Update on Goofy's plucking & picking

[michael]

I've been wanting to take a few moments to update everyone on Goofy's progress with feather plucking and picking around his shoulder areas. For anyone new here I'll give a brief history first to give a better understanding of the events leading up to it....He started pulling out all his tail feathers near the end of Jan.07. By Feb 21/07 he was diagnosed with giardia and received treatments. He also had his first wing clip during that same office visit. He had shown minimal signs of damage at this time to only his left shoulder area which appeared to resign itself completely along with the treatments for giardia.
Up until the end of march everything looked good. His tails were growing in nicely, but by the first week of April the left shoulder was showing more signs of abuse again. A vet exam showed a relapse of giardia and treatments were once again necessary. Since then various tests have been performed to rule out any underlying medical reasons along with checking for psychological issues as well. Subsequent tests for giardia along with bloodwork showed no further signs of illness.
By around the first week of June, although the tail feathers appeared to be filling in very nicely the left shoulder took a turn for the worse. Some damage began to be noticable on the right shoulder as well. Again, more tests were done to rule out giardia along with other medical possibilities. None were found and metacam was prescribed to stop any possible infection from his wounds. An initial haldol injection was also administered to check response both medically and psychologically. In the meantime other measures were taken towards attempting to improve diet, limit stress, and provide more healthy activities and exercise.
For the next two months with the exception of his shoulders healing at a very slow pace, his tail feathers had all grown in since the Febuary treatment for giardia. He paid little attention to them except for the normal amount of preening most birds do. Also, I've held off on any wing clips as there are no hazards to letting him fly about while supervised and I felt he needed as much activity as possible. Still, the shoulders hadn't appeared to improve very much but at least they hadn't gotten worse.
August 29. Goofy's shoulder areas take a sudden turn for the worse. This time many tests were performed. Many of which were beyond the confines of your average complete "well bird exam". The bloodwork was very stressful on him. These tests did show slight malnutrition they said could be from stress, infection, or diet, along with a minor yeast infection. Baytril, trimeth sulfa, vitamin A & D, and cleansing solution were the prescription for the next two weeks. This also was done by a different doctor who knew about Goofs previous vet visits.
November 19. Goof's shoulders had again appeared to be much worse. The left side actually looked wet from the blood and moisture set about by the wounds. The following day we returned to Dr. Lindstroms office who I now feel is the better of all the avian vets in our area. Just so everyone knows I left out four other vet exams that were really in hopes of finding the best treatment. I also compared certain information they provided along with double checking for giardia. Usually this is not a good idea but it did work out to our advantage. Dr. Lindstrom advised treatment with oral haldol. They felt after 8 years of working with it this was the best option for now. The only other options being an e-collar or some other drug. Goof started with 3 ml. haldol every morning for the first five days. Nov. 26 we started him on 3 ml. in the morning and 3 ml. in the evening. So far there's been no noticable improvement, but it least it hasn't got any worse.
November 4. Today I called Dr. Lindstroms office to give them an update on how things are going. Because there's been little to no improvement in his condition they felt it best to stop the haldol and come in for an e-collar. They have all been so nice there and have not charged me for the last two office visits. I'll tell ya's with the travel I really needed a break this time. We're going to try the bubble type e-collar and see about getting those feathers to at least grow in first. These newer collars are much better than the ones I've seen used in the past. This one I can replace myself and you don't have to take them off for bathing as he'll still be able to dry out. Who knows, maybe with this and by continuing to work with him in all the other areas we may just kick the habit. :) Take care and prayers everybirdy stays well...............Michael and Goofy lovebird

[michael]

Sorry about the large messed up paragraphs everyone. :( For some reason I couldn't get them to work on the preview.....:confused: .........Michae N' Goofy

[thebubbleking]

Always glad to hear updates on goofie.
I am sure everything will work out you are the best fidpapa around!
As always we will peep you in our prayers

[Sweetpeaches]

thanks for the update.

[carrier]

Hugs, Kisses and scritches to Goofy-bird from my flock!


:grouphug1

[beckyg]

I'm sorry you and Goofy are having such a hard time. He is definitely lucky to have you, not many people out there would go to such lengths to help their pet. (I believe there are many on this board, but not many out in the 'world')

Prayers that everything goes well with the collar and that you guys are able to resolve this once and for all!

[wilkiecoco]

kiwi and i will be sending positive thoughts your way - hopefully the collar will help. give goofy a big old scritch and hug from us! :)

[Islandbirdies]

Many well wishes to you and Goofy bird. Your a great bird dad, keep up the good work Michael, we are all rootin' for you.

[Buy A Paper Doll]

Hang in there, Michael. I know from experience how frustrating this is! You give them everything they could ever want or need, and they still pick. :(

[michael]

Today Goofy went in for an e-collar. The haldol treatments had not been effective in helping to slow down his self abuse so it was discontinued. It was recommended we start with the bubble type e-collar and see how things go for awhile. These first couple days or so I'll be watching for eating/drinking, regurgitating, rubbing under the beak, etc, to make sure he safely gets used to it. Arrangements have been made to provide for safety inside his cage as well. Even though I'm familiar with most e-collars, bubble collars are relatively new to me. Especially on my little Goofy pea pod. He looks like a birdy popsicle. I know he's very uncomfortable right now but hopefully things will work out for the better. In the long run I'm not sure how well these type work out. It seems so very cumbersome for him to wear for such a long period (3-4 months) followed by intervals of removal depending on possible changes I can help make in his behavior. I'll be keeping a very close eye on him for the next several days and if necessary have someone babysit while I do errands. As always he's getting loads of love along with a stockpile of stuff to chew on and abuse besides me :). This the start of a new treatment/managemnt plan.....Here's a few photos of him shortly after we arrived home. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ourgoofy/ ..........Michael and Goofy lovebird

[tokameaki]

i dont know if this is true but in peru they say that our birds dont pick on their feathers because they eat quinoa in the wild...and we offer them that...i offer it to my lovies they actually like it, but i cook them...they sell it at hollistic super markets or organic super markets....for humans is good too, in soups....lots of vitamins...i really hope ur goofy gets well...

[carrier]

He looks like a birdy popsicle. I know he's very uncomfortable right now but hopefully things will work out for the better

Poor baby Goofy bird! You are doing the best you can for him, and I can tell by the pictures just how much he means to you, Michael. He is very lucky to have such a devoted Fid-dad.

(I must admit, the picture of the little fella with that inflated collar on his tiny neck made me giggle a bit.:rolleyes: )

As always, Goofy-bird remains in my thoughts and prayers. Give him some love and extra treats from Fenway, Wrigley & myself. ;)

[michael]

i dont know if this is true but in peru they say that our birds dont pick on their feathers because they eat quinoa in the wild...and we offer them that...i offer it to my lovies they actually like it, but i cook them...they sell it at hollistic super markets or organic super markets....for humans is good too, in soups....lots of vitamins...i really hope ur goofy gets well...

Tessie. I'm glad you mentioned quinoa. We used to eat it as a hot cereal a few years ago. I never thought of cooking some up for my Goofy but now I will. And it can be kept in the fridge too. They carry it at the food co-op in Cleveland, Ohio. Like you said it has loads of vitamins and minerals and the leaves are edible too. Even though feather plucking and picking is exclusive to companion birds we know diet can certainly help in their overall health and appearance. Thanks :).

Carrie :) I'm not sure there's any room left for treats :rofl: ..... but there's always room for love. Sending some back your way too ;).
...............Michael and Goofy lovebird

[Sweetpeaches]

oh...he looks so "inhibited" poor baby! just have to keep in mind it's going to help! it warms my heart to see the bond between you two! thanks for the updates. hope all works out for goofy.

[wilkiecoco]

oh michael - it breaks my heart looking at the pics of goofy - he doesn't know that it is for his own well being, but he certainly knows who to go to for reassurance and love. those pics of you and him are precious.

i have never seen a collar like that - it looks so tight. how is he able to breathe and eat?? i'm sure he will adjust within a short time, and hopefully his plucking will be helped.

[michael]

I must say I'm very concerned about using this bubble type ecollar. I am not the least bit familiar with them and prefered to use other types even if they could be chewed off. Dispite my dismay the vet said to start with this one as its the only one they can bathe with. Well, I've bathed larger birds using others and even if they had to be removed until dry there was no problem. I'm trying to follow the vets advice (not to mention sticking to one vet). I'll be calling them tomorrow. I really need opinions as this bubble has no vent holes. I thought about snapping it off and drilling some holes for air because condensation is forming inside. At least I have the size should I damage this one. Really though, I'm not so sure about using this type for 3 months straight or longer and then having to further use it as possible post management. My main concerns for the future include, feather growth in and around the bubble, condensation/bacteria , flight/activities, and so on. Right now I'm watching food/water intake and chaffing under the beak area. Breathing appears normal but vocalizing is somewhat restricted. I'm very worried about him. Aside from this I am going to work with a new aquaintance who's well versed in behavioral strategies. We've talked for months about the why's and how's of (FDB). Over preening may have been the start of this coupled with health issues (giardia) and behavior possibly instituted by myself. This ecollar on Goofy's small body has really thrown him and me for a loop. I will do anything to keep him healthy and happy.............Michael and Goofy

[carrier]

I am so very sorry you and Goofy are going through this.

Your concerns are valid and I am confident that you will address these issues with the vet and come to a final decision regarding the collar. If it is hindering him from flight, eating and general enjoyment of life then I know you will do what is best for him and try to find an alternative solution.

Beak kisses for little Goofy-bird and a big hug for you, Michael.

:grouphug:

[thebubbleking]

As always we pray for you and goof!
He has lots of love we can all tell and 90 percent of bird owners would not have spent the time or money you have, kudos you rock!!!!

[ladyscroller]

A breeder told me that he puts ORGANIC VINEGAR in the drinking water for pluckers and it really helps. I bought some in case I would ever need it but luckily have not had to. Might be something to look into. And yes you sure can see the love you 2 have for one another in the pics. Best of luck to you and goofy.

[Sweetpeaches]

michael this is one of those situations that you wish "just wasn't happening" especially to someone who's been so supportive of others and a lovie who just exudes sweetness!! this truly is heart wrenching, and i wish you and goofy the best.

[michael]

Well...Everyones been so kind here. I just hope by sharing all this we can find better treatment/management plans for our birds that suffer from FDB. Better yet, help to avoid it before it happens. I'm prepared to ask some tough questions tomorrow about this particular bubble type e-collar. Maybe we can come up with one thats easier on him. Really, I can be very hard on veterinarians and have used many ways to test their knowledge. I can also be very hard on myself too, and for me thats a good thing. I really appreciate being involved in a community that cares and offers so much advice. Just the thoughts, prayers, and kind words poeple offer every now and then I believe help us all to exude those feelings towards our companions, especially when their the ones who need it the most. Eventually I'm hopeful we can share some better updates..............Michael and Goofy:)

[Kali]

Lots of love and prayers going your way from all of us here in Australia. We are all hoping for a breakthrough that will help Goofy with this problem.
Love and scritches

[graushill]

Hi Michael,

I wanted to add our good thoughts for Goofy and our hopes that the collar will help him. I hope your vet addresses your concerns about the bubble collar to your satisfaction. Plucking is really frustrating, but hang in there. I really do admire your dedication.

I'm not sure if you know but my Nemo began plucking several years ago, I don't even remember if it's been 3 or 4 years since he began. His plucking would get noticeably worse during the winter months, so this winter we're trying out light therapy, with a full spectrum floor lamp with dimmer which we've placed near Nemo's cage. So far this year he hasn't plucked his crop like he usually does, so I'm cautiously optimistic this might actually work. Apart from the light, we've continued with our usual methods of misting three times a week with a mixture of aloe vera and water to help with the dryness and he's on his no sunflower seeds, veggie rich diet. I would be interested in trying out an e-collar though, especially if it works for others, and I'm also very interested in reading what the behavioural consultant has to say, so I'm very grateful to you for sharing your experience with Goofy. Like you say, there's no single solution for habitual plucking, one just has to keep on trying a combination of things.

Anyway, my Nemo sends wingflaps and a preen to Goofy and I send him lots of scritches.

Gloria

[Estee]

Michael,
Best wishes for you and Goofy. Your pictures were touching. Poor little Goofy. Let us know what the vet says.

[wilkiecoco]

Michael - did you speak to the vet today?? How is little Goofy doing with his collar??

[michael]

Goofy's doing better than I had anticipated. He's eating and pooping just fine and has began to vent his picking towards whatever safe chew items I can supply him with. He is biting his toe nails but that appears normal. I'm also trying to spend more indirect time with him instead of creating a dependency based solely on my presence. Being the lone bird in our home along with him having such a poeple orientated personality will pose some problems. We haven't received a call back from the vet yet but I did let them know the details regarding the lack of vocalizing and condensation under the collar. Lots of times they will call late as their open until 9PM during the week. I would like to mention that although the collar appears tight there's enough space to rotate it quite easily and even fit a Q-tip under the edges. It sure doesn't look that way though :wink:. Any changes of course I'll be sure to let everyone know :) ...............Michael and Goofy popsicle

[Janie]

((((Goofy))))

Michael, I had to look at the photos 3 times before I realized he had on a collar in a few of them. I hope this collar does the trick cause it doesn't look at all bulky and might be easier for him to adjust to. Keeping my fingers crossed for both of you. :)

[michael]

A couple new pics to show how "uncomfortable" he is. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ourgoofy ...........Thanks everyone :) ...............Goofy and Michael

Vet just called and said to let them know about the condensation on Saturday. So far everythings a go.......

[Janie]

A couple new pics to show how "uncomfortable" he is. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ourgoofy ...........Thanks everyone :) ...............Goofy and Michael

Vet just called and said to let them know about the condensation on Saturday. So far everythings a go.......


No joke, he looks about as unhappy as a pig in mud! :rotfl That is a relief for you, I'm sure. He is such and adorable bird and a real trooper!

[wilkiecoco]

wow - he is being such a good boy - they really can adjust to many thing, like kids! :) thanks for posting the new pics, so we can all see that goofy is coming along well! :)

[Estee]

I'm sorry, I haven't been able to find in any of the posts-- where has Goofy been plucking? I couldn't see any bad spots.

[michael]

Estee...Forgive me for not showing good photo's of the damage. When I update next time I'll be sure to provide them.....The areas of abuse are both shoulders and slightly down the marginal coverts. When damage began to occur under the wings and down the upper back or mantle area, thats when we decided it was time for the e-collar. Whats unusual is he managed to do so much damage in such little time. He would have long periods of improvement where everything had grown back then suddenly there's large patches of destruction in a matter of minutes. Its terrible to have to witness your lovebird/baby do these things. The best we can do right now is follow through with getting him healed along with all the feathers to fully grow back. In the meantime you could say we're beginning to sort of "re-train" each other. Take care.........Michael and Goofy

[michael]

Well, its been since early Feb of this year me and my Goofy lovebird have been struggling with feather destruction and skin picking issues. I'll tell ya it sure seems like a lot longer. A little over two weeks ago on Dec 11, he started wearing a bubble type Ecollar. So far he's grown some nice pins that are now up to an inch long. His diets good, he's healthy, and he's been acting like his usual self. In the meantime we've been working on activities and dependency. While I absolutely love spending time with him glued to me in some way shape or form, for him this may not be so good. You know, he was spending 6-8 hours a day out and most of the time it was on me. Food and other poeple were the only times he would leave me so naturally over time he lost interest in his toys or exploring anything new. If I left, even if it was for a very limited time his activities dwindled to shear bordom coupled with separation anxiety. This is the best diagnosis we can come up with through all the tests, re-tests, and observations we've made so far.

As of a few weeks ago he's come a long way. There's now new interest again in toys, more different foods, and new activities. I manipulate in my hands everything from scrunched up paper balls to hard plastic shower curtain rings and praise him whenever he takes an interest in them. I send him off to go ring his bell (dingy) and until he does I keep sending him off again. In a way he's learning we have jobs to do with loads of fun followed by little rewards along the way. I've actually had to show him over again how to tear through a paper bag with tweezers to pull out the food. Something he once did on his own. You know, its gotta be tough sometimes being an only bird. No one else around to show you things besides a big old clumsy human who can't fly. Well, at least we're finally starting to understand each other a little better :).

Here's the usual link to our Goofy photo's. As you can see some habits don't change. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ourgoofy/ The first two are the most recent from a week ago. I think I'm going to drill some holes in the Ecollar sides for venting, then smooth it up and place it back on after he takes a good bath and dries out. He's starting to get a little stinky :x...........:) ...........Michael and stinky lovebird