Racquel Today
Racquel spent the day at the hospital and got a new x-ray and lots of poking and prodding.
It now looks like what she has is basically congestive heart failure from being an old chicken. She may also have a mass. Antibiotics are not helping. But the vet didn’t think she was in pain or suffering, so most likely she will just come back home tomorrow afternoon and spend whatever time she has here in the yard with her friends. I wanted to hospitalize her while I was busy in case there was a chance she could be helped. But now that it looks like she can’t be helped, she will just come home.
It’s pretty weird, because a few days ago I decided that I thought she had heart failure. I had no idea why, I just decided that’s what she told me was wrong with her. I even emailed a friend about it.
I agree with the vet’s feeling that she is not in pain or suffering, and she is enjoying food still. (In fact, the vets had to take her food away for an hour so they could give her an x-ray without worrying that she would aspirate all the food she was chowing down on.) So I will probably just bring Racquel home, give her some medicine to keep her comfortable but stop treating her for anything that will prolong her life. That way she will just pass away naturally whenever she decides it is time to go.
If she seems uncomfortable or in pain in the future, we’ll reconsider euthanasia. Until then, she’s stuck with the vet tonight and tomorrow will come home for hugs and treats.
Thank you to everyone who has written or posted comments about her. She really is a special little muppet. Unfortunately the leading cause of death is life, and at least she can say she had a good one.
Maybe she will even get in one more karate chop.
15 Comments
Hugs to your wee muppet.
Wow, I have that too. And I’m living with it, just fine. Just make sure no one stresses her out, Mr F!
Seconding Karen’s comment. I have it, too. CHF isn’t painful. Raquel may need a few more naps. It’s so good to hear she can come home to grand dame a little longer.
May Racquel be comfortable and stress-free!
Deborah, please send me a friend request. We should be friends.
Have you considered letting her live out her days as a House Chicken? I’m thinking that comfortable temps, etc., might make her feel better in her twilight days. I bet I have a diaper that would fit her if you’d like to borrow it.
If we can get Flapper and the others to leave her alone, i think she will do great at home. Our temps are great this weekend and shouldn’t be a problem for her in Seattle. That way if Muppet wants to kick butt, she can do that and not be afraid of retaliation. LOL have a great one little chikin….
thursday i saw her at the vet and she was eating well and looked to be pretty happy ! dr bennet and staff sure like her! dan
Well, at least she can be comfy at home for now, where she’s been safe and loved for nearly a year.
She’s such a great little muppet, and will always be remembered by those who have come to love her.
Like me!
I say she karate chop the crap out of the world before she goes!!!! She will be missed and the yard will just never be the same.
You just hang in there as long as you can and as long as you like sweetie. There’s no place like home. I think Flapper has gotten defenite competition, Racquel is the first celebrity chicken I’ve come to know and admire:-) Best of luck with her and as always thanks for caring so wonderfully for her and all whom you take under your wings.
I’m so glad Racquel gets to be home with her family.
Thank you for sharing Raquel’s wonderful muppet-ness with us! I am so glad she can spend her remaining time at home.
The good news is that Racquel has survived to old age. Here’s hoping her remaining time is full of pleasant experiences. (I was going to say, “…Sunny Days…”, but, hey, it’s Seattle!)
I’m glad to hear at least that she is not in pain, and still loving her food. And it’s good that she’ll be able to go home where everybody loves her.