Hi all, I am feeling pretty stressed ATM. After a ridiculous amount of toing a froing with conflicting blood results and an xray that first came back as normal only to be corrected by someone else, my vet threw up her hands with the "experts" and sent everything she had up to an avian vet in Sydney. They had a teleconference today.

Here's the story as it stands now.

Solomon has an enlarged spleen and gut. His proventriculus is full of gas - which the vet said was "most unusual". He thinks Sol has some viral illness like PBFD (!) or polyoma virus and this is causing his constant scruffiness and lack of weight gain. On top of this he may also have one or a number of illnesses due to a suppressed immune system. He may have chlamydia - which is a terrible problem for my whole flock and me as well. Now I have to get tested, too. He may have a gram-negative bacterial illness or a fungal one that is causing the upset intestinal problems. Contrary to all I've been trying to do with his food, he has to go on an all-seed diet now to put on calories so he can fight the virus.

My cockatiel is now under the weather as well so both she and Solomon have to go to the vets tomorrow for chlamydia cloacal and throat swab tests. It's costing a fortune as well.

I have a big problem because I am going away for a month, leaving on Friday, and am stressing because I don't want to leave them like this!! They have a swath of medicines and quarantine and special care. There is no way I can change my travel dates as I have to go to a conference and do a lot of work related things.

Guys I just feel like crap. This is the worst thing to happen right now. I just won't be able to enjoy my trip or even concentrate on the things I have to do for thinking about the birds.

Sorry to blab on but, hey, who else understands like bird lovers understand?

I am soooo sorry to hear this. I wish there were something I could do to help. Will the vet be willing to board the sick ones so he can keep an eye out for them?. Maybe someone else can come in and birdsit for the others. How many do you Have? Best of luck .I will be thinking about you.

that's terrible! poor babies (and daddy) I hope things will come together for you-sorry I can't help. are you close to any of the other Aussie members? maybe they know of someone that could help...

Oh Joseph, what a predicament! Prayers for you and your "babies" are on the way. I wish I could help somehow, but I'm a wee bit far away to do anything.
Feel free to blab. We all understand and we care!!!!

Sending good VIBES and THOUGHTS your way! I hope they find something out soon~!

I am so sorry joseph hugs to all your fids i hope and pray they get better

oh no joseph! I hope something works out...anyone from the same area that can help?? hello..anyone out there?!?

Wow Joseph, your plate is in the overflow stage right now I'd say. I'm hoping that the vet can board the sick ones and you can find someone to care for your others while you are away. You must have had some kind of plan in place prior to this news since you've had this planned for some time and knew you'd be gone for a month.

If the vet is willing to take the ill birds for the time that your gone, that should be a big weight off your shoulders.

I would have thought that your first vet would have done all the tests for the psiticosis already...

Since we're so far away, there isn't much I can offer other than moral support but I want you to know if I were able I'd be more than willing to help you out.

Sending you and your fids healing thoughts and a hug or two.

Remember, things have a way of working out the way they need to so keep the faith.

Keep us posted please.

Wow, I'm so sorry you're going through all this Joseph! I'm sending some big hugs and positive thoughts your way... *Hugs*

Joseph,
I'm sorry you're going through all this. That is alot of stress and I do see your dilema. Really at this point, rather than stress you just have to realize your options and go with them. Like Andy said if the vet can board your ill birds that would be best unless you can trust someone enough to give them the care they need while you're gone.
I'm on another board where a couple members birds have PBFD and they said there have been some recent breakthroughs. IF it comes to that I'll see what info they have for you.
It's hard when we have to go away when our birds are ill. Heck it's hard to leave them regardless. I'm keeping you and your fids in my prayers. Let's all just hope for the best
tikileahsmom

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope your birds recover soon. What about leaving them with family/friends with instructions on how to look after them...I'm leaving my little one with my parents for a bit over two weeks whily my partner and I go on holidays and I've already written about a page of instructions for my Mum to refer to - and she keeps birds!

Joseph I know this is hard to swallow but hopefully somehow along the way your babies can get the care needed and get back to a normal life....I do hope Solomon's body can be completely healed....
It makes us all sad when our babies are not at their best....My thoughts and prayers go up for you all....Please keep in touch....
And wishing you the best on your trip to the U.S.A. (San Francisco)....I guess you'll be in touch with the caretakers while you are away.......

So Sorry Joseph to hear about your birds. It is so hard when you have a sick pet, they are part of your family. Hopefully your vet can take care of them while you are away. That sure is a lot to deal with all at one time. I will keep you and your babies in my prayers. Hope that it all works out for you, Julie

So sorry. I hope it all works out and you find someone to take care of your birds.

Yikes!!! Very sorry to hear about this. I'm sure it's putting you under a lot of stress right now.

I truly hope that Sol gets better soon.

Hello lovely quaker parrot people. Thank you so much for your kindness and prayers. Somewhere along the line, some of those kind thoughts have hit the spot for, as I sit here in a hotel in Honolulu in sweltering heat, my dear little Solomon has been taken to the heart of the nicest people you could hope for.

This couple have recently left the United States and are greatly missing their conure who died suddenly. They also have experience with nursing an African Grey (who was a lot meaner than my gentle Solomon) so they are able to give Sol his medication and phone through with his progress to the vet. They tell me he is doing well, becoming more vocal and goes silly when the "Simpsons" comes on the TV!! They are from Heaven. He has started eating better and is putting on weight. He is eating "PrettyBird Eclectus specific diet that I found JUST before I left. They have also taken my Princess Parrot and my wild Musk Lorikeet as well and are enjoying all 3.

As you can imagine I am greatly relieved but I do miss them all.

I haven't heard from the other birdisitters but I'm trusting all is well with them also.

Aloha!!

WOW FANTASTIC JOSEPH I AM SO GLAD AND RELIEVED IM SO HAPPY FOR ALL YOUR FIDS BEING TAKEN CARE OF TY FOR KEEPING US INFORMED