Ostrich egg cam

[MAK]

I say, "DON'T DO THIS AGAIN!"

 

[Kris G.]

I was just watching the cam and it looks like Rascal is in a sling in a balcony above the box where Popcorn is.  She was eating pretty good from her food dish and Rascal was standing close to her, often eating some of Rascal's food.  When Popcorn walks to the other end of the box though, Rascal will get quite restless. Will have to wait for an update to see if she got too upset with the casts and they've been removed or she's still casted and in the sling to help her stay upright. Poor thing...

[Donna]

November 6, 2013
Day 25, day 4 of splint
Rascal is comfortable in the new box

I thought she was distressed from being immobilize, but I think partially she may have been uncomfortable. The original support using towels around her legs was not very good, and the puppy harness did not work out well.

I made a hammock -like sling for her to rest her entire body on, with a hole so her legs would go through. This was with soft foam, and covered with a towel to make it more breathable. The back part is covered with a disposable pad. I also put a side opening so that I can observe her legs and check them for pressure and swelling on the side.

Rascal immediately relaxed and seemed to enjoy it. Also Popcorn was able to come up and get close to her, and start grooming her. I did put a box next to Rascal with a towel on it if Popcorn wanted to snuggle, but Popcorn got too nervous on the platform so that didn’t work out.

I gave Rascal three tube feedings yesterday, and one tube feeding this morning, but I think she’s going to start eating now. I am feeling better about this now, since she’s not in distress and has a place to rest her head. I attached some pictures of the box being constructed.







  This looks like the best set-up so far! Rascal seems comfortable!  Still!!!!

[MAK]

Boy they sure grow fast! 

[Donna]

Rascal’s splinting was not successful. In fact things could not be much worse.

When the splint was removed, her right leg went to the exact same position as it was before, and she had the same difficulty. In addition to no improvement, she lost over 100 g, while Popcorn had gained 500 g. So in addition to no improvement with the splinting, her distress and discomfort caused her to lose weight.

The vet tried some smaller splints just to hold the leg in, so it would not drag behind her and she could not tuck it underneath her. No matter what size splint was applied, she would not eat, and was distressed. She did not want to be bound at all.

So far all treatment has been unsuccessful. The initial watching for a few days after hatching to see if she would improve on her own failed. The short brace that she used for one week failed. This more aggressive splinting of both legs with an attempt to bring the leg in failed, and caused her stress and weight loss. An additional splint attempted today failed.

X-rays were taken, and these were e-mailed to an avian surgical specialist, in Oakley. This is to see if there would be a surgery, such as bringing over a tendon or ligament and screwing it to a different location, would be helpful. My status is that I am awaiting word from him to see if there is a surgical option.

If it is an option, we would consider it. If it is not an option the choices are to allow her to try to adjust and walk with a failing leg. (The kind and knowledgeable rancher said that this could happen.) I would get the opinion from the doctor in Oakley if this was a possibility, or futile.

A personal comment: To people who are wondering why I would do this to Rascal, please understand I am trying to help this bird. Of course my stomach was in a knot when I watched her struggling, and I feel terrible that my attempts to help her have not been successful so far. Dissenting opinions about all this, (presented in a civil manner), are understandable. 

[Kris G.]

No surgery possible, plan is self-rehab and physical therapy.
A number of specialists have gone over Rascal’s case. The local veterinary surgeon specialist examined Rascal today and said that they cannot do anything.
The Avian expert from Oakley has raised ostriches himself. He reviewed the e-mailed x-rays and discussed the case with my avian veterinarian by phone. He has performed dozens of orthopedic procedures on angular limb deformities in birds. However for a number of reasons there is almost no success rate. This would involve osteotomy, external fixation, and these frequently break down especially with such thin small bones that are still growing, with disastrous results. It is not a simple matter of moving a tendon over and tightening it to rotate the leg in the correct orientation. He does not give a very good prognosis for Rascal.
The GOOD news is that Rascal is eating very well and appears healthy otherwise. My veterinarian, who has not given up, has tried a number of substrates and found that if she had footing that had bumps in it, she was able to get her foot against it and could stand up. Rascal was found standing this morning. This is with a memory foam type mattress that sort of looks like an egg crate. My plan is to obtain this type of mattress, and put it in the box that is her house where she would sleep and allow her some help to get up. Otherwise she can walk in the dirt, as she needs to learn how to walk on that surface. She needs a LOT more exercise and walking.
On Tuesday I will discuss with the Oakley avian specialist what a rehab program would entail to help Rascal learn to walk in the most optimal position.
In summary, the plan is:
I will bring the ostriches home tonight,
I will do some final raccoon proofing measures, including a trap.
I will wait for her to gain some strength and weight with free feeding
Physical therapy and gait training next week (when I learn how to do it.)
The kind and knowledgeable Rancher did give me some very good advice for Popcorn, which I do not need at this time since Rascal is coming home.
It was a little strange last night without the ostriches. My kids asked over and over again when they were coming back, I think they were suspicious.

[Donna]

SAD NEWS:

November 27, 2013
Day at vet

Rascal and popcorn spent the day at the vet, I dropped them off at 8 AM and came at 430 PM. It was unfortunate, but there was nothing more that could be done for Rascal. Her leg had progressed, and attempts to try to splint would not align it properly. Also there are some early signs of joint damage. The prospects after any surgery were very dim, there was no splint that would correct her properly. The decision was made that it would be humane to stop here. We all said good-bye to Rascal.

Popcorn is in with Buffy and Ginger, the two friendliest chickens, to keep Popcorn company. They are 7 months old, Buff Orpingtons. I made a bed of alfalfa for everyone.

  RIP Rascal! 

[MAK]

 

[Kris G.]

After watching Rascal walk in the harness Dash had her in the last few days, he did the right thing.  RIP Rascal-your frustration and suffering with that leg is now over. 

[Donna]

December 1, 2013 Sunday 9:45 PM

The kind and knowledgeable rancher found a home for Popcorn, about two hours from here. The adopting family are animal lovers. The new home is a ranch with many younger ostriches in a 75 foot pen with a central barn. He will always treat Popcorn special, she is a pet. He will be careful how he integrates her in with the rest of the ostriches.When she outgrows the pen she will be moved to a larger pen with some of her friends.

Popcorn will be leaving tomorrow (Monday) around noon for the next part of her adventure. I am happy for her, this is the best thing for her and she will develop normally.

So after noon Popcorn will say thank you and good-bye. There will not be anything to broadcast after that. I will post updates after I return tomorrow.

I have met some incredible people and I want to thank the people following this for their heartfelt support and kindness.

I really don't think he should try this again, too stressful and sad! MO!

[MAK]

I agree Donna! 

[Shaky]

At least get good at it before setting up a webcam.

[Donna]

At least get good at it before setting up a webcam.

I agree and he really needs a bigger yard. Obviously they are not easy to raise!

[carly]

Posted by Catwoman over at BCAW:

The end of the Ostrich story.   

December 2, 2013 1:00 AM
Popcorn injured by raccoon, had to be put to sleep immediately at vets.

At 11:40 a pair of raccoons were in the yard, and one reached underneath the corner of the cage and somehow got Popcorn on the right leg. She managed to pull away, but the injury was severe and she was taken to an emergency vet clinic nearby and immediately humanely euthanized.

I was called by the mods, whom I would like to thank as well as the cam watchers or else Popcorn may have been hurt for hours.

It must have been a blind grab for over 4 inches, I was warned to put mesh into the ground and floor but I did not.

[Donna]

Just read that on FB!! OMG, he was not prepared as of yet! Sad sad sad!! This just breaks my heart!!  Not meant to be! RIP...PIP....RASCAL and POPCORN!! NO more please!!!!!