Update Pg 2: He's Gone :(

Logan-24- · 07-27-2008, 12:02 AM

Around 11:15 tonight we had a raccoon come to our porch. Trying earnestly to get to the cat food. We recently tore up the floors in our house which was carpet + particle board. The previous owners had tons of cats and the house reeked of cat urine. We were recommended KILZ and its worked. But the smell is strong, it's like drinking alcohol (burning sensation) so we put my brothers bird outside.

Well I'm upstairs in bed, about to go to bed early for once. Apparently the raccoon took a grab at the bird while my mom was downstairs. She came up, told me she thinks he got Elvis (the bird) and I flew downstairs. He's my brothers bird, I hate him with all my might... but I don't think that should matter. I pull back the sheet, there's a fury of feathers scattered over the bottom of the cage, I don't see him as it's dark. I finally see him and he's huddled in a corner, battered and bruised. He's aggressive and stand-offish (normal self) which was good to see, but adrenaline contributes.

About an hour or so later Elvis is doing fine, but I really need some thoughts for the sweet bird. He's a Quaker Parrot, his beak is split, he's got a good chunk of feathers and small bit of flesh missing under his wing. We have called the vet, she discouraged bringing him in saying that even with him bleeding, they couldn't do anything about the bleeding or the wing. Plus she said something about $170 charge to come in (Like I care! If it keeps him alive and comfortable I'd do whatever I could). Recommended bringing him in tomorrow or sometime soon to insure his wing is set (I thought it was broken) all this was said and done before we found the wound under his wing.

So I need thoughts and prayers for Elvis. Despite my absolute loathing of this bird... I don't want to lose him.

Not to mention no more than two days ago I was infuriated at him and said (to myself) "I can't wait 'til he's gone." Please don't think less of me because I regret those thoughts every waking minute after this happened. I am so disappointed in myself for saying that. I don't wish death on any animal, no matter what, no matter how much I hate him... I still love him because he's my brothers bird and he can be a sweety. We all say things we don't want to and this hurts me the most that something happened so closely to when I said this. It's killing me

He's sitting on my shoulder as I write this, his beak pressed against my cheek and 'purring' as we call it. I know he's uncomfortable but so far the future looks bright for him. Regardless, he's still got to stay strong like he has now. We're taking him first thing the morning to get this tended to, this place needs more animal emergency clinics

Here he is, he got flustered several moments ago which in turn as caused his beak to bleed a little more. It looks worse than it is...

Pictures are slightly uncomfortable for the weak stomach (some blood):

EDIT: His life is not in danger. I assure you, we've been assured by the vet that he needs to see a vet, but not immediately.

rm185western · 07-27-2008, 12:05 AM

Poor Elvis, hope that he is OK

azhorselover · 07-27-2008, 12:14 AM

I would insist on the vet seeing him, if racoons are anything like cats they have nasty bacteria in there saliva that can kill a bird very quickly. He needs antibiotics asap. Dont blame yourself, you where doing the right thing by protecting him from the fumes. Good luck.

BornToRide · 07-27-2008, 12:33 AM

Don't feel guilty, you are doing everything you can!!!
If it was me, I would also insist on seeing a vet..if not tonight, at least in the morning...just to see if their are any underlying problems that are not visible to the naked eye.
GOOD LUCK!

Logan-24- · 07-27-2008, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BornToRide

If it was me, I would also insist on seeing a vet..if not tonight, at least in the morning...just to see if their are any underlying problems that are not visible to the naked eye.
GOOD LUCK!

That's how I felt. I wasn't the one who called, it was my mom, and she was assured by the vet to wait. I was flustered because I'd rather be safe than sorry. He will be going to the vet first thing in the morning.

Horse_Orderly · 07-27-2008, 01:02 PM

Poor buddy!

I hope he's ok.

tricia3kids · 07-27-2008, 01:11 PM

Poor guy....We have many parrots....racoons can be very nasty, and they carry alot of bacteria. You need to clean the area(s) of the bits..If your avain vet will not see your brothers bird, please ask the vet for some antiobotics that can be put in the water supply. Keep the bird warm...remember that by the time a bird shows signs of being seriously ill, it is usually too late. they learn to do this to not become a predators meal in the wild.
PM me if you need any additional info

merleliz · 07-27-2008, 02:17 PM

You can use talc to stop the bleeding, or corn starch, but he needs a vet...and I'd look to see if there is another one in your area, bring him in tomorrow is not a great response seeing as how they don't know how bad the damage is! Prayers for you and ((((HUGS))))

Logan-24- · 07-27-2008, 07:19 PM

Thank you all for the support and suggestions.

We took Elvis this morning over an hour away to the only clinic remotely close that tended to birds AND were open on Sunday. $650-$800 later they told us he'd be fine. Reason the big window as it was an estimate of how much it'd cost.

The wound under his wing wasn't as bad as we thought, he's got an abrasion on his lower beak, he was slightly pale and dehydrated (we didn't know, he drank just fine.. but I noted a pale tongue this morning), his salivary glands were thick, and his pulse was slightly rapid. She assured us after she put him on oxygen that everything would turn out OK. They're keeping him 1 - 2 days to keep an eye on him, tend to his wounds, a few shots of the good stuff to ease the pain and he'll be home in no time. No broken wings just minor wounds. We were lucky from what someone in the emergency room and the vet said, Raccoons can be pretty nasty and unforgiving, not to mention great bird hunters (as the vet said).

It's going to be expensive, but he's well worth it.

To top that all off my Dad went to the hospital this morning because he couldn't move, not a good weekend

tallyho · 07-27-2008, 07:31 PM

Yikes.......glad the bird will be ok, but how is dad?
Thoughts and prayers headed your way.

**gbarmranch** · 07-27-2008, 07:31 PM

Hugs, prayers, and hopes that all things start going better for you..

Logan-24- · 07-27-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tallyho

Yikes.......glad the bird will be ok, but how is dad?
Thoughts and prayers headed your way.

My Dad is doing better, he ended up in the ER. He wrenched his back trying to help me remove stubborn bolts off my Dakota's running boards. He's a tough guy and to hear him cry out like he did, it clearly was more pain than he was accustomed to. But he's on medication as well, so both of them are doing better.

merleliz · 07-27-2008, 08:06 PM

What a rough weekend! Glad to hear they are both doing better, hugs and prayers and best wishes for all!

Logan-24- · 07-29-2008, 08:14 AM

The vet called this morning, said Elvis hasn't improved by any means. They didn't call us at all yesterday. But when they called us this morning they didn't sound to confident he'd make it... or at least that's the impression my mom got from them. They say they think he lost a lot of blood, which it didn't seem like hardly any to us... but he is a bird, which carries less blood.

What bothers me even more, I don't know how your guys' views are on dreaming about a death and it supposedly being true... well last night I was met with an unfair dream of Elvis

I truly hope that what they say about death in dreams isn't true.

Elvis could use an immense strength of prayer to pull him through at this point

99horses · 07-29-2008, 08:29 AM

I am so sorry about Elvis. I will keep the poor gy in our prayers. I hope he pulls thru for you.

thunderbaby703 · 07-29-2008, 09:00 AM

So sorry to hear about Elvis. Prayers that he pulls through.

horselady · 07-29-2008, 09:24 AM

Hope Elvis pulls thru. Do they do blood transfusions for Birds.?
Just asking. I am sure they are doing the best possible for him.
Glad to hear dad getting better.

Logan-24- · 07-29-2008, 09:29 AM

I'm not sure if they do blood transfusions, that'd be a good question... It surprises me as to why they have suggested it as I know they do it with dogs and cats. I can imagine they'd want to with birds considering you have some that value in over $10,000.

**gbarmranch** · 07-29-2008, 09:31 AM

Lots and lots of prayers from here.. Comeon Elvis...

Gotta Love Duns · 07-29-2008, 10:35 AM

I'm sending my healing thoughts your way.

My cockatiel when he was very young got caught by my Mom's old cat and was split from croupe to belly. He lost a ton of blood and they had to do surgrey and many stitches to keep him alive. It was very touch and go (they gave him blood) but he made it and is now a happy, healthy but very small cockatiel. He never grew after that.

I hope that Elvis pulls through.

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07-27-2008, 12:02 AM
Logan-24- Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 470	Update Pg 2: He's Gone :( Around 11:15 tonight we had a raccoon come to our porch. Trying earnestly to get to the cat food. We recently tore up the floors in our house which was carpet + particle board. The previous owners had tons of cats and the house reeked of cat urine. We were recommended KILZ and its worked. But the smell is strong, it's like drinking alcohol (burning sensation) so we put my brothers bird outside. Well I'm upstairs in bed, about to go to bed early for once. Apparently the raccoon took a grab at the bird while my mom was downstairs. She came up, told me she thinks he got Elvis (the bird) and I flew downstairs. He's my brothers bird, I hate him with all my might... but I don't think that should matter. I pull back the sheet, there's a fury of feathers scattered over the bottom of the cage, I don't see him as it's dark. I finally see him and he's huddled in a corner, battered and bruised. He's aggressive and stand-offish (normal self) which was good to see, but adrenaline contributes. About an hour or so later Elvis is doing fine, but I really need some thoughts for the sweet bird. He's a Quaker Parrot, his beak is split, he's got a good chunk of feathers and small bit of flesh missing under his wing. We have called the vet, she discouraged bringing him in saying that even with him bleeding, they couldn't do anything about the bleeding or the wing. Plus she said something about $170 charge to come in (Like I care! If it keeps him alive and comfortable I'd do whatever I could). Recommended bringing him in tomorrow or sometime soon to insure his wing is set (I thought it was broken) all this was said and done before we found the wound under his wing. So I need thoughts and prayers for Elvis. Despite my absolute loathing of this bird... I don't want to lose him. Not to mention no more than two days ago I was infuriated at him and said (to myself) "I can't wait 'til he's gone." Please don't think less of me because I regret those thoughts every waking minute after this happened. I am so disappointed in myself for saying that. I don't wish death on any animal, no matter what, no matter how much I hate him... I still love him because he's my brothers bird and he can be a sweety. We all say things we don't want to and this hurts me the most that something happened so closely to when I said this. It's killing me He's sitting on my shoulder as I write this, his beak pressed against my cheek and 'purring' as we call it. I know he's uncomfortable but so far the future looks bright for him. Regardless, he's still got to stay strong like he has now. We're taking him first thing the morning to get this tended to, this place needs more animal emergency clinics Here he is, he got flustered several moments ago which in turn as caused his beak to bleed a little more. It looks worse than it is... Pictures are slightly uncomfortable for the weak stomach (some blood): EDIT: His life is not in danger. I assure you, we've been assured by the vet that he needs to see a vet, but not immediately. __________________ Last edited by Logan-24- : 07-29-2008 at 12:08 PM.

07-27-2008, 12:05 AM
rm185western Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 3,672	Poor Elvis, hope that he is OK __________________ ________________________________ Okay, who put a stop payment on my reality check?

07-27-2008, 12:14 AM
azhorselover Weanling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: prescott valley arizona Posts: 282	I would insist on the vet seeing him, if racoons are anything like cats they have nasty bacteria in there saliva that can kill a bird very quickly. He needs antibiotics asap. Dont blame yourself, you where doing the right thing by protecting him from the fumes. Good luck.

07-27-2008, 12:33 AM
BornToRide Long Yearling Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,459	Don't feel guilty, you are doing everything you can!!! If it was me, I would also insist on seeing a vet..if not tonight, at least in the morning...just to see if their are any underlying problems that are not visible to the naked eye. GOOD LUCK! __________________ There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man.-Winston Churchill

07-27-2008, 01:02 PM
Horse_Orderly Started Join Date: May 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,085	Poor buddy! I hope he's ok. __________________ State the obvious, I didn't get my perfect fantasy. I realize you love yourself more than you could ever love me! Taylor Swift

07-27-2008, 01:11 PM
tricia3kids Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SW FL Posts: 443	racoons Poor guy....We have many parrots....racoons can be very nasty, and they carry alot of bacteria. You need to clean the area(s) of the bits..If your avain vet will not see your brothers bird, please ask the vet for some antiobotics that can be put in the water supply. Keep the bird warm...remember that by the time a bird shows signs of being seriously ill, it is usually too late. they learn to do this to not become a predators meal in the wild. PM me if you need any additional info __________________ Be grateful you are on this side of the grass

07-27-2008, 02:17 PM
merleliz Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fairburn, Georgia Posts: 1,185	You can use talc to stop the bleeding, or corn starch, but he needs a vet...and I'd look to see if there is another one in your area, bring him in tomorrow is not a great response seeing as how they don't know how bad the damage is! Prayers for you and ((((HUGS)))) __________________ Proud sponsor of one humpbacked whale named Onyx and a wild mustang mare named Sope.

07-27-2008, 07:19 PM
Logan-24- Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 470	Thank you all for the support and suggestions. We took Elvis this morning over an hour away to the only clinic remotely close that tended to birds AND were open on Sunday. $650-$800 later they told us he'd be fine. Reason the big window as it was an estimate of how much it'd cost. The wound under his wing wasn't as bad as we thought, he's got an abrasion on his lower beak, he was slightly pale and dehydrated (we didn't know, he drank just fine.. but I noted a pale tongue this morning), his salivary glands were thick, and his pulse was slightly rapid. She assured us after she put him on oxygen that everything would turn out OK. They're keeping him 1 - 2 days to keep an eye on him, tend to his wounds, a few shots of the good stuff to ease the pain and he'll be home in no time. No broken wings just minor wounds. We were lucky from what someone in the emergency room and the vet said, Raccoons can be pretty nasty and unforgiving, not to mention great bird hunters (as the vet said). It's going to be expensive, but he's well worth it. To top that all off my Dad went to the hospital this morning because he couldn't move, not a good weekend __________________

07-27-2008, 07:31 PM
tallyho Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Trappe, PA Posts: 1,115	Yikes.......glad the bird will be ok, but how is dad? Thoughts and prayers headed your way.

07-27-2008, 07:31 PM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,252	Hugs, prayers, and hopes that all things start going better for you.. __________________ Quality Foundation Quarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~Author Unknown

07-27-2008, 08:06 PM
merleliz Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fairburn, Georgia Posts: 1,185	What a rough weekend! Glad to hear they are both doing better, hugs and prayers and best wishes for all! __________________ Proud sponsor of one humpbacked whale named Onyx and a wild mustang mare named Sope.

07-29-2008, 08:14 AM
Logan-24- Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 470	The vet called this morning, said Elvis hasn't improved by any means. They didn't call us at all yesterday. But when they called us this morning they didn't sound to confident he'd make it... or at least that's the impression my mom got from them. They say they think he lost a lot of blood, which it didn't seem like hardly any to us... but he is a bird, which carries less blood. What bothers me even more, I don't know how your guys' views are on dreaming about a death and it supposedly being true... well last night I was met with an unfair dream of Elvis I truly hope that what they say about death in dreams isn't true. Elvis could use an immense strength of prayer to pull him through at this point __________________

07-29-2008, 08:29 AM
99horses Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,229	I am so sorry about Elvis. I will keep the poor gy in our prayers. I hope he pulls thru for you. __________________ Janet I'm your huckleberry.-Doc Holliday

07-29-2008, 09:00 AM
thunderbaby703 Started Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,910	So sorry to hear about Elvis. Prayers that he pulls through. __________________ "Never miss a good chance to shut up." -Will Rogers

07-29-2008, 09:24 AM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,324	Hope Elvis pulls thru. Do they do blood transfusions for Birds.? Just asking. I am sure they are doing the best possible for him. Glad to hear dad getting better. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

07-29-2008, 09:29 AM
Logan-24- Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 470	I'm not sure if they do blood transfusions, that'd be a good question... It surprises me as to why they have suggested it as I know they do it with dogs and cats. I can imagine they'd want to with birds considering you have some that value in over $10,000. __________________

07-29-2008, 09:31 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,252	Lots and lots of prayers from here.. Comeon Elvis... __________________ Quality Foundation Quarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~Author Unknown

07-29-2008, 10:35 AM
Gotta Love Duns Bombproof Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dixonville, Alberta Posts: 7,980	I'm sending my healing thoughts your way. My cockatiel when he was very young got caught by my Mom's old cat and was split from croupe to belly. He lost a ton of blood and they had to do surgrey and many stitches to keep him alive. It was very touch and go (they gave him blood) but he made it and is now a happy, healthy but very small cockatiel. He never grew after that. I hope that Elvis pulls through. __________________ A penny saved is a penny you can spend on your next horse.