kidney disease?

[cuteus]

I have not posted in a long time, because I realized that we finch owners have such limited choices when our loved ones get ill and sometimes all we can do is ease their passing. Vets can't perform diagnostics tests like blood work, stool testing is inconclusive many times, can't do ultrasounds or MRIs. When xrays are done, the readings are limited to seen "enlarged" organs, whose reason can't be determined. Even necrosies are useless. I recently researched "solid white feces" and found no results of anyone posting a picture. I think my boy, (9 1/2 yr old society) has kidney issues. The vet visit yielded no issues with respiratory tract, inside of mouth looks good, etc. Some abdominal enlargement. Online search shows that it could be gout and that can cause enlargement of organs. Of course, no tests can be done. And limited treatment. He will probably die as has been my experience with the other 14 finches that have passed over the years. I still want to help him, because that is what humans do with their pet companions. I have provided him with baby food (squash) as that helped a twirling bird many years ago, recover enough to live a few more years. Has anyone seen poops like these and what have you tried? He is really thin and possibly dehydrated. The vet did not give him sub q fluids. I think she knows it is probably prolonging the inevitable.

[finchlover24]

cuteus

http://www.ladygouldianfinch.com/features_poopology.php

This site says that white/clay colored feces means "pancreas or digestive problems."

as does this site:

https://www.beautyofbirds.com/poopology.html

I'm not 100% sure if that's what's wrong, but I hope this helps & I hope your little one feels better.

[cuteus]

Thank you for responding, finchlover. I did look at those sites during my search for answers and had decided that it pointed to kidney issues, because the white in the feces is due to increased urates. It seems that older birds are prone to gout. The uric acid crystals irritate the organs. The avian vet had also mentioned the uric acid crystals in the feces and that his abdomen was enlarged.
She knew, but did not say, that he would not make it. He didn't. He spent his last night with us yesterday. He had a beautiful song that filled the house for over nine years. Now, he is singing for someone else, hopefully. I now have his brother who is a few weeks older than he, another male and a hen. This might be the year where my house will become silent. Thanks again.

[finchlover24]

im so sorry

[Sally]

I'm so sorry you lost him, but what a long life he had. He must have had excellent care to have lived so long.

[Jen]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. But what a wonderful life he had and you were so lucky to have him so long to share an incredible time together. I hope you continue to have song in your life with new bird family to share it with. Good luck!