bad(ish) news from the vet!

[lyz2814]

I may be posting just so I have someone to talk to. Anyway, I am a new owner of a 4 month old Senegal. I took him to the vet for a new bird exam. While he looked really excellent in the physical exam, the vet called me tonight to say that his Gram Negative bacteria and white blood cell count were both high.

I believe the GN bacteria was 2-3 (normal is 0-1 and the scale goes 0-4) and the WBC was 20,000 (normal is 9000).

The vet explained that these readings could indicate a stress response, and/or a mild infection. She is having antibiotics made up for me, and I'll bring him to the vet's to see how to administer the syringe (oral), and get his first dose. She is concerned that b/c he is a baby and is still getting used to a new environment--harder to fight it off himself.

I am a little overwhelmed--partly hormones I think, and I'm worried about the little guy. I hope I can administer his meds ok, and that his post meds test comes out ok. I read all the books, and have worked with my boyfriends macaw--but I'm still like -gulp-.

Is he gonna be ok?

[Quito's Qage]

Oh gosh, that's too bad! I wish I knew more about medical issues, but the vet's explanation that it could be stress response or a mild infection sounds like good news to me. It's hard not to be overwhelmed, I know, but you're going to do fine with the meds. Take your time, and make sure the vet takes her time showing you how to do it. I'm sure someone with lots more medical experience than me will be along shortly. We're pulling for you and your Sennie baby!

[Tiki]

He should be fine as long as you give the meds exactly as the vet shows you. Give the entire treatment, don't stop the meds if he looks better.

[birdsnthings]

The WBC is high and I would be concerned but right now just give the meds and retest again in a couple of weeks to see where the counts are. Then you go from there. The problem could be resolved.
I know it's a hard to be patient and not worry when you want to do the right thing. Hang in there.
Alice

[svolk]

Good luck with the medication and I hope everything turns out ok. Take notes when your AV shows you how to administer the meds and ask lots of questions if you have any.

I'm an expert worrier and I know that it can be so hard not to worry about this, especially being a new parront and all. Keep us updated.

[Irish]

I'm sure you'll take good care of that baby, follow instructions properly, and in a couple of weeks find that you have a perfectly healthy fid. Good luck!

[mizbirdy]

Good luck to you Liz!! Let us know how he does, okay??

[lyz2814]

thx for the nice words guys. I think I'll feel better once I see how to do the oral syringe.

The vet was encouraged that he looked so great in the exam--his heart sounded great, airsacs/sinuses great, stuff down his throat great, weight great--that we're nipping the issue in the bud.

I ordered a scale, since the antibiotics may mess with his appetite, and I want to monitor his weight--avoid more problems.

[radiogirl995]

Originally Posted by lyz2814

I may be posting just so I have someone to talk to.

I think that is the point of BB! We all post here just to have others who understand. And we do...

Hang in there. I know your baby will be ok. You'll give lots of TLC and make it all better!

[LMPego]

I'm certainly not an expert, but my Sennie has had throat infections on and off since we got her. Senegals in particular have a tendency to get vitamin A deficient and that leads to their systems being depressed and not able to fight off infection. After this passes (and it will), you need to make sure that you get that baby eating foods high in vitamin A. You should have no problem administering the meds, but ask your vet if you can give it on bread if you have to. I usually need to give Cory her dosage on a square of bread and she's really good at eating it all up. My biggest advice is not to stress over giving the medicine because your Senegal will sense that and they really respond to your emotion. Tell him or her how yummy the treat is and what a good birdie they are for taking all their medicine.