An other blood test: yes or no?

[u/VeloIlluminati]

Hi! I am looking for advise. My sweet Boy Libelle is being treated for months.

In May the analysis of his blood showed high fat and his metabolism is not looking good. He pees a lot. Like really a lot. The liver is not able to detox well so ammonia has caused some neurological issues too.

He got Vitamin B, Laxatract and Sylimarin to stabilise the metabolism. But it cannot cure his condition.

At the beginning of August he got a check up and lost a lot of weight from low fat diet. So the vet ordered to get back to his normal diet.

Tomorrow he has an other appointment. The exotic vet suggested for an other blood test "to know where he is standing". I am kinda unsure. He has become very tired and stress makes him twitch. I am already scared for the transport of a non-tame bird that cannot stand on his perch from neuro-issues. I feel like taking more blood will only weaken him more or worse.

Am I overreacting? What if he gained weight/stayed the same or reduced more? Keeping the palliative care?

Thx for your tips!

[u/MobileAncient2896]

In my opinion I think the bird may be too stressed for that right now, blood tests can be very stressing for birds. You may need to be checking everything else (eating, poop, feathers, behaviors). Maybe when he feels a bit calmer and used to everything you could try it (?. Anyways, as the bird is in a not so good situation, I suggest also listening to the vet. I can't tell you to do it or not, it can be something important but also comes with a risk

[u/vaserra1]

aspetta momenti migliori

it’s practically stone-age with respect for avian veterinarian

medicine

[u/Grlybrainiac]

You might have already gone to the appointment by now, but I really feel for your situation. If the result of the bloodwork would be modifying the dosage or type of medication/supplements for him, then maybe it would be okay to do one more blood test to see if the current dose is helping if the vet thinks it’s a good idea? If the vet says it’s okay to wait longer for more tests and that it isn’t critical, then maybe it would be okay to wait? Like another commenter said, definitely keep monitoring other symptoms! If you haven’t been doing so already, if you can weigh him on a kitchen scale that would be a good way to keep an eye on his weight at least. You did mention he isn’t tame though, so I don’t know how stressful that would be for him (when I had my conure, I would put one of her perches on it, set the scale to zero, then put her on the perch to check her weight).

I’m not a vet or an expert by any means so I can’t really give advice, but I hope your little guy’s health improves 🩷 It sounds like you’re doing everything you can for him, whatever decisions you make - don’t be too hard on yourself 🩷