Urgent Budgie Leg Problem- Sad Update Post #11

[Mzava6]

I have a budgie who was doing fine up until a few days ago. He would only hang out in the cage s food trays. I noticed it was weird when he would only stay inside the tray and not on the rims of the tray. I separated him from the others yesterday when I notice anothe one of my budgies was picking on him.as I was trying to get him I noticed he had almost no control over his right leg and claw. He would sometimes drag it and sometimes he would move it very briefly and with a lot of trouble. I immediately took him to the vet thinking that it might be broken or dislocated. The vet showed me that it wasnt broken but she says that it might be a tumor pressing on his nerves. Ive lowered his food and water to the ground as he's mostly there. He has no control over his right leg and needs to rest his head on either his food tray or the Sides of the cage to prop himself up. He can't fly either. I asked the vet if I could give him any medicine but all she gave me was a pain killer I've been Giving to him everyday, but nothing's changed. Do you guys know of anything else I can do or anything else it could be. The vet seemed a bit rushed as she had to , unfortunately, put a dog down.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sylvi_]

While I don't have too much advice, I'm sure others here at AA will chime in sooner or later, I can say if the leg is causing him pain and is no use to him; you may have to consider amputation. Birds with one leg can live normal lives, but need extra care. Lower cages, cushioning the bottom of the cage, platform perches. Though that's drastic, and I'd ask the vet again what the options are. Hopefully the painkiller helps the little one. Give him some time and keep a close eye. Good luck .

 

[Lady Jane]

This bird should be taken to an avian vet or an evaluation. Also may need pain medication as stated by previous response.

 

[rockybird]

I dont think your vet was much help. Did she have any suggestions for treatment? Is there an avian vet you can see? I'm sorry you and your little guy are going through this.

 

[iamwhoiam]

Sorry about your budgie. How knowledgeable is your vet when it comes to birds? You may want to seek out a 2nd opinion. Problem with leg/foot could be due to other things in addition to the suggested tumor. Hoping things get better.

 

[Mzava6]

Thank you very much for your posts. I've taken a few of my other bird to this animal hospital. The first time we were seen by a very patient and incredibly knowledgeable vet. She retired, though, and for my second visit We were seen by another vet. I called immediately after noticing a problem with my budgie, and asked if the avian specialist was seeing patients today, as she was only in the office a few days a week. The receptionist said yes and gave me an appointment. This time we were seen by yet another vet. The vet we were seen by is appenrently the avian and exotic pets specialist.

She didn't offer any other form of treatment. She said that tumors were common in budgies, something another of my budgies had also unfortunately experienced. All she recommended was lowering all his food and water and keeping him apart from the rest of his budgie friends. Its very hard to find an avian specialist where I live so I haven't been able to find another vet that's able to see him.

Thank you very much, again, hopefully the pain medication is at least taking some of the pain away.

 

[slinky-kitty]

I'm really sorry to hear about your budgie. It is a shame that you felt rushed at the vet and that you are unable to get a second opinion. Would an e-vet consultation be worth considering? How is your poor budgie doing? I hope the pain medication is helping.

 

[Mzava6]

I'm really sorry to hear about your budgie. It is a shame that you felt rushed at the vet and that you are unable to get a second opinion. Would an e-vet consultation be worth considering? How is your poor budgie doing? I hope the pain medication is helping.

It seems to be helping a bit. He was able to prop himself up a bit more today. He's been eating and drinking water normally, although he's definitely less active ( that's a given due to his condition) and very quiet.

I hadn't heard about e-vet consultations. I would definitely try it out if it meant getting a second opinion but I'm not sure where to look.

Again thank you very much for you responses. It's really nice to know that there are so many people the care about the health and happiness of our birdies

 

[slinky-kitty]

I'm sorry I don't know much about them either but have come accross people saying they have used in viewing threds. Perhaps you could start a thread and ask? Im sure there's a huge varition out there in terms of price and quality. The poor thing. Sending heartfelt thoughts your way.

 

[karen256]

Unfortunately you vet is right in that tumors are very common in budgies and can easily press on a nerve and cause paralysis like you are seeing. And surgery to remove tumors is very risky in birds as small as budgies even when the tumor isn't against a nerve. If it is a tumor, the best option really might be just to keep him comfortable.
However, since you aren't sure if it's a tumor, a second opinion might be good. It could be something else - perhaps an injury of some sort, or a stroke (birds can recover surprisingly well from strokes). Also it's good if you can determine if he's in pain or not. Paralysis is usually painless but it would depend on how the nerve is affected. If it's partly paralyzed by a stroke, then moving his legs around a little will help in his recovery, but of course you don't want to do that if it would case pain.

 

[Mzava6]

Thank you all for your help.
My birdie is no longer suffering, he passed away and is at peace.
It breaks my heart but I know it was for the best. His last days were in a peaceful, quiet,and warm environment where everybody in my house made sure he was as comfortable as he could be. He fought until the end and he died after I pet him for one last time.
Again thank you very much for everything. This community was an amazing support for my birdie and for me. Hopefully I'll come back soon with happier news.

 

[camelotshadow]

 

[Sylvi_]

Fly high above the rainbow little one. Find comfort in the fact he left peacefully and that you'll see him again one day.
Sending positive thoughts to you, and your family.

 

[Tyrion]

so sorry

 

[expressmailtome]

I am sorry for your loss.

Matt

 

[Chopper]

I am so sorry for you loss. You did the best that you could.

 

[sunnysmom]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

 

[Karen]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for making his time with you comfortable.

 

[rocky'smom]

They fly into Our Hearts and forever leave feather dust on our Souls.

 

[MzAnneThrope]

I'm sorry your little guy didn't make it, but I'm glad that he had someone as caring as you looking after him and making him comfortable. Thank you for doing everything you could for him.