E Coli in birds

[Danita]

My Coco is sick and I wonder if anyone has had experience with it?
Not sure what to expect.
Her bowel wall was damaged from ingesting something that adhered to the bowel. She has an E. coli infection there. She just got home from hospital last night and she is so tired
I just don’t know what to expect.

 

[Nikomania]

I believe that when the bowel ruptures, e-coli, which is inside intestinal flora can spill out causing a systemic infection. In humans it usually requires big gun antibiotics.

 

[Danita]

I believe that when the bowel ruptures, e-coli, which is inside intestinal flora can spill out causing a systemic infection. In humans it usually requires big gun antibiotics.

Yes she has that

 

[sunnysmom]

Poor Coco. It makes me so sad to not see her bouncing around. I hope she feels better soon.

@Hankmacaw ? @enigma731 ?

 

[Danita]

I should add, that she has had CT scan and goes to an avian specialist. Xrays, ultrasounds, so I am confident that this is correct. I just don’t how long before I can expect her to start acting herself, instead of calling the Dr crying like I have been doing for two weeks.

 

[Nikomania]

If the bowel perforation doesn't close, she will continue to have e-coli leakage. I'd be extremely concerned, too. She is one sick little angel.
Has the vet discussed surgery?

 

[Danita]

If the bowel perforation doesn't close, she will continue to have e-coli leakage. I'd be extremely concerned, too. She is one sick little angel.
Has the vet discussed surgery?

She has a special med that coats her stomach and bowels. We haven’t discussed surgery for it. We need to get the infection under control I guess.

 

[SherLar]

E Coli is everywhere and many many different strands. It is apart of our intestinal flora. I am sorry Coco is ill. It is so hard to sit by and watch those we love having problems.

I am sure your vet has prescribed stuff specifically for bird intestines to help prevent further irritation. Just like with people, the lining needs to recover. In people it can be a few days to a week. The intestinal walls have a relatively fast turn over and slough off routinely.

I would want the vet to find out what adhered to the wall and make sure it has passed, whether it is parasitic or toxic. I think just giving the most gentle of foods, staying away from nuts and seeds stuff like you would a human. Possibly provide probiotics to help in healing the intestinal walls.

Hydration would be important. This is very different, but when my B&G went off food and fluids while she sat on an egg, I tempted her with juice. That got her interested, but in this case, I am not sure what kind of juice would irritate her gut the least amount.

As far as the future diet, I think only time can say if there is scarring/lessions that would be a future problem.

Oh crap. I just looked up and read that her bowel did in fact rupture? It is risky. The infection needs to be resolved prior to any healing. darn it.

I am sorry. I do hope Coco comes around soon.

sherri

 

[Danita]

Last year she ingested something and it was removed. Hence the damage to her bowel.
She can only have food that has no gas, she gave me a list of what to feed.
I just don’t know how long before she recovers and starts bouncing again

 

[zoo mom]

Get well quickly Coco. We want to see you bouncy.

 

[Nikomania]

How long has she been on her current regimen? If it's been awhile and you haven't seen any improvement, she might need her meds adjusted again.
I'm so, so sorry she's feeling so poorly. You're doing everything in your power to help her achieve wellness again.

 

[Hankmacaw]

Awww poor coco. Hank and Jasper both had bouts with E.coli - it was when they were both very ill from all of the asper and Hank with MRSA. Neither had any immune system at the time. Both had xrays (no CTs in the area then). I can't remember what antibiotics they were given, but I do remember it was a long haul and they were very sick birds. Hank was the sicker of the two and contracted several other opportunistic bacteria during his fight. They both recovered.

Hopefully, the perforation will heal soon without surgery.

Just do what the doctor tells you to do and be very consistent with her care and medication - you (of all people) know the drill.

 

[Karen]

I hope she’s feeling better soon.

Danita has she had fluids? SubQ fluids usually perk them up a little bit when they’re down.

Sending prayers for Coco.

 

[Tiel Feathers]

Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear Coco is sick, how worrisome! I’m praying that Coco will be okay and back to her old bouncing around sweet self soon.

 

[Danita]

How long has she been on her current regimen? If it's been awhile and you haven't seen any improvement, she might need her meds adjusted again.
I'm so, so sorry she's feeling so poorly. You're doing everything in your power to help her achieve wellness again.

I think last Wednesday? She was getting it all by injection so she was totally getting it all.

Awww poor coco. Hank and Jasper both had bouts with E.coli - it was when they were both very ill from all of the asper and Hank with MRSA. Neither had any immune system at the time. Both had xrays (no CTs in the area then). I can't remember what antibiotics they were given, but I do remember it was a long haul and they were very sick birds. Hank was the sicker of the two and contracted several other opportunistic bacteria during his fight. They both recovered.

Hopefully, the perforation will heal soon without surgery.

Just do what the doctor tells you to do and be very consistent with her care and medication - you (of all people) know the drill.

I am not sure it is a perforation, um, I think it is thickening they saw from the CT, it was the exact spot the ingested item was.
I just want her to be herself for a bit so I know she is okay.

I hope she’s feeling better soon.

Danita has she had fluids? SubQ fluids usually perk them up a little bit when they’re down.

Sending prayers for Coco.

Yes, she has had them all at the hospital, she just got out last night, she hasn't been here for a few days. She was REALLY sick at the start and couldn't eat. Now she is inhaling food. She lost 40-50 grams in a very short time.

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

Blessings for Coco! Glad to hear she is eating well.

 

[Nikomania]

She has an appetite? That's a fantastic sign! She's doing what she needs to do: rest, so that she'll have enough energy to fight off this awful infection.

 

[Danita]

I just called the doc.
I guess one of the meds can cause anemia.
I am just going to call this the current baseline and if she gets worse, she goes back.

 

[Love My Zons]

I'm so very sad to hear this. You are a diligent Bird Mom. I send you my very best on healing!

 

[rocky'smom]

Poor baby E.coli is miserable stuff. There was a macaw at the clinic one of the first years I volunteered. Poor guy was in isolation unit. I was making toys like crazy to keep him occupied. I don't remember the outcome. Get well soon coco