Positive thoughts. I'm freaking out.

Yesterday I thought I noticed a puffy spot on Leo's upper chest, near his neck. Today it's a defined tumor/growth/cyst and it's HUGE. He's still eating and drinking just fine, not falling off his perch, though sleepy. The emergency vet said to wait until tomorrow to see his regular vet unless he starts having respiratory issues, spends all his time on the bottom of his cage, falls off perches, or stops eating/drinking, but I'm freaking out.

This is what it looks like:





Looking back at pictures, it was probably a little puffy as early as two weeks ago, but didn't start to get really noticeable until yesterday. Yesterday I thought I noticed it, but I thought it was just the way he was holding his head. Today is going to be a long day.

Positive thoughts headed your way. Hopefully it's something minor that can be treated easily.


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Looking through pictures there's definite but minor swelling on Christmas Day, and possible swelling on the 21st. Anything earlier than that I don't see any any evidence of a problem.

Leo's not allowed to die. He just can't. I know I don't talk about him as much as Charlotte and Goofy, but he's my first avian baby. Goofy belongs to MrC. Leo was the first bird who was mine. I love the little squawk box.

Deep Breaths, slow long in and out!

Lots of prays and warm feather hugs from everyone here!

Okay, keep busy. Take Notes!
Think back to when you 'believe' that this first appeared. Write that down.
Same with anything else you may have noticed.
Etc....

Call your Vet's office and note if they have an Emergency Phone Number. Call that number and leave a message! Ensure you use the Words: 'Sick Parrot' as part of your message. If they do not have an Emergency Phone Number and simply ask that you leave a Message, do so! But, Keep your Message (in both cases) very short and precise! Do not go into long descriptions! Very Short and to the Point! As Part of the Message and Yes I am repeating myself here, use the Words: Sick Parrot.

I have experienced what you are dealing with more often than I would like to say. As part of my Message, I would always stay that I will be at their office /clinic when they open their Doors. It is your choice, but for me, I'm there bright and early.

I have done this enough that I have the overnight contact numbers and commonly we are on our way and calling while in route so that the Vet tech's are at the door when we arrive.

Now how serious is this problem. Well, it could be better, but it is not going to make a ton of differences between going now or being there when they open!

For your Parrot's comfort you need to put on your Parent face for your Parrot!!! They are tied into our emotions and will start freaking out if you are doing so!

So, Big Parent Face and relax for your Parrot!!!


PS: Take The Pictures With You!

My vet has an arrangement with one of the large Emergency Animal Hospitals in the area. Their after hours voice mail instructs you to call the EV in case of emergency. That vet will page my actual avian vet when a bird or other exotic comes in. If it comes down to life or death emergency, there is specialty care available, so that's good.

I did call the EV and they did say to wait until morning unless life threatening symptoms develop. I'm just not very good at waiting when I'm worried about any of my babies. Right now Leo is just chilling on my shoulder and I'm surfing the web.

It doesn't help my stress levels that I'm in the middle of quitting smoking. I can't use nicotine replacement therapy for a variety of reasons, so my doctor has me on a timed step down schedule, and today it's really, really difficult to keep to it (38 more minutes till the next half cigarette...nope, not counting down at all).

ETA: I only smoke outside and wash my hands afterwards and have a smoking jacket I wear to keep as much second hand crap from getting to the birds and kids.

You're a good mom! Know that Your Parrots Love You!

Breath Control! Busy yourself and know that you have a ton of friends that are thinking about you!

Life never considers our best laid plans. In fact, I think Life just like screwing with our best laid plans.

I completely understand your deep worry, Beatrice. Hopefully the mass will either be an easily drained cyst, or something benign and readily managed. Leo will be in the very best of hands with Dr. J, but you won't rest until a determination is made.

Hopefully Leo can be seen tomorrow, please keep us advised.

Thinking good thoughts for you

I am so sorry to hear... best wishes for your baby.

We are thinking of you! Let us know when you have an update!


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Oh Beatrice, I'm sorry to hear it. But don't freak out. Once you've done your best, you've done your best. Maybe the emergency vet knew they were over their head, and anything done on an emergency basis would be worse than waiting to see your regular vet. If I were in your place, I would have to quit using the computer and stop googling bird tumor and go get a nice relaxing book and a cup of tea, and spend the evening reading out loud to birdie. Leo will pick up on any stress, and it will be best for him to relax also. Now is time to breath, rest, and love Leo without reserve, the way you always do, and tomorrow will bring what it brings - and probably will bring a swift and satisfactory solution to Leo's lump. My thoughts are with you both, and wishes for a better tomorrow.

I think the above is great advice... relax for now... nothing you can do but spend time with your sweet birdie...

Hang in there!

Wishing you and Leo the best. I agree with Sailboat, just be there when they open. At least they could take a look at him right away. He'll be monitored (and there) if he shows any other signs.

Thanks guys. Other than the lump and being sleepier than normal, but still fairly active, he seems fine. Tomorrow can't come soon enough.

We are, every one, old and new friend, HERE FOR YOU!
Love that little guy tonight and face what you gotta face tomorrow, as I already know you will do.
You have lifted me up, and I now lift you up, to love and peace and strength, my dear friend.

Hope all goes ok at the vets xx


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Wishing you and Leo the best possible outcome today! I'm waiting with everyone else to hear a positive update.

The vet isn't open for another 15 minutes. I couldn't be there right at open because I have kids to get off to school, but I'll call them as soon as they open.

I just got off the phone. I had a choice of an early appointment with my vet's office partner or an afternoon appointment with Dr. J. I'd rather see Dr. J., so we've got a 2:40 appointment.