggrivated that she cannot get to it? I think for short periods of time she should be okay, for play Hope it helps! |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 15:22:55 GMT
Hi Emily, and thank you for your prompt response.
You asked..."Do you have any pictures of your darlings? How are Miss Beasley's cere, and is her butt matted with her droppings? Have you contacted the vet who administered the medicine and heard what they have to say?"
I do have a few pictures of both Beasley and Greenley. I will make my way to the "show off your babies" area soon, you can be sure of that!!! 
I don't know the term "cere" that you're asking about, pardon my ignorance. 
As far as the matted butt question....no, I've not allowed that to happen. Only twice in the past 3 months have I had to clear her bottom due to matted poop.
As far as your question about contacting the vet who prescribed the blinding med, I left a very emotional voicemail last night for her regarding this issue. I only figured out she was blind last night...although, judging by her behavior over the past 3 days I've deduced she's likely been blind for 3 days at least. Her total behavior changed 3 days ago. I didn't know right away what the problem was. But last night my fears and suspicions were confirmed when I ran a battery of tests to see if she was potentially blind. SHE IS TOTALLY BLIND. She can't even see light, or shadows. It's pitiful. She's soooooooo confused.
You asked if I've seen her eat or drink since confirming blindness....Yes, thankfully she's been in the same multi level cage for her whole life. I've kept toys, food, perches and waters all in the exact sane place for 3 years and 5 months. So, amazingly enough, she actually knows where these things are. She eats, and drinks....but can admit she's not doing it nearly as often over past couple days since going blind. She falls down a lot as she attempts to navigate her cage in the dark. The only change I made was elevating her food dish in the bottom of the cage so she could more easily access it....it's working. I'm keeping all other things the same.
You asked about cuttlebones and mineral blocks. My birds have NEVER used them. I tried for almost 2 years putting them in their cages but they simply would not touch them. They became dust collectors. So I stopped trying, and removed them.
So right now I'm waiting for a call back from the vet who.....well.....blinded my sweet Beasley. It's been an emotional night for me after realizing she was blind last night. She loved staring at herself in her mirrors. She was such a little Diva, lol.....now she can't....it breaks my heart. She staggers and falls down her stairs now....she sits silent, won't talk, won't play, just sits in the same spot with her blind eyes shut. 
She probably thinks it's permanently nighttime and I forgot to uncover her cage for now 4 days straight. It's sooooooo dang sad....
Thanks again for replying....I think I need another good cry. I will back later after hearing from the vet.
Kathi, Beasley and Greenley....
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Post by dianapalmer on Nov 13, 2013 16:13:46 GMT
I am so sorry this happened to your bird.
This happened to a cat I had many years ago. My exhusband, over my strenuous objections, sprayed an insecticide in the basement that as labeled only for outdoor use. He said it would be fine, because he put an exhaust fan on.
A day or so later the cat developed symptoms of poisoning. I was heartbroken. It's a terrible feeling when something like this happens to an animal. We took her to a vet and he gave her an antidote.
The cat survived, but was blind. She knew the house and was able to get on all right. In time, some of her vision came back. I could tell because she started responding to string again.
Make sure Miss Beasley is drinking water.
Please let us know how it's going for you and Miss Beasley. I really do feel for you.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 17:35:32 GMT
Hi Lisa Marie, thank you so much for your response,
Your use of the term "horrific consequence" is so fitting. Who'da thunk? I thought I was doing the right thing in getting her into the vet, a "bird vet" no less....which was not cheap!!! And now find myself with a beloved bird who's not stopped her diarrheal issue...and who is also blind now. Am I being punked? 
You mentioned "heightened senses" when things like this happen. I totally agree and find myself literally shocked at her ability to remember where her perches, food, water and general surrounding are. I can admit that getting from point A to point B isn't pretty....but ironically she does find her way.
Quite frankly, it's very sad to watch. I've seen this busy bird in action for 3 and a half years....to see her now sitting on one perch, all day, with her eyes closed is very sad. She used to be so active. She's sad, I can tell. She's confused, as one might expect when everything goes suddenly and permanently BLACK!!!!!!! 
The toy idea you mentioned sounds like an option....perhaps in the future when I'm sure she's eating and drinking properly. I'm sure she's trying to understand her blindness, and incorporating ways to work around this new, but extremely debilitating issue. So, I will likely incorporate stimuli solutions when I've convinced myself she's eating and drinking. GREAT IDEA THOUGH! It was bugging me that she potentially could never simply PLAY anymore. Sounds like a good solution for that dilemma!
Thanks again Lisa Marie for your input and encouragement. I will let everyone know what the vet says as soon as I hear from her...
Talk soon,
Kathi, Beasley, and Greenley
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Post by lisamarie on Nov 13, 2013 17:46:43 GMT
Definitely hear what you vet has to say first. I don't know much in the legal sense but I think you should bring up the expense and maybe they can at leave relieve you of that. I understand no amount of money will bring her eye sight back but if you want to get technical, technically they made you pay for her blindness, and that isn't want you wanted (obviously).
I hope everything works out. I'm almost positive blindness is irreversible, but you always see programs on animal planet of blind animals being helped by other animals.. So maybe your two babies can be housed together again. (Assuming the aggression isn't present anymore)
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 18:00:24 GMT
Hey Diana Palmer, thank you for the condolences for my sweet Beasley.... 
Oh my gosh, I have 2 cats, and have owned cats for all my adult life (erm, many years, lol)...and can only imagine how tough it would be for an animal who has to navigate a much larger living space. My bird seems to kinda know her way around her two story cage...but is having some difficulty in even doing that. Hopefully her senses will heighten as Lisa Marie pointed out, and she will become better at it.
As if things couldn't be much worse, I actually had to put down one of my 3 cats last Thursday after she succumbed to kidney failure over 8 months ago. It's been an emotional several months for me as Ive attempted life saving efforts for my pets. Very expensive as well, I might add.... But I'd do anything to save my babies. As I'm sure most true animal lovers would.
You mentioned that I make sue Beasley is drinking water....that's about the only thing I've not seen her doing lately. I have a syringe. And I think I'm gonna give her water right now with the syringe. Yesterday I saw her drink...but not today. I will keep an eye on that, and do realize how important it is....
Well Diana, thanks again for responding. I'm so sorry to hear about your cats blindness, but relieved at least some vision came back eventually. That won't be the case with Beasley, unfortunately her blindness is permanent. Thanks for sharing your story, and being able to relate to such a thing. It's truly sad.
Talk to you soon,
Kathi, Beasley and Greenley.
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Post by Sarah on Nov 13, 2013 18:32:49 GMT
I would really suggest trying to see if you can cage your girls together now, or work out a system where you can be your birds 'seeing eye dog' yourself. I have a bird with a minor disability comparatively: he is unable to fly because of damage to his wing as a baby. Because he needs me to help him often, we have formed a close bond. Although it is a tragedy, you could look on it as an opportunity to be closer to your bird. She is in desperate need of comfort as she tries to rationalize this change. She needs someone to be there for her and tell her its okay, be it you or Greenley. It is possible to give a blind bird a completely full and happy life, just as it is possible for a disabled person to do so. It does take extra work and time, but it will be worth it for if you can give her a healthy and happy five more years of life at least.
I am highly concerned about the diarrhea that won't stop. Baytril (while having its side effect problems) is a powerful broad spectrum antibiotic: she shouldn't have an infection any more. I am concerned about toxins. Is there something wrong with Beasley's cage that is not wrong with Greenley's? Rust spots? Chipping paint? a toy that's showing unusual wear or markings?
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Post by Pammy on Nov 13, 2013 19:10:14 GMT
Kathi, I am so sorry to hear of Beasley's loss of eyesight. I agree with the wonderful advice given by our friends here on the forum. Give sweet Beasley a chance to adjust to her new life, just as a human freshly going blind would have to adjust to such a huge shock. I'm sure that if you can get at the root of the problem with the diarrhea, and get that cleared up, in time Miss Beasley should be able to enjoy a happy and healthy life in her blind condition. Along with all of the great advise given by others, I suggest speaking to Beasley in a happy, cheery, uplifting voice. Help her to understand that it's daytime, that life is good and worth living, and that you still feel exactly the same about her. If she only hears sadness in your voice, crying and pity, she may not be able to help slipping into a depression of sorts. Yes, it's horrible. I understand you needing to deal with the injustice of it, but try to act happy around your birds so they can feel happy, too.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 19:23:43 GMT
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for responding, and for some much needed advice. YES, I too believe Miss Beasley needs a seeing eye "bird"....she seems so lost, scared, and certainly confused and lonely. My issue with simply putting her inside Greenley's cage is that her diarrhea is not under control as of yet. I don't want to risk having my other healthy bird Greenley getting sick too. So, unfortunately until I can get a handle on that, I'm forced to keep her quarantined from other birds.
You asked about potential toxins that might be in Beasley's cage, but not Greenley's cage. Their cages are identical, right down to the toys, perch placement, and everything else. There is no chipped paint, no rust, no compromised toys. I run a pretty tight ship when it comes to animal care...I could be called a tad bit OCD....LOL!!!
I clean the cages thoroughly every two weeks, which means a total wipe down with hot water, new perch covers as needed, new toys, clean mirrors and toys and anything else. I change food and water and paper liners in the cages everyday. I replace and remove any toys that aren't being used, there is no dust, no poop, no rust, no old articles in the cage. I change ALL perch covers every month whether they need it or not. I use the slide on sandpaper ones to both protect the wooden perches from being damaged by chewing and poop, and to help keep their nails filed as they slide back and forth on the perches. If you walked into my home, you'd never know I had birds, or 2 cats.
I dont use aerosols, chemicals, incense, air fresheners, or cookware that is dangerous to my birds. They are pampered birds. They are kept in a warm, friendly, quiet and non stressful environment. I wish it were so simple to figure out what happened to Miss Beasley, but not Miss Greenley...but I can't....and apparently neither can my vet.
My vet is calling right now....I will be back soon to share what she says......
Talk soon Sarah, thanks for all the ideas and potential reasons she might be sick...I've been trying to figure it out for 3 long months. Be back later.
Kathi, Beasley and Greenley...
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 20:14:46 GMT
The vet called me back...
The first words out of my vets mouth was "Don't believe everything you read on the Internet"...in response to Baytril causing my birds sudden blindness. Go figure.  Cover your behind was her first concern.
I proceeded to tell her I wasn't interested in blaming anyone, but more so simply trying to find out what I should do now. What quality of life Miss Beasley would have living in the dark, ect. She wants me to bring in my bird for "observation" for a couple days. I really don't want to do that because it will only freak my bird out more...here she is used to her cage....can find food and water....knows familiar voices and sounds here....no barking dogs....no strange smells.
So my vet is now gonna whip up a concoction to spike her water with to treat "possible" parasites. Um, gee, what possible side effects might this cause?  Don't make me go there!
Bottom line is, I see no benefit from dropping her off at the vet to "observe" for two days and $250 dollars. I've explicitly explained ALL symptoms. She's been seen already. She's gone through 14 days of treatment. And is still sick and now BLIND!
What do you guys think, am I overly sensitive? Should I take her in for "observation" ......(MORE TRAUMA)
Thanks everyone, I'm gonna go give Beasley more water via syringe. She's eating, but having a bit of trouble finding the water today.
Kathi, Beasley and Greenley.
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Post by lisamarie on Nov 13, 2013 20:26:03 GMT
Vets are insane with their money. My 3 dogs went for their checkup today.... $700 for 3 CHECKUPS.
I don't see a benefit leaving her there either and I personally wouldn't do that. You are correct about it causing her stress.
The real problem now is how to try to stop the diarrhea. Once that's resolved her and your other budgie can help each other. I wouldn't know how to ease that though :/ especially since everything is the same for both birds and your other one doesn't have it. I'm stumped!
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Post by Sarah on Nov 13, 2013 20:28:50 GMT
Don't bother taking her for observation. You seem very attentive, and stress is enough to cause a parakeet to have heart failure. I would treat her for parasites, but only after their presence has been established. If toxins are not a trouble and we can safely rule out bacterium, our next logical step is Giardia, a pernicious and sadly common parasite that wreaks havoc in the lower digestive systems. I would ask for your vet to test her droppings. If Giardia is present, unfortunately this poses a much bigger threat. Giardia can inhabit the digestive systems of many animals, including cats and humans. If Beasley tests positive, it will be time to seriously consider testing yourself and your other animals as well as treating her post haste. You will need to treat any animals and possibly yourself, even if no symptoms are shown. The parasite will still be spread even if the animal seems healthy.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 21:41:05 GMT
Holy moly Lisa Marie, you're not kidding about vet costs. It's jaw dropping!
My 13 year old cat Jessie developed a urinary tract infection (for reasons unknown) 8 months ago. After 30 days, and heavy antibiotic treatment she didn't improve and her kidneys began to shut down. I had to take her in twice a week for past 2 months for dialysis. She didn't survive. I had to have her put to sleep last Thursday. I'm nearly $2,000.00 dollars invested into her sickness, and death.
Now less than one week later Miss Beasley not only continues to be sick, but is blind. I'm heartbroken for her. I've decided to get her a "seeing eye bird" as so smartly suggested by one of the many helpful, insightful and caring people here today. What an AWESOME idea! I cannot risk putting Greenley with her cuz of diarrhea problem, but I can purchase a brand new bird to help her around, comfort her, and be a companion in her darkness. And that is what I'm gonna do.
Thanks Lisa Marie for your continued concern and suggestions. You've helped me a bunch. I can't wait till things calm down enough for me to get to meet you and your sweet babies.
Talk soon,
Kathi, Beasley and Greenley
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I'm currently in a car driving back to my home state but I will definitely research for you when I get home if Sarah or someone else has not answered by then. Have no fear, Kathi! 
Cover your behind was her first concern. 
Don't make me go there!