A couple of months a go, our 5 year old budgie hurt his foot - I think he must have caught it on something. We got the vet to come and see him, and were given anti-inflammatory and painkiller medication, and this medication was backed up by an avian vet. He still doesn't put too much weight on his right foot, but it has improved - I guess it is a long process. However, since then he seems to have gone all quiet, and is constantly puffed up and subdued. he is still friendly and affectionate, and still flies around to see us, but he has stopped being chatty. he is only 5.5 years old, so I don't know if this is old-age - but it's sad to see him like this, as he normally has a huge personality. His appetite is fine.

Any ideas?

Edited February 2, 200619 yr by ianbroz

has he been back to the vet for a follow-up? I would take him back to an avian vet that you trust in. It doesn't sound right, like maybe there was more injury from the visible eye. Plus if he is acting fluffed up, and quiet he could have an infection (maybe not in the foot) but somewhere else in his body (could have spread). Not to be an alarmist, but I do think a follow-up to the vet is in order.

definitely a trip to the avian vet is in order. hope he gets well soon.

Thanks all. We've got an appointment to take him to the avian vet

Budgies live between 10 to 15 years if treated right so he is not "Old" middle aged

:budgiedance: I hope the little guy is back to himself 100% really soon, Make sure you keep us updated on his progress.. Goodluck to the both of you

Cheers :beer:

Una

Thanks all - we'll keep you updated

 

:budgiedance:

I'm afraid this story has a very sad ending. The vet identified that he had lost weight, and they kept him overnight to run some blood tests and x-rays. When they x-rayed him they found a large tumour (probably testicular), and they gave us the option of either putting an end to his discomfort, or going through surgery with a 50/50 chance of surviving the operation. We obviously took those odds and on Tuesday he went to be operated on. The vet successfully removed the tumour, but just as they were stiching him up, his poor little body couldn't take the shock and he passed away. He was an extremely special bird, and was much loved by everyone who met him. This also highlighted to us the importance of seeing an avian vet for diagnosis, rather than any other vet. Being in London, and north of the river Thames, there are no avian vets at all, so we had to go a long way to find one, but the diagnosis we had received from 2 other vets (non-avian) was awful - they thought he had a bad foot and prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain-killers. Apparently if we had taken him to the avian vet earlier, the tumour would have been smaller and the shock of removal might have been more manageable - Spike may still be with us.

Thanks all for your help and support - our little friend Spike is in budgie heaven now, and we miss him hugely.

Edited February 10, 200619 yr by ianbroz

OMG!! I am so sorry for your loss. at least your little guy is at peace now.

 

Lots of love

Terribly sorry for the loss of your much loved Spike. I am sure everyone here would feel for you at this time :grbud:

I am so sorry, I know it hurts inside. Your actions showed you loved this little one so much, and know that he knew that till the last breath. He is now at Rainbow Bridge waiting for you and flying free with no pain. Hugs

I'm so sorry. You truly did do everything to help him though, many people wouldn't have tried the surgery.

I'm so sorry to hear this. The first thing I thought of when you mentioned the bad food was a tumor. It seems to be a really common symptom and while budgies can live for 10-15 years, sometimes it's just in their genes to have complications at a younger age. You did so much for him, I'm sure he knew he was very loved.

So sorry to hear that things didn't work out. But, be happy that you did all the necessary things that needed to be done and you rate a million per cent on the good people meter above all of people that dump their birds or don't do anything at all. May the happy memories comfort you. :angel1:

Thanks everyone for your kind words. He was, indeed, a most loved budgie - luckily we have a lot of good memories, and know that he's no longer suffering.