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Post by skysmum on Feb 24, 2015 22:34:03 GMT
I'm in need of some advice; Stitch is beginning to decline, she's starting to slump over her perch further (so her head is lower then the perch itself, very distressing to see), heavy breathing, squinting (which I've read is a sign of pain?) and the lump has increased so much that it is beginning to crack in places - no major bleeding so far, but enough that it was startling to find in the morning. She is still however eating and playing as much as she can. It's so distressing to see her like this and I'm considering taking her to the vets for euthanasia in the next few days. I would like advice from any of you though, as you are all more experienced in these issues then me - is it fair to leave her any longer? I'm not sure which decision is more welfare friendly at this point in time Hi LydiaMinx, im sorry Stitch is starting to decline . I does sound as though she could be in the final stages and its an awful thing to watch, i know. As you know i recently lost Ted and that decision was taken out of my hands when he passed at home but i always said if i thought for one moment that he was in any pain i would end his suffering and have him pts. I had two others over recent years with tumours and i did make that decision as i knew they were suffering. As you say you must put their welfare first and to do this you offer the greatest gift you can which is to end their suffering. No one can make that decision for you of course but i think sometimes we just want someone to say, it's ok and you are doing the right thing. Thinking of you and Stitch.
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Post by milliej on Feb 24, 2015 23:19:41 GMT
I'm so sorry to hear this I do feel for you, it's awful watching them suffer makes us feel so helpless. Sid ate and nibbled his cuttle fish right up to near the end. He died overnight and he was also 8. My thoughts and prayers for you and your little stitch.
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Post by Hezz on Feb 25, 2015 0:46:24 GMT
So sorry, LydiaMinx, that Stitch has regressed. I think you need to ask yourself if she has any quality left in the life she has. But I am reluctant to try to offer advice on this very subject as I broached the issue with one of my own last week. A couple of things that might help Stitch in her final days - would she be happier not sitting on a perch? It may be easier for her to be on a soft sheet on the bottom of her cage. Also it may help the skin of the tumour if you rubbed a little savlon or sudocrem onto it. It might just give the skin a little more elasticity, and will also help sooth the cracks. Perfectly safe for budgies, too.
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Jun 2, 2013 19:50:00 GMT
lydiacminx
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 53
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Post by lydiacminx on Mar 10, 2015 14:04:03 GMT
So sorry, LydiaMinx, that Stitch has regressed. I think you need to ask yourself if she has any quality left in the life she has. But I am reluctant to try to offer advice on this very subject as I broached the issue with one of my own last week. A couple of things that might help Stitch in her final days - would she be happier not sitting on a perch? It may be easier for her to be on a soft sheet on the bottom of her cage. Also it may help the skin of the tumour if you rubbed a little savlon or sudocrem onto it. It might just give the skin a little more elasticity, and will also help sooth the cracks. Perfectly safe for budgies, too. Thank you Hezz, I've padded the base of the cage to soften any falls she has (she's toppling off the perch more and more), but she's still very interested in perching. I also tried to clean her lump but she just screams, either from fear or pain I'm still very conflicted, when I posted last I thought she'd reached her natural life and was starting the decline, however she remains much the same this week. Her appetite is starting to dwindle from what I can tell, but considering her health state, she's still doing well. I believe she still has quality of life at times. When she's slumped over and her lump is bleeding, I'm certain that she should be put to sleep, but when I see her and Blue playing together it knocks me for a loop. Trying to take it a day at a time still, I'm sure I'll feel when the time is right
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Jun 2, 2013 19:50:00 GMT
lydiacminx
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 53
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Post by lydiacminx on Mar 10, 2015 14:06:25 GMT
Thank you also skysmum and milliej, your words of support are very comforting, most of my family and friends don't get involved with my animals or their care, so I don't really have anyone to confide in about my doubts on when the time is right. Taking it a day at a time though, Stitch is still fighting
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Post by jellybean on Mar 10, 2015 14:26:07 GMT
It's terrible having to watch and not knowing what to do to help, I've been there myself, so I know how you feel. She seems to be a little fighter though. Thinking of you, and sending lots of love to little Stitch x
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Post by budgiefriend on Mar 10, 2015 22:21:18 GMT
You will know in your heart if it is time for Stitch to go in peace. You will know because she will be there in your heart, telling you that it is okay. That's because you share a special love. Hugs to you both.
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Post by Hezz on Mar 11, 2015 1:18:38 GMT
All you can try to do is lessen any discomfort she might have so she can enjoy her good times with Blue. It is a very hard decision to make. I thought Smudge has reached the end of her's two weeks ago, discussed it all with the vet and pretty much had everything worked out, but Smudge had other plans, I am happy to say. So I don't feel I can say you will know when the time is right; I almost made a mistake that there would have been no coming back from.
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Jun 2, 2013 19:50:00 GMT
lydiacminx
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 53
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Post by lydiacminx on Mar 20, 2015 9:07:43 GMT
The appointment for Stitch to be pts has been made for 5:20 this evening. I feel like terrible person making this appointment, as she is sometimes still playing and eating, but it is clear that she is in pain. The lump has bled more, and I'm worried about it bleeding so much that she dies of blood loss. Her appetite is still smaller then it ever has been and Blue seems to be picking on her more. I feel like I'm jumping the gun with this, but I don't want her to suffer anymore
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Post by Hezz on Mar 20, 2015 9:45:18 GMT
Oh, sweetie, that is the very hardest decision to make; I hope you are not on your own. *Hugs* No one else can know how she is suffering, except for you. Go with her, please; let her know you care enough to see this through for her sake. I know what you mean, regarding Blue picking on her - does it seem as though Blue is trying to kick her out of the "flock"? My young hen is trying to do this with Smudge, who is also ill, but presently holding her own. All my support is behind you in this, Lydia. Remember that most of us here have had to go through this or similar, and know how you are suffering. Come on and grieve, rant and rave, anything, if it helps, and know also that no one else but you knows how Stitch has been. I am sure that if you feel it is necessary, than it is the right decision. Sweet little Stitch.
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Post by jellybean on Mar 20, 2015 9:48:33 GMT
What a difficult choice you have had to make, I am so sorry. It is the hardest thing, knowing what best to do for the pets we love so very much. Special thoughts and prayers to you and Stitch x
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Post by budgiefriend on Mar 20, 2015 10:33:23 GMT
The most difficult decisions are made with he greatest love. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Stitch. May you both find peace. So sad.
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Oct 6, 2011 7:41:27 GMT
Marianne Marlow
Administrator
George, Daisy, Iris, Billy, Peter, Chipper, Dinku, Barney, Ayla and Rocky
Posts: 28,803
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Post by Marianne Marlow on Mar 20, 2015 10:33:52 GMT
I'm so sorry that you have to make this decision for Stitch. But you're making it with love. I have had to make the decision to end a budgies life twice so far. It is incredibly hard, but that is because you love her so much. If you did not care, it would be easy.
Try and be there with her at the moment of passing if they will let you. Tell her that you love her (I am sure she already knows). Then cry lots and lots when you get home. Think of all the good times that make you smile.
We're here for you. X
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Post by milliej on Mar 20, 2015 11:24:07 GMT
Very sad but the right decision, it's heartbreaking but necessary . Animals are so stoic, we've had (too many) pts (dogs) and it's amazing how they've carried on right until the end. Thinking of you and little stitch.
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Post by suesbird on Mar 20, 2015 12:38:35 GMT
Thoughts are with you
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