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Really sorry jackie, I don't know what to say----I really thought everything would end up being fine. Right now you just have to remember that this problem bubba is having can change, and try to keep your hopes up a little more----see how things go first in the next blood test in 30 days before getting so upset. I know with birds it's different, but my mom once had some test for her liver function, and they found out that she had an enlarged liver and she was all upset thinking something was terribly wrong with her liver------well a few months later when they did more tests, her liver was fine and they could not find a thing wrong and her liver was back to normal. The doctors were kind of surprised---this was a while back, at least a few years now and she's still doin fine, so please try to keep a little more positive outlook for bubba----it's ok to be upset and cry, but just try to think positive------don't think the worst---bubba could end up ok and all this crying for nothing! at least save it for the next test----bubba will be fine til then and after that you will get a better idea of how things are with his liver. prayers and best wishes are with you and bubba!

Thank you all for all of your kind words. It was not my intent to shut any of you out... trust me, I knew that all of you would understand my pain and concern. You can understand the love I have for him because it is like the love that you have for all of your babies. It is just so hard to talk about. I am at the point where mentioning it begins a flow of tears that is just too hard to stop. I took Bubba in the shower with me this morning, and he was whistling and so happy, and it is just hard to immagine him not being here to sing his pretty little songs. I know he feels my grief...he has been such a good boy the past few days.

It is so hard to be positive... but I will try. I was relatively sure that everything would be okay too... he is such an energetic, strong, and happy (though often bratty) little birdie... Oddly, I am usually optamistic, and I am also pretty religious, so I am trying, but it is so hard to think of. I will give him lots of hugs and scritches from all of you. We both appreciate your support.

Sorry to make you so anxious Rosie's mom, but it really was so hard for me to deal with yesterday. I didn't find out until later in the day anyway, but I am sorry I didn't tell you all earlier, and sorry to make you worry.

Thank you for all of the advice too MFids, I will talk to my vet about the different things you recommended. Yesterday when I picked up his meds, I picked up some Harrison's pellets from the vet's office. It is organic and colorless, but has some of the fillers you mentioned. Some of the other ingredients seem good though... yummy stuff he normally gets like millet, lentils, rice, peas, alfalfa, etc. It is wierd because it has some sea salt in it... strange... Bubba isn't very interested.

I was also reading about the website that Sam posted. I think I might ask the vet to x-ray bubba to see if he has any small tumors in case it is something like cancer. If it is cancer, a tumor can be sugically removed, but mom and dad don't seem to happy about that. We had a dog treated for cancer when I was younger, and things didn't end well. AFter $10,000 or so in treatment, she got an infection in her paw, and passed away... her vet said he wondered if the doctor treating her really found cancer or not... so mom and dad seem a bit sceptical and are worried abut the cost of surgery. For me this isn't a monetary thing... I will take student loans if I have to to pay for surgery, but I am of course, hoping it wouldn't come to that. Like humans, you weigh things... would the pain associated with surgery really outweigh another 10 years of life? The vet had also discussed the possability of liver biopsy with me, but said that it is really risky, and rather than actually "do" anything, it would more give me a piece of mind, so I would not be willing to put bubba through any of that for my own comfort. What are your thoughts?

Jackie

I am so sorry to hear of the diagnosis for Bubba. My heart really aches for you. These little guys are so strong. Huey fought his illness up to the end. He was still our little love bug, he never acted like his illness effected his personality. Be strong for him and do whatever the vet reccomends. Think positive thoughts and cherish all your moments with him. My eyes are tearing up with the thought of some one else going through what we went thruogh just a short time ago. I will keep you and your fid in my prayers. Hopefully Hueys illness got your Bubba an early diagnosis. Stay strong.

All my Best
Freddy

Oh Hon, I am so sorry to hear that the results aren't as good as we hoped for. I was really getting worried and paranoid that things weren't good when you didn't come and give us an update. I'm so sorry. I have only had my Rosie and for 2 months and it would be devestating if she were sick. You said that he is happy & Singing so that should give you a little comfort knowing that he isn't in any pain and that he don't feel whats going on with him. I will keep you two in my prayers and remember that we're all here for you. Some people just don't realize the love that we have for our feathered babies becuase they might not realize all the love that they provide us with. Keep your head up and keep loving your baby Bubba the way you do. **HUGS**

Thanks Rosie's mom, I appreciate your understanding and prayers.

Bubba went back to the vet today--we got a bit concerned about zinc or lead poisoning from his new cage, so he got x-rayed. However, the x-rays did not show any . I amindication of heavy metal poisoning. They did, however, show a very enlarged liver hoping for the best now... If the medicine works, it may return his liver to close to normal, but never quite, and he will be on it for the rest of his life. The vet said that if we can manage this, and the medicine proves effective in reducing his levels and his liver to somewhat normal, he may have another few years ahead of him... as opposed to 12-18 months if it doesn't work. The vet also says that this may have been a problem with him for 6 months or so... So we will see how things go next month. Please pray that things go better for him. I really appreciate all of your support and prayers.

Thanks,

Jackie

Jackie,

I was actually hoping they would find traces of metal, then it might could have been gotten rid of with chelation. Out of curosity, what is the name of the drug prescribed for Bubba?

My thoughts are with you.....

Sam

Rosie & I will keep you two in our prayers.. I really hope that this med works for him. So that you two can have many, many more years together..

I was also gonna say that I don't recall ever seeing a picture of Bubba.. Are there some posted on here somewhere??

Thanks I hope we will have many years together too

Here is where I have posted some pics of bubba: http://www.dropshots.com/bubbabird85

He's such a handsome boy!!! Thanks for sharing

I remember seeing the pic of him with your hair tie. Perfect play thing for them. Casper is sitting here on my shoulder as I type. She sends her love to Bubba!!!!!

Awww, thanks