X-Ray for Sunny
Sunny is the handicapped duck I took in a few weeks ago with the two chickens. Originally I was going to keep her until she was done with treatment for parasites. Then she was headed to live forever with a friend who already has a handicapped duck.
After looking at Sunny every day for the past two weeks, I decided that I think she is not just handicapped. I think she is in pain. So tonight I took her in for x-rays and tomorrow she’ll have a follow-up exam. If the vets agree that she is in pain and that there isn’t much that can be done to get her comfortable for the long term, I’m afraid Sunny’s time may be short.
I don’t want her to live in pain, even if she has a good home to go to. So… we’ll see what the vet says. The best that can happen for Sunny is that she is out of pain. If that can happen with medication… good. If not, we will have to say goodbye.
P.S. I have had a really bad feeling all night about these x-rays. I just searched the internet and found very old emails and postings on duck message boards about Sunny. I had forgotten I ever knew about her before. This… handicap… happened way back in February of 2006. I am sick to my stomach thinking she lived in pain for 3 1/2 years. I think she has broken bones that were never x-ray’d 3 1/2 years ago. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t think I’m wrong.
UPDATE: Here is the original email Sunny’s previous owner sent to a duck message board in February 2006:
_____________________
HELP, PLEASE!!!
I haven’t posted for a very long time to this list, but I do still
read it when I can. I am desperate for some ideas about what could
be wrong with our 3 year old female pekin Sunny. Sunny is a HUGE
pekin, and has always been very lumbering and clumsy. For a couple
months she has walked with somewhat of a limp, but I just thought
she might have taken a wrong step and thought all would be ok. I
could see nothing wrong with her legs or feet. All of a sudden now
she cannot walk. She holds one foot up and balances with her wings
and tucks her hind end in, which I think is just from the strain and
attempt to stay up and balanced. We have her kenneled inside now
and her vet appt is tomorrow. I can find nothing that feels wrong
with her feet or legs. Does anyone have any ideas what this could
be? I am just heartsick over this, I know she is in pain, she wraps
that beautiful white neck around mine and shakes.
If anyone has any suggestions at all, please contact me at: [email address]
I don’t have the time to check thru the
huge volume of mail this list generates right now because we have 2
very handicapped animals we are caring for and a ill guinea pig, so
please write to me privately.
Thank so much in advance for anything you can tell me……
____________________________
10 Comments
Keep your chin up- we’ll be praying for you!
Oh my goodness, what a horrible thought. I hope you’re wrong, too. I have no idea what that x-ray suggests, although it looks like there’s something going on with the left joint. If the vets think she’s in pain – and I certainly hope they don’t – I hope they can suggest something for her. I just don’t want to think about her having to be euthanized for lack of proper care in the past. Good luck and keep us posted!
I’m so sorry. I wish I could help her. I know you’ll do everything possible, Tiff, and if you have to say goodbye, it’ll be for the right reason.
good luck, you guys 8(
poor sunny. no one should be condemned to a life time of pain. I hope that the vet is able to treat her pain successfully.
There’s quite a difference between the 2 knee? joints. Fingers are crossed for good news today.
It looks to me like the leg bones are physically different sizes, the left leg being shorter than the right. It also looks like she’s got some sizable arthritis on the left knee joint. Because the bones aren’t the same on both sides, it looks like there has been some pelvic shifting to compensate. I would venture to guess that any discomfort would be in the left knee and right hip. (the parts that look like crumbly bits in the joints)
I’m not an expert, but I’ve been looking at leg x-rays a lot recently. My dog needed orthopedic surgery, and the orthovet taught me how to look for signs of arthritis on the xray film.
Please keep us posted when you hear from the vet. Extra peas for Sunny.
We’re sending you lots of love today! You are one of the most qualified folks around to determine what’s best for Sunny! Trust your judgement. You will make the best decision for her.
She’s lucky to have you!
If it’s the same duck which sounds like it is, that injury would have healed even if it healed incorrectly. Plus it would have formed arthritis, inflammation. Definitely, if the vet says she is in pain – do what is right for Sunny. We are pulling for you Sunny and Tiff.
Heart goes out to you and Sunny. Looking at the x-ray made me terribly sad for her. Peace to that little one, in whatever form may come.