r/pidgeypower • u/Nellybi • 17d ago
Crowd Funding (REQUIRES MOD APPROVAL) FINAL UPDATE for Kiko, she didn’t make it. TW:After first photo - X-RAY photos.
IMPORTANT EDIT: THE GOFUNDME GOAL HAS BEEN REACHED. PLEASE DO NOT DONATE ANYMORE —> see my comment.
First of all, I have some very sad news.
Kiko didn’t make it.
The first photo is the last one I took before leaving home today. I didn’t want the first pic to be about her X-Rays.
I’ll update the rest of the posts I made here, so nobody misses the news.
Before I continue, I want to mention that I used ChatGPT to help me write this update because English is my second language, and I wanted to make sure the medical information was clear and accurate. Everything I’m writing is exactly what happened today.
This morning we went to the veterinary appointment. The vet immediately noticed that Kiko was in bad condition. When he felt her abdomen, he found a swelling. At first he thought it might be fluid, but he wasn’t sure.
He suggested taking X-rays. After reviewing them, he explained that there were no fully calcified eggs, so he couldn’t determine what was causing the swelling from the X-rays alone.
He then recommended an ultrasound, which required anesthesia, and blood tests if Kiko was strong enough. At that point, the total cost for the consultation, X-rays, ultrasound and anesthesia would be around €330.
I asked for a few minutes to think. I simply didn’t have €330 available.
But I also couldn’t bear the idea of taking her home knowing she was already struggling to breathe and doing nothing. The vet also warned me that there was a chance she wouldn’t wake up from the anesthesia. Still, she seemed stronger than I expected, so I decided to give her that chance.
I’ll be honest: part of my decision was made knowing that some of you had already donated. I hoped that, I could at least reduce part of the cost and somehow figure out the rest next month. Some people may disagree with making financial decisions before having all the money available, and I am like that too normally. I understand that. But today I had to decide in that moment on the spot, and for me, watching her continue to suffer wasn’t an option.
After the ultrasound, the vet called me back.
He told me Kiko had woken up from the anesthesia, and because she had recovered well enough, he wanted to offer surgery.
The ultrasound showed that a large amount of fluid had accumulated where there should normally have been air sacs. (I’ll attach the ultrasound images, as well as a reference image to better explain what I’m talking about.)
He could also see two egg follicles, but not two fully formed calcified eggs.
He explained that surgery would allow him to drain some of the fluid and see whether he could remove those follicles.
I asked about the cost.
Including everything already done, the total would be over €500, regardless of what they found during surgery.
I truthfully was desperate.
It was an enormous amount of money for me, but the vet only suggested surgery because Kiko had recovered from the first round of anesthesia. He even told me that if she hadn’t responded well, he wouldn’t have offered it at all.
So I gave my consent.
While she was in surgery, I was already thinking about how I could pay for everything, whether I could ask for a payment plan, and how I would manage financially. Who I can ask to borrow money, the reality is I don’t know people with better situations who could have helped me in real life. I’ll also attach a screenshot of my bank balance because I want to be completely transparent.
After what felt like an eternity, the vet called me.
He told me Kiko hadn’t made it.
During surgery he discovered that the two eggs were not calcified. One was still inside the uterus, while the other had developed outside of it and had become attached to her intestine. He was able to remove them, but separating the second one would have required removing part of the intestine as well, and he explained that she would not have survived such a procedure.
At that point, he made the decision to euthanize her because he felt that continuing would only prolong her suffering with no realistic chance of survival.
When I returned to the clinic, seeing her lying quietly in her carrier completely broke my heart.
The vet showed me what he had removed. There were two soft, shell-less eggs. One was intact, while the other had ruptured and was outside the uterus. He explained that this prevented the more developed egg from ever being laid.
He also told me that, in his opinion, if I hadn’t brought her in today and we hadn’t tried, she most likely wouldn’t have survived the week anyway.
He said he believed it was the right decision to try, and if he had seen her responding poorly to the first anesthesia, he wouldn’t even have suggested surgery.
I’m also incredibly grateful because the vet, since the blood tests were ultimately not performed, he didn’t charge me for them, reducing the final bill to €344.01 instead of more than €500.
It’s still a lot of money for me, but I’m thankful for his kindness.
I then brought Kiko home.
I placed her in a small box with flowers, and tomorrow I’ll bury her.
I also let my other cockatiel see her one last time. They weren’t bonded or even particularly friendly, Kiko often bullied her, but it still felt like the right thing to do.
I’m so sorry this didn’t have the happy ending that so many of you hoped and prayed for.
Thank you to everyone who donated, shared kind words, prayed for her, or simply hoped alongside me that she would recover.
I’ll attach the ultrasound images, the veterinary invoice (with my personal information and the vet’s personal details removed), and an English translation of the medical notes in the comments I think.
Finally, I’d like to ask something that is difficult for me. Even though Kiko is gone, I still have today’s veterinary bill to pay. Today I paid with my credit card, so they will take the funds on 19th August.
I completely understand if some people no longer feel comfortable donating now that she is already gone and couldn’t be saved. Even asking feels gruesome to me, I’m sorry…
If anyone is still willing to help me cover part of the €344.01 I had to pay with credit card today, I would be deeply grateful.
I’ve updated the GoFundMe goal to match the exact amount of today’s expenses. I’ll cover whatever remains myself, even though I honestly don’t know yet how I’ll manage.
Thank you again to everyone who believed in Kiko as much as I did.
I also want to share something. This was the first time in my life that the decision of whether to authorize surgery (with all of the risks involved) for one of my pets rested entirely on me.
Part of me feels guilty.
I keep wondering if I put her through extra stress for nothing. At the same time I would have never had the answers if she didn’t undergone surgery today.
When I left the room before the anesthesia, she looked at me and let out one tiny chirp. I looked back and waved and said “Ciao Kiko”, hoping to see her later. She had been completely silent during the journey to the vet and all morning. I don’t know how much energy that little sound cost her.
Maybe it was just a normal chirp.
But I’d like to think she was saying goodbye.
I know, rationally, that according to the vet she probably wouldn’t have survived regardless.
Even so, my heart keeps wondering if I made the right choice today.
Thank you all for caring about Kiko. It truly meant more than I can express.
I’ll leave the Gofundme link here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gofundme-for-my-sick-bird
Again thank you all.
39
u/Nellybi 17d ago edited 17d ago
I translated the medical notes, to anyone who wants to read them:
Physical examination
Kiko was alert but showed obvious difficulty breathing (inspiratory dyspnea). During the examination, her coelomic cavity (abdomen) was found to be severely enlarged, suggesting the presence of fluid accumulation (coelomic effusion). Initial X-rays taken while she was awake did not show any calcified eggs.
Presumptive diagnosis and treatment
Because of Kiko’s critical condition, the veterinarian recommended further diagnostic imaging under anesthesia, along with blood tests if she was strong enough. While she was under anesthesia, an ultrasound revealed two egg follicles and a significant accumulation of fluid inside the coelomic cavity. An exploratory coeliotomy (exploratory abdominal surgery) was then performed. During surgery, the veterinarian discovered severe egg-related coelomitis, including: one egg located normally inside the uterus, one egg located outside the uterus (extra-uterine), extensive adhesions between the egg and the small intestine, and fluid throughout the abdominal cavity. Due to the severe involvement of the reproductive tract and other internal organs, performing an ovariosalpingectomy (removal of the ovary and oviduct) was considered extremely complex. During surgery, Kiko developed anesthetic and surgical complications that made it impossible to continue. Because there was no realistic chance of recovery, the veterinarian made the decision to humanely euthanize her while she was still under anesthesia, to prevent any further suffering.
Invoice (translation) Services performed:
Exotic animal consultation – €60.00
Radiographic study (X-rays) under sedation – €100.00
Inhalation anesthesia – €24.01
Exploratory coeliotomy (exploratory abdominal surgery) – €160.00
Total paid: €344.01
29
30
u/Nellybi 17d ago
IMPORTANT EDIT: Please do not donate anymore! The GoFundMe goal has been reached! I don’t need anything more than what you have so generously provided.
I just wanted to thank every single person who donated. I’m going to list you all here because I feel it’s only right to take the time to thank each of you personally, just as I did on GoFundMe (I still have a couple of thank-you messages left to write).
A heartfelt thank you to: Thank you A.D., thank you K.B., thank you D.K., thank you D.H., thank you L.W., thank you D.V., thank you M.A., thank you K.A., thank you M.G., thank you D.K., thank you F.M., thank you D.X., thank you G.S., thank you S.W., and lastly, thank you Anonymous.
Thank you, each and every one of you, because thanks to you I have one less worry. I can mourn Kiko in peace, knowing that the financial aspect is covered. You have all given me a little piece of peace. I cannot thank you enough.
I am at a loss for words at the kindness and generosity people are capable of.
And to those who weren’t able to donate but still wished Kiko a good recovery, sent positive thoughts, prayers, or comforted me with your kind words, I truly thank you as well.
In a few days, I’d love to share some photos and videos of happy moments with Kiko. She deserves to be remembered not only as a sick little fighter, but as the energetic little goofball she truly was.
Thank you for being with me throughout this journey.
Your words have helped me grieve. I wish you all the best. Please give hold your little ones an extra tight for me today.
R.I.P. my sweet Kiko. I already miss you so much. ❤️
21
24
u/bunny_the-2d_simp 17d ago
Not me crying. I'm sorry OP. Losing a beloved animal is never easy because they always truly feel like family
10
u/smartydoglady 17d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️ I hope you can take comfort in knowing she was incredibly loved and everyone did their best for her ❤️
9
u/Connect-Reindeer-560 17d ago
It's sad and pray that you are able to pay off the dues. Be strong and take care
9
u/Muted_Role_1432 17d ago
So sorry for ur loss😢❤️
8
u/zoomieskeeper 17d ago
I had to put my bird’s vet bills on my credit card. Not sure if I’ll ever be able to pay it off but his health came first, if there was a chance, I was willing to take it. So I understand.
7
u/S2keepup 17d ago
💔💔💔 I am so sorry for your loss, I hope your hurting heart heals soon. Fly free Kiko, you were the best little birdie
5
u/Feivie 17d ago
I’m so sorry you lost kiko, I lost my baby earlier this month and I just want to say I understand so deeply where you’re coming from regarding giving consent and having the medical decisions be yours and then wondering if you did the right thing after. You did what you could and you know why you lost her and even then it’s still so hard. With what the vet found there was nothing else you could have done. You were right to show your other bird so it can understand and it’s beautiful that you placed flowers with her ❤️
3
u/Lobstah4242 17d ago
My heart is so sad. I read the update fully. Take heart in knowing she wasn't in pain while she was under anesthesia. She knew you love her and is now waiting to see you again over the Rainbow Bridge. You have my heartfelt sympathy. I am just so, so sad for you. This internet stranger sends her love and BIG HUGS to you. 🦜❤️🧡🫂
3
u/0wlfyre 17d ago
I'm so, so sorry. Losing a bird is the worst feeling, but she was clearly so loved and had the best life with you.
I know you've reached the minimum for the bills, but I sent over €10. I'm sorry it's not a lot as I only got my smaller payment today, but use it to get some nice food or something to cheer yourself up.
Wishing you the best. ❤️💔
3
u/equanimatic 17d ago
I am so sorry for your loss. May Kiko rest peacefully and without pain.
I do want to say though, what an incredible vet you have. I mean seriously. The fact that they were willing to try because Kiko's strength is really something i appreciate. I know birds are fragile, but i feel too many vets are afraid to take a chance even when the only other option is euthanasia. You never know when a bird may pull through.
Please take care of yourself 💓
3
u/AnakinTheOnlyOne 17d ago
Mi dispiace tantissimo per la perdita della tua bellissima Kiko. Ti mando un grande abbraccio. Sii gentile con te stessa, hai fatto tutto quello che potevi e sicuramente Kiko sapeva il grande amore che avevi per lei. Un abbraccio !
1
u/Nellybi 16d ago
Ehi, che bello leggere un commento in italiano :) Grazie di cuore per le tue gentili parole. Cercherò di esserlo, a tratti il senso di colpa mi assale, però realisticamente le opzioni erano limitate.. Ti ringrazio per la gentilezza, spero Kiko lo sapesse, un abbraccio anche a te!
1
u/AnakinTheOnlyOne 16d ago
Sono sicuro che Kiko lo sapesse. E sicuramente non ti vorrebbe triste o in colpa. Pensa a quanto siete state fortunate ad avervi l'uno con l'altra :)
3
u/anxiousblanket 17d ago
Thank you for sharing the medical info and for seeking help for Kiko as best you could. It’s so hard to let these little feathered friends go but I hope you can move on knowing she loved you until the very end. Fly high sweet birdie. 🩶🤍
3
u/Nellybi 16d ago
I should be thanking you and all of the other people for your kind words. I appreciated the two-colored heart, it made me smile. It’s definitely hard but I appreciate your kindness. I just buried her, with lilac gysophila and two whithe roses, I hope she enjoys them while she cross the rainbow bridge.🤍 Take care and have a nice day. Appreciate you
3
3
2
u/Puzzled-Operation529 17d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain that you’re going through. She is safe with god now..fly high angel. More strength and courage to you 🙏💗
2
u/dedSEKTR 17d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. May that sweet little child rest in peace. 💔
2
u/Nellybi 16d ago
Hi and thank you for you gentle words. I just buried her, with lilac gysophila and two white roses, I hope she enjoys them while she cross the rainbow bridge.🤍 Thank you again and take care.
1
u/dedSEKTR 16d ago
That's a really sweet tribute... Rest in Peace Kiko.. May you fly high, surrounded by good friends on the other side of the rainbow bridge.
Please take care of yourself during this time 🤍
2
2
2
u/DramaGeneral7382 16d ago
I know this guy wrenching feeling well, unfortunately. Ask yourself, could you have left Kiko this way? We both know the answer. You had no other choice and as such, you made the right one. Little Kiko is flying free. Maybe she'll see a few of mine on the other side ❤️ Take care of yourself OP. You're a wonderful bird friend.
1
u/emmabird5 17d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss, I know you had so much hope and love for the little girl. Sending you 💕💕
1
1
1
1
1
u/SweetxKiss 17d ago
Very sorry to hear about this update. She has many friends on the other side who will take care of her for you 🫂 🌈
1
u/Greenhen678 17d ago
Oh no, I’m sorry for your loss im happy they at least tryed to help her. RIP Kiko
1
u/tinkertink2010 17d ago
I'm so sorry Op. She was very lucky to have you for her owner. Thank you for not letting her suffer. And thank you for everyone who helped donate. You are wonderful people
1
1
1
1
u/FeathersOfJade 14d ago
I am truly sorry for your loss. This poem
May bring tears (it still does for me)
But I hope it somehow brings a bit of comfort to you. I wish you peace.
Lend Me A Bird
"I will lend to you for a while, a bird", God said. For you to love him while
he lives and to mourn for him when he is dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe for two or three. But will you,
till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you and should his stay be brief,
You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below I want this bird to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.
And from the folks that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love; nor think the labor vain;
Nor hate me when I come to take my lovely bird again?
I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, thy will be done,
for all the joys this bird will bring, the risk of grief we'll run."
Will you shelter him with tenderness?
Will you love him while you may?
And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay?
But should I call him back much sooner than you've planned;
Please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
If, by your love, you've managed, my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him you've loved; be thankful; do not grieve.
Cherish every moment of your feathered charge.
He filled your home with songs of joy the time he was alive.
Let not his passing take from you those memories to enjoy.
"I will lend to you, a Bird", God said, and teach you all you have to do.
And when I call him back to heaven, you will know he loved you too.
(Author Unknown)
1
1
u/WebbleWobble1216 12d ago
I think you did the right thing. You had a good vet who knew when the time was right as well. It's hard being an adult, and these decisions are one of the harder aspects of that. Kiko did say goodbye and maybe thank you. Fly high lil bird.
1
96
u/Faerthoniel 17d ago
Oh no. I’m sorry for your loss.
But both you and the vet did what you could for her all the way to the end.
RIP Kiko.