Leo passed away around 1130pm last night. Dash buried her in the garden. Aries is on her way home to be with her relatives at the ranch. Dash decided it was the best thing for her.August 1, 2014, Day 20, Leo has surgery, is OK
This morning at 1:30 AM there was a red protrusion from Leo's rear,
basically her bottom had fallen out. I took her to the vet in the morning,
my regular bird veterinarian was at a conference, and her associate could
not reduce the prolapse. I was referred to an exotic animal hospital.
They did not like the car rides, it took a while for them to understand if
they set them they would be better often trying to stand. They were calm
though. I kept the box lid open so that they could see me.
Many things can cause this prolapse of the cloaca, such as impaction and
dehydration. Leo had to be asleep during the procedure, and four sutures
were placed to make sure that the cloaca did not prolapse again. You cannot
make it too tight, she still needs to defecate. The sutures will be removed
in four or five days. She was also given antibiotics, pain medication and
fluids. Minimal blood loss. Overall a pretty rough day for Leo.
Normally they would keep the animal overnight, but with these birds the
avian vet thought they would be less stressed in their own home. Aries
stayed close by Leo before, during and after surgery. The vet remarked how
the sister was a comfort and looked after Leo, and kept her calm.
If Leo does not drink adequate liquids initially I am going to give tube
feedings of water over the next few days.
Leo seems to be on her way to recovery, still a bit groggy right now.
Give it up, you can't raise a baby Ostrich!! 
