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Birds--General/Parakeet (blue) cyst

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Expert: - 6/16/2007


Question
Just got back from the vet with my blue parakeet C.J. (four years old).  C.J. has had a cyst on his breast that keeps filling up with ucky brown stuff.  The vet has drained the cyst twice 2 weeks apart, and given C.J. Vetisulid Powder, but the cyst keeps filling up.  Other than the cyst, C.J. is eating, playing, preening, singing (a lot!) and interacts with his partner Dusty and overall acts normal.  The vet has suggested as the next step (1) a drain put in to keep fluid down hoping it'd eventually dry up (2) surgery to clean out the cyst (he says the cyst does not appear to be attached to the bone).  I'm leary of surgery, but in your experience which of the two alternatives would be best - or is there another option??
Thanks, Jo Ann

Answer
Hi, JoAnn.

I'm not an avian veterinarian.  I also don't have any experience with this type of medical condition.  I'd do exactly what your bird vet recommends with your bird.  I'd shy away from surgery for as long as possible because most animals, including birds, often don't do well under anesthesia.  If your bird is healthy enough and the vet gives the correct amount of anesthesia, your bird might do just fine with surgery.  I think I'd try the drain first and if that didn't work, go for the surgery.

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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