Back to the Vet
Flapper headed back to the vet today for another round of stretching his cloaca. The cloaca is the muscle inside the vent that has scar tissue on it from when Flapper had surgery in August 2008. The scar tissue was causing that muscle to close up so much that Flapper was having trouble eliminating waste, which made toxins build up in his system. Flapper also had blood drawn to re-test his uric acid level, because it was really, really high last week.
My guess was that his uric acid level would test just fine now, and it did. His blood test was really normal and average. Last week when I thought he was dying, his uric acid was 20. This week, now that I know he is passing urates, his uric acid level was 5. Normal range is between 3-10.
“I finished my vet treatment. Now where is my waffle treatment?”
Flapper will stay on antibiotics and anti-inflammatories and continue to go to the vet once a week for at least two more weeks to have his cloaca stretched. He has been pooping like a champ and I know he feels much better already, so we’re hoping this technique of stretching his cloaca helps keep him healthy and comfortable for the long haul.
For now, he is a happy and healthy ducky. Waffle treats all around!
Funny note: Flapper’s vet is bird-sitting a beautiful green parrot right now, and brings her to the office. They were packing up to go back home for the night and Buddy the parrot was put in a bin for the car-ride home. Buddy the parrot started yelling, “Help! FIRE!… Help! FIRE!” to protest being put in the bin. Very funny, parrot.
9 Comments
That’s a cute story about Buddy.
It looks like Flapper will be okay now.
My sympathies to Flapper’s vet for Buddy’s shenanigans. Then again Buddy could have been shouting much “saltier” things. I’m dang glad Peepers & Tweek, our Green-Cheeked Conures can’t repeat what I say.
We’re thrilled to hear Flapper is on the mend! So thrilled! Waffles for him and a big sigh of relief for the human!
Buddy’s funny! I had a Quaker parakeet that mimicked the beeping the smoke detector made as the battery was dying. This went on for an hour or two. My dad was not amused.
I got online 3 times today just to check on Flapper’s condition. So glad you had the chance to let us know how he is doing. Why is he currently into waffles and not french fries? has the french fry tree not blossomed yet like everything else here in the Puget Sound?
Is this quite painful for Flap to have this opening procedure done? Does he handle it ok? I’m going online to Kirby Kosby Memorial to make a donation to his continued care.
Gayle -
Please don’t make a donation for Flapper. I don’t use donations for my pets, only for rescues. Flapper’s care is all paid for… nothing to worry about.
Flapper is hot for waffles lately, and I make them once a week. They’re vegan waffles and he goes bonkers for them.
Flapper is put under anesthesia for the cloaca stretching, but it does hurt a bit afterwards. Next week I will give him some pain medicine before he goes into see the vet.
Thanks for the well wishes. He is doing great for now.
First of all I’m hapy for you Tiff, this has been such a worry, I hope you can now rest assured that your wonderboy will be fine (everything concerned). Flapper is really brave and so cooperative, no one likes the vet, but he just lets it all happen, for his own good. Good news! I hope the stretching will help in the long run and that he can play and nap and eat and poop like he’s supposed to.
Happy Spring to all residents at Casa del Flapper:-)
The story about the parrot is really funny!
I’ve got some good news too. Snuggles is really doing great these days. He walks better than before, he can stand on his bummed leg really well and can walk in a sturdy fashion for a couple of meters (than he likes to sit down for a moment).
He’s been inside the pen all Winter, snow and ice were too dangerous for him, but now he’s ready to go outside again. I will perpare a special bedroom for him for the night and will watch him closely, but the prospects are good (though his leg won’t get completely better I realise).
Happy news! I have had Flapper on my mind so much I called Fluffy ‘Flapper’ three times Friday. He was very annoyed, but since he is a Flappergroupie, he forgave all.
Glad to know the problem has been pinpointed and even though the stretching sounds ‘owie’ I get the feeling Flapper is MUCH happier.
Silly Human, happy for you and what must be a huge relief.
Good to hear Mr. Flapper is getting some improvement from treatement. We’ll keep him in prayer.
oh boy, so glad you have found the answer and solution, way to poop Flapper!