30 year old sick greenwing

[crgansonia]

Three weeks ago our female greenwing that we have had for 30 years started acting weak and was getting thin. I took her to the vet. We were suspicious as we have 3 younger macaws and everbody started eating less. After consulting with the vet we thought it might be some kind of fungicide on pecans that we had purchased.

She has remained about the same but will not eat and I have been feeding her with a suringe bird formula about every 4 to 5 hours. A few days ago I discovered she cannot now extend her wing so it was back to the vet.

What we discovered is she has a tumor large between her top wing joint and her chest cavity on the ouside of the abdom which is making it impossible for her to use the wing. Vet says looks like cancer.

Vet claims she should be knocked out and exrayed and a biopsy performed. The fee would be around five hundred. Also claims she would have to go to the university of colorado if we considered having the tumor
removed even if it can. Guessing the cost would be around 2000 dollars.

On returning home she acted very weak and I dont know if she could take the anestetic for the biopsy or not. We are at a loss what to do next.

She has been a wonderfull girl and very sweet for the 30 years we have had her. We are guessing she is even older as she was a wild caught bird when we purchased her years ago.

crgansonia

 

[Turquoise]

Awww, so sorry to hear you sweet girl is having a bad time of it. I am sure it is a most difficult decision as to what you should do for her next. I can certainly understand your concerns about her being able to go through the biopsy.

I will keep you & your precious girl in my thoughts. And I so hope it all works out for her & you.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

My Harlow was sick last year and almost died, I went to 3 vets that knew nothing .Then ended up at a vet school {I had to know what it was] she was in awful shape I thought this was her last stop. What the other 3 vets were guessing and I mean guessing where way off. This school saved her life [ I look at her in disbelief everyday] that shes great. My suggestion go with your gut .Research ask the right questions .Get the x rays and ultrasound done [so you know for sure what it is ] Dont settle for their guesses.Good luck to you [I know how you feel I was in your shoes] Keep us updated.

 

[MonicaMc]

Sorry to hear your greenwing is sick!

My bourke parakeet, which is 16-18 years old (expected lifespan is 11-15) has cancer on her right foot. She had surgery two years ago to try and remove it, however the a-vet was unsuccessful. We didn't know it was cancerous back then and I had actually wanted her foot amputated, but listened to the vet instead. We didn't know it was cancer until we had the entire mass biopsied... it was biopsied before surgery and came back 'ok'.


She's prone to bacterial infections, and I've recently learned that I probably need to keep her on milk thistle for the rest of her life, even though she has no other health problems. Except for being low in albumin (blood-work was done while she was laying eggs), her blood-work came back fine! Milk thistle helps to keep her from getting sick, and if she does get sick, it allows her body to heal without the use of antibiotics.


Main point, the biopsy could give you a false negative, so please do think about this seriously!!!!

 

[Zazoothehahns]

While my bird experience is very limited and I joined this forum to learn more, living out in the country, we have owned many many animals. I live by a few simple rules, own only what you are able to afford, love and care for, there are only so many hours in the day. Love what you have and give them the best care you can, but know your limits. Take care of them in such a way that you have no regrets if you would have to say goodbye tomorrow, and last, sometimes we need to weigh out what is in the best interest of our beloved critters. If it is cancer, is it practicle to assume that it is in an area it can safely be removed and treated and can your greenwing make it through the recovery? It sounds like you love her very much, and in your heart you may have already made up your mind. There is no shame in evaluating the situation and knowing what is best for your girl, your family and your financial situation. She sounds like she has had a good life being loved and pampered, which is so much more than many other parrots or household pets have the opportunity to experience.
An X-ray does not sound too excessive if you decide you want to be certain, if she can handle it, but I think if I were in your shoes, I would have to say "is surgery even an option, is there other treatment?" I would be reluctant to do a biopsy if I knew surgery was not an option.

 

[Kiwibird]

I'm so sorry to hear your baby is so sick. It must be awful since she's been your buddy for 30 years. If it were my bird, I would definately consult with a second a-vet and then make a decision. Not discrediting your vet, but sometimes a second vet may have successfully treated something your vet hasn't encountered before and has some fresh ideas.

 

[Jtbirds]

I am really sorry to hear this and it is very hard, but id like to point out the quality of life factor. If you feel that knocking her under for the surgery will stress her out to much then your decision should be based on the quality she will live after the surgery. Will she function normally or suffer? I know this sounds blunt but this is what we ask people at the vet practice i intern at and it gives them a prespective to think about positives and negatives.

I would go with kiwi and say just get a 2nd look around and see what someone else may think, but all in all the decision is mainly upto you.

I agree about the biopsy topic where if they cant remove it and so on it isnt really worth it. Youll be spending money in hopes of finding out what it is, biopsys are pretty accurate but is it worth the hassle now? zazoo has a great point you have given her a life she may have never had without you so moving on may be the best thing for her and your family, i am not you and i am not trying to step on anyones toes but it is just my train of thought.

Let us know how you make out and what conclusions you come to as many many people on here will be willing to help and make worthy suggestions as to paths to take if you are confused or unsure.

 

[94lt1]

Its hard to lose one... For me any ways.. I always feel like I could've or should've done more... Even if i couldn't have..

This is tough... I can only tell you that we're here for you... And do what you feel is best for your friend and yourself...

 

[crgansonia]

Thanks for all the replys everybody I appreciate it. She was extremely weak last night and did not look good. I think she was in pain from the vet extending the wing as it droops pretty bad this morning but she acts alot better.

I called Colorado state university this morning and talked with a doctor campbell. He said the signs were not good but would definitely do a biopsy and make sure what we are dealing with. He also told me he has seen hemotomas that resembled tumors so writeing her off as going to die is not the best choice without the biopsy.

I owe her this much to find out so thats what I am going to do

crgansonia

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Thats right dont give up yet. What if its something you can treat. My first 3 vets said Harlow most likely had cancer [she didnt ] . They kept telling me I should make a decision [meaning put her down ] They all said that. I took her to a place I thought at least I would know what she had [and she was so weak ] It took a couple hours to get there. When they did all her tests [they checked her from head to toe] Once they found out, they knew exactly what to do.

 

[Jtbirds]

Ahh yeah f it is a hematoma it could end up looking similar, give her the benefit of the doubt and let us know! I really hope it is just a hematoma as that is a lot easier to fix.

 

[plax]

Thanks for all the replys everybody I appreciate it. She was extremely weak last night and did not look good. I think she was in pain from the vet extending the wing as it droops pretty bad this morning but she acts alot better.

I called Colorado state university this morning and talked with a doctor campbell. He said the signs were not good but would definitely do a biopsy and make sure what we are dealing with. He also told me he has seen hemotomas that resembled tumors so writeing her off as going to die is not the best choice without the biopsy.

I owe her this much to find out so thats what I am going to do

crgansonia

Hi crgansonia,

I'm very sorry to hear about the situation with your sweet girl . I believe the course of action you've chosen, to identify the mass and obtain a second opinion, is not only the correct one, but that it's most certainly the one she deserves!

Unfortunately some vets are too quick to speculate about causation and recommend euthanasia. A second opinion is a must in my view, and I think the diagnostics are absolutely warranted in your dear girl's case. Your baby is in need of and entitled to what you've decided to do for her. I hope you can feel some comfort in realizing this aspect of your situation.

Please continue to update us. I bid you and your sweet bird the best of good fortune and she shall remain in my thoughts.

Take good care

 

[crgansonia]

Re: Bad News

Well we got the bad news yesterday after taking xray of Lady. The tumor has encompased her wing joint next to the chest wall and the ball is actually been eaton away by what is cancer without a doubt.

I next have to submit the xray to coloradio university but I doubt she can be saved by removeing her wing as it is along her chest wall and the only internet listing I can find was on a scarlet with the same problem that died a hour after surgery from blood loss.

We are very sad, She is in good spirits but its sad that she has no idea that she is going to pass.

crgansonia

 

[Jtbirds]

I am very sorry to hear it is not what we had been hopeful of, you have done everything for this sweet girl and should feel no regrets. You provided her a hoem she may not have had, love she may not have had, chances she may not have had so you should be sooo proud of yourself for that. The reason she is being so good about all of this is you have given her everything and she knows this and accepts this i believe. Thank you for everything you have done for her and i am again severely sorry for what occured i wish it was different...

-sincerely justin

 

[Blancaej]

crgansonia - I am so so sorry you are having to go through this. I just saw the post tonight. I am sorry it was not the better news. It sounds like she has had a wonderful 30 years with you. I had to put my dog down a couple of years ago. I had her for 13 years. My friends and family reminded me often to remember that she had a great life with me, a full life. You did the same for Lady. I just adopted a greenwing, so your story tears at my heart strings. Sending virtual hugs your way. :5_sad:

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Crgansonia, Im soo sorry I think she knows how loved she is) Macaws are the most humanlike to me . You should feel good in this ,knowing that you were able to give her a happy life.

 

[plax]

crgansonia, I'm terribly sorry to learn the results of Lady's assessment. I can imagine how you must feel because two of my cherished Macaws have been with me for 32 years. They, too, happen to be wild caught birds. If/when their times come while I'm still on this planet, I'll surely feel unimaginable devastation. I dearly love each of my birds! It's easy to tell that you feel the same about Lady.

You are certainly doing all that you can for her and I'm sure that she feels quite loved. Please continue to treat her like the incredibly wonderful being that she is! I know you will.

If there are any further developments please let us know.

Lady will continue to be in my thoughts...

 

[Narkissios]

This made me cry, i couldnt imagin loosing my baby.

My heart goes out to you.

 

[crgansonia]

Thanks everybody lady is in good spirits but her wing hanging is really getting in her way. I need to find some way to hold her wing in so she can get around without catching it on everything.

I tried to figure 8 bandage it and also just tying the rear of the wing together but she just chews the wrap right off.

Anybody have any ideas?? I was trying to come up with something like a sock over her.

crgansonia

 

[Melandkids]

I have no advice to give because no experience or knowledge of these kind of things. But I can read the feelings in your words and wanted to say...I know you have loved and cared for your friend. I don't know the right thing to say or do but please know no matter what happens or choice you make.. You are making them out of true love for your feathered friend. Don't feel no guilt or blame. You have been a wonderful family to her. I will be saying a prayer that everything comes out ok.