Poorly Lacey, egg bound???

[Budgies Retreat]

I found my Lacey (my second pairing) was having trouble perching when she came out of her nest box when I checked her eggs earlier. I thought perhaps she might have been about to lay an egg as I could see she had egg bum, and so I let her go back inside the nest box. an hour later I went out and she was still the same. I scooped her up and I could see she was swollen in the lower abdomen, but not near her vent, so she is not prolapsed. Her vent was a normal skin colour and size, and absolutely not swollen. The swelling is about half an inch (25mm) from the vent between the legs, and the skin colour is almost orange. I cannot feel an egg and all feels soft.

I placed her bottom in a tub of warm water and afterwards applied some olive oil to the outside of the vent, and prepared my hospital cage, setting the temp at 80 degs F. I placed her in there with a very shallow dish of water for her to drink if needed and to help raise humidity. I then telephoned a local breeder who suggested she was egg bound going on my above description, and to try a steam bath, whereby having a bowl of boiled water and holding the bird several inches (3-4) above the water so just the abdomen is exposed to the steam, and holding my hands around the birds body to shield it from the heat, for a couple of minutes. He then suggested using a small fine artist's brush (I have loads from making miniature models) and using that to help administer olive oil in and around the vent, and give her one drip of calcivet straight in the beak. I have done as he stated.

I called the emergency vet (bank holiday Monday!), who would see me for £135, plus consultation fee, and plus whatever costs arise from x-rays and procedures. Their rough estimate based on it being egg bound and being able to push the egg out, the simplest procedure, £250 +VAT 

I have done the steam bath twice and the bum dipping twice. I have applied the oil via the thin brush and she has had 2 drips of Calcivet to the mouth.

Has anyone else gone through this, and do you have any advice. I'm really hoping barrieshutt will see this

[ffiscool]

Oh no. Poor girl. And you. Extortionate fees, I nearly had similar. I hope someone on here might be able help a bit.

[OP]

I've just been reading a page on a website and it was all about budgies being eggbound. It gave all the symptoms and various treatments. It would appear that you are doing just about all you can.
The website is here. Scroll down to treatments. I hope it is of use to you.

[skysmum]

I think you have covered everything you can without vet intervention. I feel for you, thankfully ive not had to deal with it. Lots of warmth and humidity. I do hope she will pass it and be ok Daz.

[Budgies Retreat]

Thanks guys, I have been like an expectant father this afternoon and evening. I just checked on her and although she hasn't passed the egg? she seems to have perked up a lot.
I have been reading as much as I could find on the matter, and I have just got off the phone to another vet. His colleague who is due back tomorrow is a qualified avian vet and Lacey is booked in with her at 12:50hrs. Sadly I can't take her as I'm due in the police convalescence home tomorrow for therapy on my arm, but Lorraine will take her in.
The vet did call his colleague and explained the symptoms and what I have done so far, and like you guys have said, apparently I've done all I can. I will check on her again in an hours time (like I have done all afternoon)up until I go to bed, and again in the morning. Poor Brian (Lacey's mate) is calling out for her constantly, it's quite emotional! She is chirping back, so at least they can hear each other.
OP I will have a look at your post now

[Budgies Retreat]

OP that was one site that I've already looked through, but I must say that it is one of the most informative that I did find. Thank you for taking the time to look yourself on my behalf, it is greatly appreciated.
The vet who I spoke to was very good, he said it sounds like Lacey has somewhat stabilised from when I first saw her panting away and not standing correctly, to how she is now, and that seeing as she has lasted she could well be strong enough to last another day, hence the appointment.
I think you have to be pragmatic about it don't you, I would (and do) do a lot for my birds, but £250+ for a bank holiday appointment is just daylight robbery. All of my birds mean a great deal, and Lacey was one of the rescue birds I took in, but she still has equal standing even with my Mildred, but there comes a time when that sort of cost just far outweighs the situation.
We are in the Big Chief's hands now, but I bet I won't be sleeping tonight

[OP]

I thought you might have looked at that site, but one never knows and you may have just passed it by. There is a mountain of information on there. I hope all turns out well for you and Lacey. The whole point they seem to make on that site is to get the hen to relax and maybe, just maybe she will pass the egg. The trouble will be all the handling will stress her even more I would think. As for the cost I thnk that vet was just seeing £££s before is eyes and rubbing his hands in glee, All the best for all concerned.

[budgiefriend]

Lacey is a strong little girl, and very determined. That strength and determination, and your good care will get her to the vet in the morning. My very best thoughts and prayers are with Lacey, you, Lorraine and Brian. Keep us posted.

[Budgies Retreat]

I can safely say that she has regained lots of strength as her bite is ferocious! The first time I handled her earlier she couldn't even bite me, but the last time I handled her she drew blood on three separate bites OUCH!

[OP]

Ouch indeed. Edward has bitten me a few times but never drawn blood. That can only mean one of two things. She can't bite very hard or I have tough skin. Well if Lacey is gaining strength it must be a good thing. Good luck.

[mintysowner]

oh no poor girl! It's just awful the fees they charge keeping everything crossed she can hold on until tomorrow. It's very unfair the fees they charge at the best of times but on bank holidays and out of hours is just an insult to animal lovers. Please let us know how she goes and good luck to you too!

[Budgies Retreat]

Thanks mintysowner. I just checked on her and she's still standing on the perch so fingers are definitely crossed. I will be anxious tomorrow that's for sure and waiting for the phone call. I've said to Lorraine that if it isn't an egg (tumour?) or they can't get it out without invasive surgery then to put her to sleep. Depends on what they say. I wouldn't want to put the bird through too much stress, especially as I won't be around to care for her.

[Hezz]

As Lacey has made it this far, I have great hopes that she will make (made?) it through the night and to her vet's appointment. Sorry I can't add anything; there is only so much we can do before a vet is needed. But it does sound like she is over her worst and now might have the strength to expel it on her own.

If the egg is soft-shelled, you might find that she passes the contents, and then the shell after. Mango did this twice with no adverse affects, but it certainly isn't ideal.

If the vets are avian, they should be rather skilled at removal without risking Lacey's health. I hope all goes well for her ........ fingers crossed.

[Budgies Retreat]

Well, she made it through the night and got to the vet. she's not egg bound, apparently it's an infection. An infection of what exactly I don't know. I will ring them tomorrow and ask. She's on antibiotics and painkillers for 7 days, which poor old Lorraine is having to do while I convalesce away from home.
Why do these things always happen when you have to be elsewhere?

[OP]

Thankfully your girl is not eggbound. It will be calming for you to find out what the infection is. I used to work away from home a lot so I know what it feels like. You need to earn the pennies or nobody will get fed. I'm sure Lorraine is quite capable.