Budgie with chest swelling - looking for advice

[Idknww1]

I have 5 budgies, all around 2.5 years old. One of my female budgies has developed a swelling on her chest and swelling around one of her eyes.

I first noticed the swelling around her eye about 2 weeks ago. More recently, I noticed that the swelling on her chest had become more noticeable, so we took her to a vet.

The vet suspects that it could be an infection or a tumor/mass and mentioned that it may be putting pressure on her air sacs and could cause breathing difficulties. They recommended further tests, including an X-ray and taking a sample, and said surgery might be needed depending on the results. The estimated cost could become quite high.

The vet also said that she is weak and that, because budgies are very sensitive, there could be risks with treatment as well as without treatment. For now, they have only given her a multivitamin.

She is still eating and currently seems relatively okay, although I do feel that something may be bothering her.

We are hoping to get a second opinion from an experienced avian vet and understand the situation more clearly, while also trying to find treatment that is within our financial limits.

Any advice, experiences, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We really want to do what we can for her. Thank you.

 

[AMD93]

Hi, have not been thru this myself, but I would definetly get a 2nd opinion. Wishing you the best and your little budgie.

 

[wrench1391]

so budgies ARE fragile, sensitive and very tiny. Surgery, anesthesia and such are pretty stressful. Second opinion for sure then carefully consider.

 

[Idknww1]

so budgies ARE fragile, sensitive and very tiny. Surgery, anesthesia and such are pretty stressful. Second opinion for sure then carefully consider.

Yeah, I understand. We're planning to get a second opinion before deciding anything. Thank you for the advice!

 

[Idknww1]

Quick Update: I saw another vet today and he referred me to an avian specialist tomorrow. He felt there might be something going on with her crop, as it feels like a soft, liquid-filled balloon, which seems different than what the 1st veterinarian said. Hopefully the specialist can figure it out and treat her accordingly.

 

[AMD93]

PLEASEEEEE....keep us posted on what the Avian vet has to say. Since I have a senior Budgie myself, my heart really goes out to you. As was mentioned they are really delicate little birds.

 

[Idknww1]

UPDATE
I took her to the avian specialist today and they examined her. They said she has a lot of bacteria and fungi inside, and she’s really weak, skinny and dehydrated. They gave us antibiotics, liver and kidney supplements, anti fungal and an anti-inflammatory medication and also advised for some dietary changes.They wanted to keep her hospitalized since she’s in critical condition, but we couldn’t afford the hospitalization, so we brought her home and are following her treatment as instructed. Really hoping she responds well and starts getting better soon...

 

[AMD93]

Thank you for the updates. Keep us posted on her progress....poor baby!

 

[Idknww1]

Hi everyone, I wanted to give an update on my budgie Twinkle and get some advice.

Twinkle was seen by an avian vet because she had swelling on one side of her chest/body, swelling around her eye, weakness, and had become less active. At the specialist appointment, we were told she was very weak, underweight, and dehydrated, and that she had a bacterial + fungal infection.
A Gram stain from September 17 showed bacteria and yeast in her crop, as well as bacteria in her cloaca. A repeat Gram stain on September 25 still showed gram-negative rods, gram-negative cocci and yeast (++).

The vet recommended 7 days of hospitalization, but unfortunately we can't afford it. They gave us another 3 days of medication to continue at home, and we have another appointment on Saturday.
The encouraging part is that her swelling has decreased and she is noticeably more active now, which has given us a lot of hope that she can recover fully.

The vet also said Twinkle is underweight. So, I had also changed his diet just a week ago according to the diet given by the vet yet he is still at 32 g. For those who have had an underweight budgie, what did you do to help them maintain or safely gain weight while recovering from an illness?

Thank you

 

[AMD93]

So GLAD to her that TWinkle is doing better. Not sure about what to use to help gain weight, but maybe parrot formula would help. Hoping others will have some advice.

 

[Idknww1]

I’m glad she’s doing better too. I’ll look into parrot formula and see what others suggest too!

 

[Idknww1]

Twinkle has fully recovered! We got good news from the vet today, there was no bacteria found in her droppings, and only a very small amount was found in her mouth. The vet gave her a probiotic to help maintain a healthy bacteria balance.

I’m truly grateful for all the support, advice, and kind words throughout Twinkle’s recovery. Thank you to everyone who checked in and helped us along the way. It means so much to us!!

 

[AMD93]

YEAH! I am so happy for Twinkle and for you!