pythium

[birdbrainbilly]

Hello, Im a exotic bird sanctuary 501(c)3  I run this by myself, so funds are so far just me. I was called by animal control in Okeechobee, Fl. that they had two Great Pyrs, for over the allotted time and were going to put them down. I ran up there and got them. The female is fine, however the male is very ill with pythium. He had 12 inc. of his intestines removed,  to help with the throwing up, his feces is full of blood,many many times a day. He has had his second vaccine for pythium. I was told a 50% chance of making it. He cant gain weight, and is there any natural meds, or things I can do to help him beat this "swamp Cancer" He is so dear and sweet and I promised him to a better life when I took him in. I love him so dearly, please..... Teresa Smith

[birdbrainbilly]

HI, I use to rescue wild animals and since moving from NJ. 12 years ago to Florida I was helpingout Animal Control because they cant go into peoples attics and such to get out any animals and I never kept up with my wild life license. I started with just a Macaw now I have 70 rescues and 5 rescued dogs and 5 rescue cats, I only take in cats that are old and would be put down, no kittens, they have a better chance to find a home and as for dogs, well, I wish I could do more but the birds keep me busy, I work 11pm-5am so I can be home all day, I dont keep any one in cages they are out in the aviaries all day and carried in at night except for the Toucan, he stays in a enclosed area, in a cage, I dont let anyone out at night for fear of other wildlife trying to get at the birds. Im trying to find a way to make my 501(C)3 work, I spend over 1,000 a month on food, I keep getting more and more birds because people dont realize they are work. People here in Florida are loosing their homes and jobs and moving and cant take their animals. I dont have any help except when my husband is home and he is on the road in other states most of the time but when he is here we are busy and he has built 6  large avairies for me so far. The macaws and smaller parrots really enjoy being out and they are very quiet because they are given a different avairy each morning when they get up so their not bored with the scenery. I love my birds, they say the darndest things!!!   Also as a reminder please if you get a lot of rain be careful of Pythium. The Lab that is in Texas Pam American Vet. Labs said their is a lot of Pythium going around due to the rains everywhere, and people with all animals need to be careful. Horses, pigs, cats and dogs ect. Please alert everyone to this the fungus is called "swamp cancer" (pythium)     Teresa

[Jaybay]

Hi Teresa.  How in the world did a "Bird Woman" get called for dog rescue?  Do you rescue other kinds of animals along with birds?

I have no experience at all with with pythium, and suspect your best recourse for information will be from the vets on the Ask a Vet forum here at Med Help.  Look on the right side of this page and scroll down until you see the link labeled "Ask a Vet (Pet Health)."  

I commend you for helping all creatures find a better life, but you must realize you can't save them all.  If you do lose this baby, I hope you can comfort your soul knowing that he had love and excellent care in his last days.  Please keep us updated on whatever happens.