I've been in the city all day with Riker at the vet, and on early yesterday-so I just saw this. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/exclamation.gif" alt="" /> Be aware that if the first vet drew blood (and got enough)-it could be PART of why he's acting as he is now. Low/protein and iron levels from the blood loss (ie anemia) won't help his condition, as well as making his system deficient in several vitamins/minerals he needs while his body tries to rebuild the supply. He's going to need the nutrition and protein in the BML as much as the sugars and fluids, I would alternate the syringe feedings, using the baby BML (no wheat germ to poss. cause choking) one feeding, with the fluids/glucose the next, and offer a drink (but not force) after the bml. I agree with the others that fecal smear and float, and urinalysis with c&s on anything that shows up should be done also. Praying for your little guy-keep updating.
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
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#29534 11/15/0409:06 PM11/15/0409:06 PM
Just realy quickly, I wanted to say thank you to Melanie. She let us in her home today and held CoCo and say just how bad that he got today.
A special, special thank you to Angie and Gerald. They both spent the majority of the day with us, running from vet to vet trying to see what was going on with CoCo. Angie is such an awesome lady. She was just as concerned about CoCo as anyone was. Thank all of you so much for everything that you did to help CoCo out today. If you saw him right now, you would be so proud!
This morning to afternoon was rough. I honestly watched him constantly waiting for him to take his last breath. He was/is that sick. Angie's normal vet was in surgery this morning, so we went to another vet and after seeing CoCo..they wanted to hospitalitize him and the "estimated" bill was about $1200. Angie told me that her vet would be much more resonable, and we decided to go there. When we told the vet's tech this (the vet wouldn't even talk to us), she told us that CoCo was seizuring and they would not let us take him unless we either gave him valium for the seizuring to stop b) euthanized him. We chose option a.
We took CoCo to the next vet...and things were MUCH more resonable. He looked at CoCo and gave him a shot of fluids, cortisone? and some more glucose. He advised us to continue feeding CoCo the glucose and the BML through a syringe. At this point, CoCo has eaten hardly anything...through a syringe or anything.
We drove home..all the way home, I watched CoCo and her labored breathing and again, just waited for the last one to happen. I just didn't see anyway that she was going to make it and this process continued until about one hour ago.
CoCo went through 2 full cc's of BML..CoCo has taken a full cc of the glucose that the vet provided us. CoCo CRAWLED out of my lap, out of her blankets, turned around on my leg, STOOD THERE (NO WOBBLING) and looked at me. Almost to say, "don't you dare give up on me yet daddy!".
This little guy could have easily taken his last breath today, and he has fought, and fought and fought to the point that he is now. He is by no means out of the woods yet, but he is improving, he is eating..his fur even looks better.
This little guy is the most amazing thing that I have ever seen. I was told today at noon that CoCo was probably going to die, the first vet that we went to said that we should euthanize him, the 2nd vet told us that he has a less than 50/50 chance of making it. (CoCo must have known what I was talking about, while I typed this, I looked down at him and he was wide awake..licking his nose. He ate another 0.2 cc of BML).
He is a fighter, and we are going to give him every opportunity to fight this one out. Please keep him in your prayers..at this point, we still don't know what caused the severe dehydration. He started pooping again this afternoon, so we are going to take his poop up to the vet tomorrow to have a fecal smear done.
Again, keep this little guy in your prayers. Thanks!
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#29535 11/15/0410:42 PM11/15/0410:42 PM
Your glider is a fighter . keep watching over him through the night and make sure that he stays well hydrated. If he doesn't want to drink water you can also try baby pedialyte. Please keep in touch with Angie as she is the best person that you could have turned to for help down in Texas. Of course I will keep your little fighter in my thoughts and prayers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/littleglider.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cloud9.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/muchlove.gif" alt="" />
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#29537 11/15/0411:36 PM11/15/0411:36 PM
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> I have meet the most amazing people today, and one amazing little glider! CoCo, is very loved, his family and friends will never give up on him. I was so happy to hear that he is showing signs of improvement. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dance.gif" alt="" /> I once had a CoCo myself, her name is Sydney and she is a fighter like CoCo is. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/agree.gif" alt="" /> Today she is well and has joeys of her own. I am saying my prayers for contined improvement and can't wait to visit with CoCo tomorrow at Mel's house. Thank you for letting this little one touch my heart! Everyone, please keep CoCo and his family in your prayers tongiht. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> Angie
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#29538 11/15/0411:54 PM11/15/0411:54 PM
It is just up and down right now. He goes from labored breathing and almost non-responsive...to "coming to" and eating and drinking more than I thought possible. It just pulls at my heart strings. One second, my wife and I are crying...wondering how he is possibly going to make it. The next second, his eyes pop open and he stares at us, almost like "what is wrong with you guys?" Then he takes more food and more liquid.
Will keep you updated.
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#29539 11/16/0412:09 AM11/16/0412:09 AM
Well thats a good sign he is drinking and eating some, keep getting as much as you can in him. His resources are low right now so anything he takes will help. I am praying and praying for more good news. He is a strong little boy! He will be weak too from the valium, it may take a while to get out of his system. If you need anything, we are here. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> Angie
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#29540 11/16/0412:13 AM11/16/0412:13 AM
He's going to pull through, I just know it! Any kid who's got a fight like that in him, just won't give up! Kisses and hugs to CoCo tonight from my whole gang! Hang in there buddy!
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#29543 11/16/0402:03 AM11/16/0402:03 AM
It sounds like he's going to fight as long as you are fighting with him. Prayers for a speedy recovery and for energy for you and your wife as you journey with CoCo.
Hugs, ~Lynn
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#29544 11/16/0402:14 AM11/16/0402:14 AM
</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr /> .....using the baby BML (no wheat germ to poss. cause choking).....
<hr /></blockquote><font class="post"> [:"blue"] Just to clarify this point. It is my understanding that the wheat germ is omitted from the BML recipe so that it will flow freely through the syringe/catheter and it has NOTHING to do with concerns about a joey choking. [/]
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#29545 11/16/0402:38 AM11/16/0402:38 AM
The reg BML(with the wheat germ added but with no egg shells in it) if blended Ultra smooth will flow through an insulin syringe provided it is thined with a bit of premixed puppy milk replacer.
Because of the above...I have never fed the baby BML to a wee one.
Sorry, just my opinion on forcefeeding it to a weak glider after having two choke on it, and one literally to death and had to be resuscitated (Gimli)-and that was blended nearly to death and diluted. It's up to the owner, of course. Went down much easier without the wheat germ for us until they were stronger-especially in one trying very hard not to swallow it.
Anyway, prayers and best wishes for CoCo's recovery-he sounds like a little warrior. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
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#29547 11/16/0408:00 AM11/16/0408:00 AM
We always use the BML minus the wheat germ to feed joeys. Dilute it with a small amount of water so that it can be swallowed easily. No Wombaroo or puppy milk replacer either. We have saved numerous rejected joeys using this procedure. After eating, we always offer them water. Incidentally we do not use syringes to feed the joeys. We use a plain eye dropper. I know some will argue that you can't measure out how much you are feeding but it has never been a problem. We let them eat all they want or will. We always stimulate a joey for a BM after feeding. In CoCo's case this may not be necessary but would be a good idea due to his weakened condition. Think I would go easy on the valium. It is not a good idea to give valium to an adult glider much less a joey. It has a tendency to slow down the system and CoCo's system has already slowed.
Good luck with CoCo. You have some very good help with Mel and Angie assisting you. Charlie H
Really quick comment on the valium. I didn't agree with it either. From the options that the vet gave me..they were not going to let me take CoCo until a) I allowed them to give him valium or b) I allowed them to put CoCo to sleep. Given the options......I would choose the valium any time.
Another update....this little guy is still fighting. My wife and I decided to take turns getting up with him through out the night. We were going to take hour on, hour off shifts. I finally fell asleep at about midnight with my wife sitting in bed next to me, just holding CoCo in her arms. My wife didn't wake me for "my shift", she said that she wouldn't have been able to get any sleep anyway. I was, however, awoken at 4.30 AM by CoCo standing on my pillow, right next to my face, barking at me. I woke up and looked at CoCo and was shocked. My wife was awake, she was watching the whole thing. Said that CoCo climbed out of his bonding pouch...crawled right over to my pillow (no wobbles) and began to bark at me (we hadn't heard CoCo bark yet).
I am at work now, I glanced at CoCo quickly before I left. He was sleeping in his bonding pouch on my wife's chest. His fur looks so much better (although he does have a lot of BML on his chest that oozed out of his mouth from the syringe feeding, he is in serious need of some self cleaning.) His breathing doesn't look nearly as labored. I am just trying to stay as optimistic as I can, without getting too incredibly unrealistic...but something tells me that he is going to make it.
Mel and Angie are going to babysit today while my wife works for 4 hours. I know that there wasn't anyone else in this area that I would trust more than them to look after our baby. Thank you guys so much!
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#29549 11/16/0410:05 AM11/16/0410:05 AM
I am so happy for the great news! I will get to see him and just give him a gentle kiss this morning. Keep fighting CoCo, we love you!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> I lost my longtime friend, my cockatiel, Billy who has been with me for the last 14 years. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> I found him dead this morning and he will be burried under my rosebush this morning next to Stitch. I will really miss him. He was known for greating everyone with a "hello Billy", and long ago, mimicing TV comercials. He was my friend during my long years as a single parent and never minding listening to me anytime. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/needhug.gif" alt="" />
Gosh Angie, I am so sorry to hear that! It sounds like he enjoyed a wonderful life though. And gave you many great memories. I am so sorry for your loss.
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#29551 11/16/0410:36 AM11/16/0410:36 AM
Hang in there lil sweetheart! Been watching this thread, and hoping and praying with the rest that things are on the upswing now <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />. Angie, you're the best.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> So sorry about your cockatiel...they certainly are good buddies to us. My family wants to release ours, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />, cause he has this awful habit of screaming LOUDLY if I even walk out of his sight for a minute. Makes for a noisy day <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.
Karin
Miss Lily and Bud Prada and Armani Tessa, Deuce and Cami
i am so sorry to hear about billy. He sounds like he was a lovely bird. it's always tough to lose someone you love. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
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#29555 11/16/0412:19 PM11/16/0412:19 PM
Well Mel and I are taking turns with CoCo, babysitting him while this family gets some work done, holding him and feeding him. He looks to me in better condition from yesterday, he is still a sick little boy but I am sure he will continue his fight to live and we pray, win. He has 4 full time nurses, a whole community pulling for him, and prayers comming from all corners of the world at this time. CoCo is taking fluids, we are still seeing some occ. siezure activity.He is taking some BML also, which makes me happy. I made him a heating pad to help keep him warm and I think that is helping him also. Please continue to pray for this sweet little boy, he has made us all fall in love with him. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> Angie
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#29557 11/16/0402:39 PM11/16/0402:39 PM
Thanks for the update Angie...I was just about to call you guys again, but it was nice to get an update here.
When I read this..
"Please continue to pray for this sweet little boy, he has made us all fall in love with him."
My eyes just started tearing up. I do not know what this little guy has done to me, but he is all that I have thought about all day today. He has got this infectious nature that just makes you fall in love with him. It is just a really strange feeling, yesterday I had all but prepared myself for him not to make it. Today, after nursing him and seeing him fight the last 2 days, I can't imagine what I will do if he doesn't make it. He is my little guy and the bond that has been created between he and I during this ordeal has been one of the most special things that I have ever been a part of.
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#29558 11/16/0402:44 PM11/16/0402:44 PM
They really have a way about them, don't they? Even the ones with the attitudes and the crabbing, they're all personality & heart! I think my next one will be Braveheart, there's a name that really fits all gliders!
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#29559 11/16/0402:57 PM11/16/0402:57 PM
Mel went and got some pedilyte and karo corn syrup. I got a few drops of the corn syrup down him and he seemed to perk up just a little. I would call his name and his ears went up and he opened his eyes. Then he just drank about a full syringe full of pedilyte. Now he is sleeping again. His nose is much more pink today, even Mel noticed and we are keeping him warmer with the heating pad. Its really a sock filled with rice and tied on the end. You can heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds and it stays warm for about an hour. His brother took 5 syringes full of BMl earlier then went to sleep in my bra for the day. I woke him up to give him fluids a few times, he would crab and then burrow down into my bra to return to sleep. Now he is with Mel and drinking the pedilyte like crazy. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> Angie
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#29561 11/16/0403:21 PM11/16/0403:21 PM
</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr /> Mel went and got some pedilyte and karo corn syrup. I got a few drops of the corn syrup down him and he seemed to perk up just a little. I would call his name and his ears went up and he opened his eyes.
<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" /> That is exactly what I am talking about. He will just lay there and stare at you with those little eyes. He is such an angel <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frostyangel.gif" alt="" />
</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr /> I woke him up to give him fluids a few times, he would crab and then burrow down into my bra to return to sleep. Now he is with Mel and drinking the pedilyte like crazy. Angie
<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> And then there is Looch....the EXACT opposite of his brother. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> His personality just cracks me up. Just like somebody said earlier, these little guys seem to capture your heart no matter how they react. Looch and I have developed a good little bond in this short period of time as well....it is a different bond than the one that I have formed with CoCo though.
I didn't get a good look at CoCo's nose this morning, but it is really reassuring that he is getting his coloring back in it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" /> Jamie should be there soon to pick the boys up...I cannot wait to get home tonight to see how CoCo is doing first hand.
Thanks again Mel and Angie..you guys rock!
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#29562 11/16/0403:51 PM11/16/0403:51 PM
So glad to hear this little guy is still holding his own, and doing better! Hang in there, Coco! An awful lot of folks are pulling for you to get better, and lots more cute pics in the future! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" />
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley