I think Bluey has it.

Is it really bad or treatable?

I'm not sure if there's a treatment or not but i'm pretty certain that it's not uncommon and many budgies live for a long time after diagnosis and have very happy, normal live.

What makes you think he has it?

Edited January 11, 200619 yr by eterri

yes that was my question, and cancer period is pretty dangerous, if a male human has it well there are 2 options radiation or well we know the other one.

Because his cere has changed clour from blue to brown and the vet says that could possibly be why.

yep I read your other post

 

okay, I was reading up and it can also be a nutritional deficiency so my question is

 

what does your budgie eat?

How old is your budgie?

 

It does sound like a testicular tumor since the cere has changed to brown. How long have you had Bluey? I think this is an issue that you need to discuss in detail with your avian veterinarian. Personally, I've not heard of any treatments for this particular type of tumor but I do know that sometimes a good healthy diet can go a long way. If nothing else, it may help your budgie feel better. What type of diet is he on now?

He is 6 and has always been on an all seed diet yes I know thats really bad but I didnt know that was a bad thing until I joined the forums. Hes been eating veggies for about 6 weeks now since I discovered the lump and joined the forums. He never used to like veg so I didnt feed him them but I persevered and he is now eating it. He has approx 3 teaspoons of seed a day and he also eats his greens such as spinach broccoli and beans.

We've all been in that place where we don't know what's best for our birds. It doesn't help that most pet stores don't know either. And most budgie books give out really bad information as well. It sounds like you've really improved his diet now so that is very good.

 

I know the outlook for a budgie with testicular tumors isn't good but I'm not sure just how quickly it can become a more serious problem. Have a talk with your vet, don't be afraid to ask him/her questions. And if they don't seem to have the answers, find another vet.

The vet seemed to know what he was talking about in general but not when I was asking him advice on what to do next. He seemed to have an interest in larger birds rather than budgies. His answers were all sort of "well hes at that age now..." and "leave it and see how he goes....". and "keep up what youre doing...". He didnt give me much advice really.

The only problem is that he is the closest avian vet in the area - 30 miles away. The next vet I think is at least a few hours drive

30 miles is actually pretty close compared to how far many people have to travel for the avian vet. Maybe you could just give them a call, explain what your vet has already told you and the situation with Bluey and see if the vet would mind giving you an idea of what to do and what to expect? I don't see the point in taking him in unless the vet feels something can be done so a phonecall will give you an idea of if it's even worth the trouble.

Ive just rang the next closest avian vet who is 80 miles away - but he doesnt specialise in budgies either and isnt aware of anyone who does.

Hes going to do some research and has told me to ring him back in an hour.

Its so frustrating that I cant find anyone as budgies are popular pets and there doesnt seem to be anyone who knows much about them.

An avian vet specilizes in birds in general. They shouldn't need to specialize in budgies to know what's going on or what to tell you. It's hard enough to find avian vets... I can imagine it would be near impossible to find one that is a budgie specialist as well (which would only mean they have tons of budgie experience as I don't even know that a budgie specialist techincally exists). Are you positive these are avian vets and not just small animal (dog/cat) vets?

Yes they are - Ive found them on the avian website links.

The vet I mentioned earlier has just rang me back to say that the only option would be an op if it gets any worse but its not really worth the risk

He said himself that he specialises in wild birds ie swans and owls.

He said "Im afraid the outlook is bleak" I feel sick when I think about it, poor baby.

I'm sorry to hear that. I was hoping they could give you an idea of life expentancy with that condition but I guess it probably depends on a lot of different factors.

 

Spoil him, keep feeding him healthy and take it one day at a time. He may be around a lot longer than you think. Is he still pretty active healthy-looking aside from the brown cere?

Hes as active as ever. he never stops literally, and I mean both moving and chirping

I just hope when the time comes its quick and with no suffering.

I think sometimes ignorance is bliss - I think I would rather not know, especially if theres no treatment available

hugs

That's great that he's still feeling fine, that's all that matters then. There might come a time when he will need help passing into the next life but take comfort in the fact that it can be fast, painless, and comforting for him.

 

But hopefully that's in the distant future. Right now it sounds like he's a happy little budgie (thanks to you)! If I find out anything else about this condition I'll let you know.

Thanks so much for your help (everyone)