Today I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life. I had to put Simba down. Most of you know that Simba has been going to the vet for a respiratory infection off and on for the past two years. Any way I had converted all my big guys to pellets with the occasional seed treat and of course their veggies, nutriberries, muffins and other stuff. So today after laying in bed late and listening to every body in the other rooms chattering and doing their thing, I got up and let the birds out and then set about making some coffee. I don't know why, but I walked back to the living room and saw Simba on the floor just sort of lying there. I went to pick him up and he seemed pretty weak and skinnier than his usual self. I put him in the cage and got him some seed mix. he got on the food cup, but did not eat anything at all and alarm bells went off. Got dressed and shoved birds back in cages and hurried to vet. Thankfully it was not quite 12 so they were open. I had to get worked in and when in there - upon examination and the poop that Simba did we got som very bad conclusions.
The poop itself was just the urine part no actual feces so that meant he had not eaten recently. He also had a very enlarged abdomen. They did x rays and just the stress from being held for an x ray without even using anaesthesia - he looked like he was almost dead.
The x ray showed a severely enlarged liver. It took up his whole lower portion of his body - you couldn't even see his airsacs. The whole area was liver.
At this point, my vet told me that there was no way we could do anything for him. He would not be able to recover from this at all and he would suffer if he did. Today was the first day he had actually started to suffer from this as he had been doing fine up until then as far as I could tell.

I stayed with him and held him through everything up to the end. The only time I did not have him is when he had the actual injection. Except for that, he passed on peacefully in my hands.

Fly Free my beautiful boy. Until we meet again at the other end of the Rainbow. I love you.

I am so glad I got these pics last weekend. I just wish he didn't always dodge the camera, So I could have a better picture.

I'm so sorry for your loss Clara. I'll be thinking about you.

I'm so sorry Clara. Simba knew you loved him, and were with him. His memory will stay with you always, and some sweet day you will be reunited.

Ringneckmom - I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my favorite in October 2005 from arterial sclerosis. I wasn't with Freedom when he died, and that is my biggest regret. I had been at the vet almost all day holding him. He died a few hours after I left. I never knew anything could hurt so bad, so, my heart to your heart.

Fly free Simba. Peace to you and yours Clara, the pain will soften and the good memories remain.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I cried when I read this. How old was Simba and how many happy years have you had the pleasure of being his owner?
He certainly was beautiful and I hope you meet again in bird Heaven.

Sorry for your loss. He is free now

clara, i'm so sorry.... i hope the pain will ease with time. simba will live on your memories...

fly free, little simba

Clara, I am so sorry to hear about Simba. I have no doubt that he was greatly comforted by your presence throughout today. My heart goes out to you. Again, so terribly sorry...... {{hugs}}