So upet, I had to put down my cockatiel

[princessjen]

OMG, I'm soo upset, I had to put down my 12 1/2 year old male cockatiel. He was always very healthy and had never been sick before.

A few weeks ago I noticed a drop of blood in his dropping. It was only one time and only a small amount.

Last wednesday (the 21) I noticed a change in his voice. Then the next day he started wheezing and coughing whenever he moved. Then on friday he started gasping for air whenever he flew. Almost sounded like he was having an asthma attack. So I freaked!, and took him right away to the vet. She said she thinks he has some sort of blockage or chronic condition. She did'nt think it was a infection because he did'nt have a runny nose or eyes, no diarehea, and was still eatting a drinking normally. She also said he was WAY under weight. (But I think he always has been, because when I look at other cockatiels in the petstore they are all way bigger than him. She said they could do an x-ray, but they would have to sedate him, and there is a chance that could be fatal, so i said no because I did'nt want to risk it. She gave me a antibiotic/antifungal med just in case.

So I had to give him this med with a syringe. He was so traumatized by that I thought I killed him. He just kept coughing and closing his eyes and tilting his head back. He stayed liked that for the rest of the day.

The next day he sounded alot better. Still wheezing and coughing, but not as much. So instead I have him his meds on lettuce, he ate some of it, but he did'nt get his full dose.

Then the next morning on Tuesday, he started gasping for air and could'nt breath even while at rest. He was getting very upset and frustrated and kept closing his eyes. This attack lasted for about 3 hrs. Then in the evening he had another one that was'nt stopping, so I rushed him to the vet, and she said the best thing to do is put him down, because he was suffering and she thought his heart sounded off too.

I feel awful, and have been sick to my stomach about it and crying all week. I hope I made the right decision. I miss him so much. I just keep wondering, if maybe the vet was wrong and maybe it was a infection, and If I have been more forceful getting the antibiotics in him he might be sitting with me right now.

Any thoughts on what might have been wrong with him?

[i_forget]

So sorry for your loss.

[Natalka]

Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss...

[frugal50]

you made the right decision
your pet is no longer suffering
my condolances, for your loss.

[VeeVee]

So Sorry for your loss.
I hope you can take comfort in knowing you provided him with a loving home for 12.5 years! I'm sure he was a very happy and loved pet.

[Lisa39]

I am so sorry for your loss. I am not familiar with birds or bird care so no idea what exactly was wrong. I had to put a cat to sleep, and I still wonder if I would have done more would he have lived longer. I can relate to your feelings. I am sure 12.5 yrs you have a lot of memories, just try and remember the good times. How I helped my daughter get over the loss of the cat was to make a memory box. I bought a photo box at the dollar store that is a picture frame on top of the lid, inside we put his favorite cat toys, collar, a piece of his fur. Its been 2 yrs almost and she still looks at the box every once in awhile and it helps. Maybe try making a memory box?

[saveadollardiva]

I am sorry for your lost, don't feel bad you did the right thing. I don't know what could have caused it. But at least he is not suffering anymore and is in a better place right now.

[princessjen]

I am so sorry for your loss. I am not familiar with birds or bird care so no idea what exactly was wrong. I had to put a cat to sleep, and I still wonder if I would have done more would he have lived longer. I can relate to your feelings. I am sure 12.5 yrs you have a lot of memories, just try and remember the good times. How I helped my daughter get over the loss of the cat was to make a memory box. I bought a photo box at the dollar store that is a picture frame on top of the lid, inside we put his favorite cat toys, collar, a piece of his fur. Its been 2 yrs almost and she still looks at the box every once in awhile and it helps. Maybe try making a memory box?

I went to Walmart and had a picture of him developed and framed and put it in my room. I also kept out one of his favourite toys (vanity mirror with disco ball lol). Here is the picture I chose of him. I thought it kinda looked like he was smiling.

[Lisa39]

Aww he was a pretty bird. You chose a good picture. I hope every time you see his smile, you can smile too with the good memories

[MortgageQueen]

Awwww. . .he looks like he's got rosy cheeks too! I'm so sorry for your loss and grief you must be feeling. The trouble is sometimes, animals/birds don't show the seriousness or depth of their illness until it's almost too late. I went through a very similar experience with my cat last winter. Even the vet was shocked he survived his extreme pneumonia. I think the only reason he did, was because he was only 2 and very healthy otherwise.. . .but who would have ever expected it??!
Just like humans can linger a long time or die very quickly. . . so can animals. It's just one of those heartbreaking things Jen. You need to feel free to grieve and than after a little while longer, you will be free to celebrate and treasure your "Fair-feathered" little buddy's memory. . .

[Andit]

I'm so very very sorry for your loss. (hugs)

I lost my cockatiel nearly 12 yrs ago & still think about her (she was technically my pet, but her heart belonged to my Mom). She was just shy of 17 so I had lots of good memories. Hold on to the happy memories, they will help. Also know that he was very lucky to have such a caring person as his human.

Sometimes there is nothing we can do. One of my best friends lost a pet bunny suddenly - the autopsy revealed that Lucy only had half a heart & shouldn't have lived past a few months - she died just after her 2nd birthday, I'm convinced it was the bond she had with my friend that kept her alive that long.

[princessjen]

[QUOTE=Andit;5134654]
I lost my cockatiel nearly 12 yrs ago & still think about her (she was technically my pet, but her heart belonged to my Mom). She was just shy of 17 so I had lots QUOTE]


Same here! He was mine, but he was in love with my mom! lol All she had to do was walk into the room and he'd stop everything he was doing, and give her googlie eyes.

[Zonny]

What a pretty bird. I'm so sorry you lost him!

[janetta]

Definately a handsome fella!
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. You made the right decision.
Sending good vibes your way!