Meelee is Good/Flapper Gets a Check-Up
Meelee went back to the vet on Saturday for a urinalysis and radiograph of her kidneys. This is a follow-up to ensure her health is good as she ages. She is a little bit skinny. She is about 14-years-old.
Her radiograph looked pretty good and only showed that she has some arthritis in her lower back. Her kidneys and bladder looked okay. Her urinalysis showed she has very mild kidney disease, which is pretty normal for her age.
She will move to an all-wet-food diet so she can get enough fluids to keep her kidneys working well. Her diet is also designed for slowing down the progression of kidney disease.
So for now, she is all good. She even gained almost a half-pound in a week-and-a-half, so she must like her new diet.
In other news, Flapper went to the vet today for a check-up.
He hasn’t been feeling 100% and I’m not sure if it’s the cold weather or something more serious. His vent issues seem okay, but his feather quality is not great and he is losing feathers more than I’d like at this time of year. We took blood today and should get those results tomorrow. So I’ll post an update then.
It could be nothing, but I just worry about him. Today was hard on me because I just love him so much. I know he’s not going to live as long as I will, but it breaks my heart to imagine life without him someday. I get jealous of people with old pekin ducks over 10-years-old. Flapper has had so many issues in his 4-years & 9-months so far.
All of my pets are special to me, but there’s something extra-special about Flapper.
Last night when he was hanging out with me on the couch, he laid down right next to me and tucked his beak against my leg while he slept. I can’t tell you how special it is to me that he trusts me this much. When I go outside to tuck him in for the night (he’s already in his predator-proof pen, I just like to go say good night to him) he runs to me and gives me a hug. He isn’t hungry at that time of night… it’s just a hug. He runs to me and rests his beak in my hand and lets me pet him for a few seconds. Then he goes back to his nest area.
It’s our bed time ritual.
I’ll post an update when I get his blood results. For now, Flapper and I are going to snuggle on the couch together some more.
NON-UPDATE: Flapper’s results didn’t come in today so they’re expected in the morning. I’ll post an update when I have one.
13 Comments
You take such good care of your animals and your descriptions of them are very touching. Flapper seems exceptionally intelligent and in that little duck brain of his he seems to truly love you.
And Flapper knows that you love him. He does. So does Melee.
Well, you’re awfully lucky to have Flapper. My ducks were never that friendly to me. Quacker let’s me pat the top of his head, but that’s about it. My Flapper won’t even let me touch her (though she will climb on my lap to get a mealworm, then run away.) Jack let me pet him sometimes.
I so hope he is alright. I hope you have many good years to come with him Give him a hug for me.
Robert
Good news about Meelee. I hope she ages with grace and without too many health issues. It’s a worry and a concern when they get older, but with love and proper care they can stay around for a long time, and I hope Meelee and Simon will.
She’s so beautiful and so sweet. You’re a good mom for all of them.
Yes, I know how much you love Flapper. We all have our favorites, we are not allowed to have them, and we love all the others too, but there are always some that touch us more than others. That’s normal and nothing to feel guilty about.
I always tell my kids that they are special, Foppe is the sweetest fat cat, Jelle is the sweetest red one, everyone has something that the other doesn’t have, so they are all special in their own personal way.
I too fear that I may loose someone, it will happen eventually, sometimes you see it coming, sometimes you don’t. Life is fragile and having them in your life should never be taken for granted, but I know you don’t.
You’ve had a difficult year with your kids, you’ve been hurt so many times, it is only natural that the fear for loosing someone is so present. But don’t let fear spoil your life with Flapper and the gang.
There’s a saying and I don’t know if quote it correctly but it goes something like this; My worst fear is fear itself, or, I feared so many things in my life which never happened. It is true, I live with fear too and it can be overwhelming.
Just stay positive, you taught me that worries are negative vibes.
My ducks are loosing down too. A strange time of year to be molting, but they molt in phases. I guess it’s normal.
Sending good wishes to everyone, specially for Flapper and you:-)
So happy to hear about Meelee.
I’m sure Flapper will be okay. It’s clear your relationship with him is different. It’s always wonderful to have that strong a bond with an animal.
Good luck, Flapper!
Good news about Meelee!
Flappypants is going to be fine, I’m sure. You’re just doing what any good momma would do, which is worry too much. I totally understand, though.
That pic of him on the couch is beautiful–one of my all-time faves of Flap.
I wish we had that level of trust with our feathery dingbats. Then again, we didn’t raise them from chicks like you did with Flap.
It’s amazing when an animal trusts you, isn’t it? Guinea pigs are usually very timid, but Mariusz trusts us so much that he will walk around us, and under our feet, with no fear. When it’s time for him to go back in his cage, I’ll tap him on the butt and say, “Dude! Let’s move it. You know I’m bigger than you, right?” And he’ll just look at me like, “As if, mom.”
Meelee likes her new food! This is good news because sometimes cats are hard to switch.
Little Flap duck has such a good mom, no wonder she gets hugs and goodnight kisses!
Flapper has the best of care. Try not to think ahead so much. Not many animals out live us, so we just need to be in the present for them, enjoying every moment of the “now.”
Flap-flap is so well loved that he even looks happy to be in a carrier! I’m glad to hear that Meelee (with her soulful eyes!) is doing well and enjoying her new eats.
It’s good news on Meelee and we will keep our fingers crossed for a very long and healthy life for Mr. Flaps. I enjoy hearing stories about him and I understand how special a pet can be to us. I so look forward to looking at your website every day.
Sweet Mr. Flapper – it is so special when they come to snuggle. I had my Max (of the O’Malley caruncle reading) in one night recently and he came to sit right up next to me and hid his face in my hand. Such a sweet calming loved feeling came over me. Times like that I think – my ducks just soothe my soul. It helps me handle all the times I’m worried or scared to death about them. I’m so glad Flapper gives you that touch, to end your day with special feelings.
mr. flapper is indeed special there is no doubt about it. the shared affection exchanged between the two of you gets me all misty. its so sweet. you’re both very lucky.
i have worried about mr flapper, knowing ducks have relatively short life spans compared to us human beasts. i hope nothing serious is going on with him and that he has a very long and happy life.
got my fingers crossed for you.
i’m very happy to hear melee is on the mend. things sound very good indeed!
-jen
that handsome boy better stick around for a long time!
I love Flapper too. He’s my surrogate Ernie.
Mary Mac and I will say some prayers for Flapper and the rest of the family there. Sending big duckie hugs to you and the Flap man.