Xanthoma in wing of sun conure

[cattofink]

I am new to the forum but hoping to get information to help in the care of my beloved sun conure, Simon. About a month ago Simon flew into a wall. At the time he seemed fine. A couple of days later he mutilated his wing. Not just plucked but turned it into a bloody mess. Emergency trip to our avet who xrayed and bandaged it and started him on antibiotics. Though there was no sign of a break we could see some inflammation and assumed that he had bruised the wing or possibly caused some nerve damage when he hit the wall. Brought him home and put him in the hospital cage. The next morning he had mutilated his neck and leg on the same side as the wing injury. Back to the vet. More bloodwork, bandaging, fitting him for a collar. We also started him on gabapentin, a drug that helps with neuropathies. After a week we were able to take the collar off as long as I kept him in a sock sweater. The neck and leg healed beautifully but the wing was not doing so well. Our vet tried several treatment modalities (silver, sugar bandages, collagen matrix) but the wound would not heal. On our most recent visit she discovered a xanthoma in his wing. Don't know if it was caused by the trauma or was there all along and just got big enough to visibly see. In addition to the tumor there is more necrosis present in the wound area. My vet is suggesting wing amputation and, based on my understanding of the situation I think it is probably the best option for my guy but hate the idea of him losing his wing. He's only three and loves to fly. But better one wing than dead from infection. I would appreciate advice on helping him (and me) through the surgery and recovery process.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Edie and Simon

 

[Dinosrawr]

I'm very sorry to hear about your tribulations with Simon Just curious though, what did the blood panel test for? More often than not, plucking has a lot to do with an internal problem rather than a neurotic issue. The reason I ask is because xanthoma is often a secondary illness rather than an issue on its own, and chances are it became more noticeable because the infection wasn't able to be fully treated (hence more necrotic skin). To me, the suggestion of amputation is because the treatment for the infection can't be identified at the moment, and amputation is a way to ensure it doesn't escalate and become fatal. I'm no vet, but that's my basic understanding of the situation.

I know very few individuals with parrots with amputated wings, and actually seem to know more with an amputated foot or two. Suggestion wise, I would imagine a hospital tank and no climbing for quite some time, and a lot of teaching him that flying simply won't be an option anymore. Be prepared for a bird that you will have to cater to often, especially considering he's a sun conure. And try to set up play areas (if you haven't already) that he can get to by climbing from the ground, his cage, and other areas.

Hopefully someone else who knows more and has more experience can also help. Once again, very sorry to hear about Simon

 

[ruffledfeathers]

I'm so sorry to hear about this. Sadly I also don't have any educated input because I have no experience with this. But I'm wondering, isn't a xanthoma a benign tumor? Can they just remove the tumor itself and the bird can keep his wing? Or is there any possible other treatment before amputation?
You may have already gone over all this with your vet but I think I'd make a list of as many questions as I had first and get them all answered and think about it.
Hope your bird surprises you and comes around quickly without surgery.

 

[cattofink]

Thank you Dinosawr and Ruffled feathers. Yes, the amputation is because the infection refuses to come under control despite changing antibiotics, bandaging techniques, etc. It has not become systemic but every week there is more necrotic tissue. The vet did look for under laying conditions. His blood work shows that his liver and other internal organs are in good shape. Interestingly his cholesterol is at a good level which is surprising since he has a xanthoma (which is usually related to high cholesterol and fat levels). Simon came to us about a year ago and has been on Harrisons, veggies, and fruit. I do use seeds for some training exercises but they account for tiny percentage of his diet. Before coming to us he was on an all seed diet so perhaps the tumor got its start back then?

Despite being fairly small as these things go, the xanthoma is entwined with nerves and blood vessels. Removing it would be extremely difficult and the chances of him having any useful function in the wing is very small. That in addition to the ongoing infection makes it clear to me at this point that the amputation the best chance he has for long term survival.

It has been very helpful getting my thoughts together by writing these posts. I will try to keep an on going journal of our experience with wing amputation and the recovery process in hopes that it will be helpful to others in the future. And to be honest, it will help me to share the experience.

On a lighter note-my beloved Umbrella too, Luna, is grumpy that Simon is getting so much attention so she has started carrying her wing at an angle as if it too were bandaged. She would get more sympathy if she didn't keep switching wings but good heavens is it funny!

 

[Dinosrawr]

Poor Simon Wing amputation is never fun, but you're right - he's essentially lost function of it anyways. He'll adjust, they're incredible adaptive animals. And I'm sure he's certainly enthralled with all the attention!

As for Luna... hahahahaha! That's hilarious! Cockatoos are phenomenal. They're such a barrel of fun

 

[Mimsy01]

I'm sorry that you and Simon are having such a rough run. I don't have anything to add, except my sympathy for the situation.

Luna made me laugh however, what a little goof.

 

[cattofink]

Thanks for the support and sympathy. I am going to focus on the positive and doing everything I can to make this go well for Simon. Got an email from the avet this morning requesting that I try to help Simon gain a few grams back before surgery. At the beginning of this he was at 116 grams. At his lowest he went down to 101. Today he is at 106. According to my avet he can have any parrot safe food he will eat that will get calories into his little body. I just fed him home made almond and cashew butter with apple chunks and I think he may have been purring... Just made a batch of bird bread with extra egg yolk and sunflower seeds in it. It makes sense that it is all about the calories now but eventually weaning he off this diet is going to be tough. Before he came to us he was an all seed and junk food bird and he did not take the conversion to Harrison's and fresh food well when he was in good health. Oh well, that is a worry for later. Any suggestions for high calorie, tempting treats would be appreciated.

Oh, and Luna (U2) and Sasha (goffins) can clearly smell the yummy treats and are calling for their share. I am literally hiding Simon's servings or feeding him in another room to prevent the drama queens from throwing complete fits and demanding more of the good stuff.

 

[Mimsy01]

He might love banana's and mangos, it's a favorite here and some of the higher caloric fruits. Maybe yogurt with the fruit in them? Sweet potato for a higher calorie veggie maybe. You could mix the above with higher calorie grains and nuts, maybe even add some honey for more calories and taste. Foo loves cinnamon and cayenne pepper-so maybe sprinkling that one things you want him to eat.

How about parrot formula, like you would give to babies? Maybe make it and add some oatmeal, banana and nuts?

Good luck!

 

[cattofink]

The parrot formula is a great idea! I used that to convince him to try Harrison's and it worked very well then so I'm sure it will now. It being summer I hadn't really thought of doing a warm dish but I suspect he will love it and find it soothing. Thank you so much Mimsy--I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[jezport1]

I've heard miraculous things about dressing wounds with manuka honey. It may be worth a last try before surgery.

 

[SilverSage]

I'm very sorry for your situation, but I agree that if amputation will stop the infection from killing him, it is the way to go. I have met a few birds with only one wing, and they hardly seem to notice any more than if they had two wings and were clipped, though I am sure it is a big adjustment when it happens.

 

[Allee]

Edie, I'm so sorry to hear about Simon, I know it will be hard to watch him go through a wing amputation but it sounds like the best option by far. Parrots are amazingly adaptable and I'm sure Simon will have all the love and support he needs to get through this.

I'm glad you have Luna and Sasha to make you laugh during a difficult time. Cockatoos are very talented when it comes to comic relief.

I'm looking forward to lots of positive updates. You and Simon are in my thoughts.