Uric Acid

[asterroc]

Originally posted by zandperl at Uric Acid

Got some bloodwork done on Kappa last month. My vet isn't avian certified (the closest AAV certified avian vet to me is more than 2 hrs drive away), but I've had good luck with VCA Animal Hospitals in the past, my vet does do birds, and she's been consulting with other vets to make sure she learns more as needed. She told me after the bloodwork last month that she needed to consult with other vets on Kappa's uric acid test. We finally talked on the phone yesterday, and, well, let's start with this: partway through the conversation I felt the need to ask her right out "Should I be concerned or panicking?" and she replied "Concerned." I'm not convinced she's right.

Kappa's uric acid (which tests kidney function) is at 17 (I didn't catch the units, but for this test in humans the units are mg/dL). Normal healthy birds are supposed to be in the range of 2-10. Kidney disease is diagnosed if it's at a level of 20. The vet recommended two things: since Kappa's currently boarding with them for a week and a half anyway, they're going to give her sub-cutaneous fluids daily; and although I already give her Sunshine factor (palm fruit oil, for the Omega-3 fatty acids), she recommended I apply it to her veggie mix daily rather than when I make the mix. They're also going to take two more blood samples: a tiny one partway through her stay and do a test in-house on the hematocrit (I think it was), which tells about her red blood cell levels, which can tell if she's having problems rapidly; and another full blood panel at the end of her stay (which needs to be sent away) to see if the sub-cu fluids have made any significant change.

Basically, the vet was talking about extending Kappa's life, that in some cases something like this can be fatal quickly, or it could only shorten the bird's life by a year. I'm trying not to be devastated (my first cockatiel passed away from kidney failure). I'm definitely worried. Kappa's only 6 years old (if I'm counting right), and dusky conures have a normal life expectancy of 25-30 years. I got her after I lost two cockatiels in a relatively short time span, and I picked her species partly due to the longer life span than 'tiels.

*sigh* Anyone else have experience in this situation, where you have warning signs of a disease and have to manage it for the rest of the bird's life?

Comments

[cosmicwonder.livejournal.com]

I'm really sorry that you're going through this.

I'm kind of going through a similar thing, but with my cat Johnny. He's been having allergic reactions to eating - he'll scratch his face until it bleeds and he tends to vomit frequently. He also has a couple cysts on his skin, and he's lost weight (although he was overweight before). I've brought him to the vet for tests, but they haven't found anything. The vet told me that if he does have a problem, such as cancer, it's going to be next to impossible to diagnose. We've been able to help him somewhat with a more limited diet, but he's recently started throwing up one of the flavors I usually give him. I'm almost at my wit's end as to what to feed him.

Johnny's 11, so he could still live for a few more years. But it really does scare me about how he's been the last year or so. It doesn't seem to be getting much better, although some of his fur has grown back and when the food combination is right, he doesn't throw up.

Overall, I try to keep remembering that I'm giving him the best life that he can have. In general he seems happy and isn't suffering - he still cuddles with me and plays with our other cat Athena. I keep focusing on enjoying the time that I have left with him. That's what really matters - not how long he lives.

[zandperl.livejournal.com]

That's how I felt when Peeper was diagnosed with kidney failure. Kappa's so young though, that I don't want to have to think that way. But yeah, I know intellectually that I'm doing everything I can to help her.

[cosmicwonder.livejournal.com]

Sorry. I feel like I got carried away in my comment about my current worries concerning Johnny, and the result was that I didn't give very good advice to you.

I agree with hfran and meig that it's too early to tell whether Kappa is actually ill. I think what's important is to stay as positive as possible. I've been amazed lately by how much positive energy can help in difficult situations. I'll keep my toes crossed for Kappa!