Pet Lovers

[conlt]

I have had Squeaky for 23 years but I am his 4th owner so I think he is 25 at least. The life span for this type of bird is 10 to 20 years. My little guy was not right last week so I took him to the Avian Vet, he had some tests done, and stayed the night in the hospital. The Vet thinks he has arthritis pain which is preventing him from grooming himself properly and in general taking care of himself and his hygiene. He came home on Wednesday, last week on the drug gabapantin for pain. I have to administer it to him 2  per day. Of course we are getting more used to that. I have been recording his gram weight daily to be sure he is eating properly and he is maintaining his weight. I think the gabapantin is making him a little tired but all in all he seems to be doing much better. I padded his cage with a throw blanket with paper over it in case he loses his footing. He has not lost his footing. I padded his perches with material that the vet gave me but he was afraid of it and has stayed on his food cup since last week. I took that padding off and purchased moleskin for his perches and he is still afraid of that but seems to be less afraid. I take him back to the Vet on Tuesday for a follow-up. Although I know he is quite old and has some limitations now, I am not ready to lose him. I pray that he can continue to do well, eat and be comfortable. Maybe the vet can reduce the dose of gabapantin just a hair to combat the sleepiness. After owning birds for years, this is my first experience with arthritis. I have another Conure who is the same age, but he is fine. 

[KingstonsMom]

@conlt

Sending angel hugs and prayers for your feathered love!

I've been owned by many birds over the years, including a Nandy Conure and they're just as special as any other pet we love!

[meallen616]

[CareBears]

@conlt Sending prayers

[SXMGirl]

Sending prayers.

[NickNack]

I'm so sorry about your little Conure.  I've had a parrotlet and a lovebird in the past and know how special they can be.

[NycVixen]

I only have experience owning a rescued lovebird for a year so far so I can't be of much help but I'm sending prayers for you and Squeaky.  

[Sooner]

@conlt  I will pray for you and your little friend for sure.  I know you will do the best you can for him to keep him at ease and comfortable until it is time for him to go.  Birdies are wonderful and you are fortunate to have lived a lot of his life with him!  Both of you are blessed! 

[qvcfreak]

@conlt, sending prayers for Squeaky and ((HUGS)) for you 

[conlt]

Thank you everyone, yes I have had him a very long time. He has been with me through the good and the bad. He does seem to be responding to his medication. I am lucky to have wonderful Avian Vets 45 minutes away.