Nebulizer Treatments For The Saints

[FoxersArtist]

This past May, our rescue embarked on a new birdy project that we felt from the start would be a challenging task but we had no real concept of what we would be getting ourselves into. 4 little 1 year old congo african greys appeared at the airport, flown in from California where they had been placed on "discount" by their breeder. Two of the birds were missing both feet and the other two were said to have runny noses. We worried that the two with no feet would be worse off than they had been described, but we were pleasantly surprised and forever awed by their capabilities. Those two - Frances and Jude are impressive examples of mind over matter as these little guys can do just about anything that any other african grey can do. Jude was adopted out to a gal who lives in another part of the state and after much consideration, we have decided to keep Frances as our own. I check in on Jude every now and again and her owner says that she is doing well. She is free spirited and strong willed but her owner thinks she is coming along beautifully. She is learning to talk and is so good at it that her owner is often confused as to whether it is her or one of her other birds!



Frances is thriving! He is smart, sassy, and silly. He loves to take a load off his "stubs" by rolling over onto his back. Francy is a toy-a-holic and cannot get enough of any one toy. He drags each of his foot toys out daily and beats them to death before the end of the day. He loves cuddles and headrubs and he likes to speak his mind by "sneezing" his words out at us. He is learning that he has a voice but has not really uttered any real words yet. Because he MUST be the most tacky bird on earth (and also because he is located within ear shot of the bathroom) he has picked up this incredibly delightful (and super realistic) gas passing sound that he proudly uses all throughout the day starting VERY early in the morning. Leave it to our little grey "Pigpen" to pick THAT up. When he isn't passing verbal gas his little sneezes are tiny african grey reminders that we must pet him, NOW, or else. Frances has already touched the lives of many and we are proud to have him so that he may continue to do so for many years to come.

Frances sitting on his thrown:


Frances has a sneezing "tantrum":
YouTube - Cute 087

Raphael and Sebastian ("Sabby") are still under our care. We have grown a bit frustrated with ongoing, unrelenting, stubborn sinus infections that just do not seem to be loosening a grip on these poor birds. For most of their stay here, both birds have had to undergo daily medications as well as sinus flushes to help keep the nostrils clear. Unfortunately, the infection is deeply rooted in areas of the nose that cannot be reached by putting antibiotics and other medications into the nose. Our vet tried to do surgery on one of the greys and though there was progress for a little while, the infection eventually returned with vigor. Even though Raph seems to be more chronically plugged, Sabby has been of greater concern because her infection can be heard in her breathing and sounds to be located dangerously close to her lungs. A relatively new test can show whether or not a bird has a deadly fungal infection called aspergillus. Thankfully both birds recently came back negative for the hard to cure illness and we are back to believing that this is just a really stubborn and deeply rooted sinus infection. Our most recent course of treatment has been to stop sinus flushes and oral medications. This was decided after a blood vessel ruptured in Raphael's sinus and continued to beed each time a flush was done. I could not stand to traumatize the area any further and decided a substantial break was in order. As was expected, the sinus backed up without presistant flushes, but at least the little guy has been able to heal.

Our rescue purchased a nebulizer and built a little "chamber" so that the birds will now be able to breathe in a mist of air containing the critical antibiotics needed to fight the infection. One of the drugs is designed to break up mucus and the other is an antibiotic. Nebulizing the birds will help them to get the medication in every area of the nose and sinus and even into the throat and air sacs. We are praying that this course of action will do the trick. Both birds are really enjoying their new treatment and the nebulizer therapy puts them in a good mood! Both birds like to stand right in front of the mist and breathe it in. I can only imagine that it feels wonderful on their poor, traumatized sinuses. They are certainly not complaining! We have also been doing vitamin therapy with the birds and are still in the process of weaning them onto diets high in nutrients needed to help fight infection.

Sabby Left, Raph Right:


Trying out the nebulizer:


Chamber 'o' Love:
YouTube - Nebulizer Treatment For The Saints

Both Raphael and Sabby have really improved socially. Raph has always been a little bit more friendly than Sabby, but both are now stepping up nicely and even allowing cuddles some of the time. Sabby is very vocal and sassy. She loves to tease. Raph is sweet and kind and a little on the shy side. He is a pleaser and wants everyone to like him. Both birds are unique and special and I just cannot imagine a world without them.

Please keep both of these special guys in your prayers. I fear that they still have a long way to go but we will see them through whatever it takes to make sure they get better.

-Anna

[expressmailtome]

Congratulations on keeping Frances! I truly wish you the best with the nebulizer treatments working!

Matt

[donnakris]

You're doing a wonderful job Anna. They are beautiful birds and lucky to be with you. we just took in a handicapped Grey and I'm still trying to figure things out. The picture of Frances on his throne helps a lot. You and these guys are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Lisa B]

I had to do the same with Sampson and his Asper treatments. Did the Dr talk to you about the mist molecule size that is appropriate for inhalation?
I still have his nebulizer at home. I have loaned it out to several people who have needed it.
I hope all goes well with everyone!

[hollyhawkz]

Poor babies, I sure hope this works!!! It sounds really positive.

I was wondering if you were going to keep Frances, I had a feeling!

[pippy]

Wow, what a story! And what a fantastic job you're doing!

Funnily enough I have experience of both birds with foot deformities (Mojo and Shinda, although nowhere near the extent of these guys!) and one who had a very severe nasal infection ten years ago, resulting in the loss of half of his upper mandible!

I use a nebulizer for Henry for an hour every day (as recommended by my vet) to help keep his mouth moist as he breathes through his mouth, not his nostrils. I use water and add a little F10.

Wish you lots of luck!