fatty tumors, ingrown feathers, cysts? pics..

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

Sammy- 13 yr old senegal parrot, not sexed. Has plucked for unknown reasons for several years. I recently moved her to her own private residence.

I check her daily for new feather growth, and was caught off guard this morning to see 2 'growths'..one on each leg. Both are 'chicken fat' in color, and are very hard. Approximately .2cm each, not of defined shape.


Any ideas? I know that a visit to the vet is in order, but also want to hear from the residents here who know quite a bit about birds...\

[basketbagley]

oh Sammy! are you trying to worry your momma!!!

Wish I could help Lissa, but I can send my prayers and well wishes! I pray everything is ok!

[Alika]

I don't know what it is, as, obviously, I am not a vet.

However, I know that it is possible for birds to develop fat tumors, or lipomas, that harden. But I think this is usually caused by poor diet (a diet high in seeds and other fattening foods), and if you've had him his entire life and are sure he has a good diet, I wouldn't think it would be an issue.

I doubt its life threatening, so I wouldn't say an emergency visit is in order, but I would definitely try to get him in during the next two weeks sometime.

I'm curious to hear more about this.

[Regina U.]

Lissa,
I wish I knew what it could be. All I can do is send you my support. I know you are worried. Any idea yet of what it is?


Regina

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

I talked to Nanc this morning, and she and I seem to agree...it is most likely a feather cyst, and a visit to the vet to be sure is in order.

Sammy is on about the best diet I could expect her to eat..she is given a well rounded diet that includes limited dry fruits, veggies, beans, rice, assorted seeds, nuts, and pellets..the plucking started several years ago following my taking a vacation..she's been vetted ( I've always called her 'her') and deemed healthy, so I've done my best with what I have...

Anywho- I'll let you know what the Vet says when I get the appointment..doesn't it figure that I've got a full schedule..!

[Regina U.]

Lissa,
Please let me know how you make out at the vet.


Hugs,
Regina

[Doubleyolk]

Lissa good luck with your Vet visit.

Is the Vet you use the one that had the write-up in Bird Talk. If so is she located on RTE 2a on the left heading West (Littleton Animal Hospital). I'm looking for one for well check-ups.

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

Yep-

That's Dr. Kilgore's place. They really are wonderful folks there and take bird care very seriously..clean towels with every bird, tech on hand to hold the bird..

You'll be happy there..

I will be honest with you Joe- the only time I use a vet is if something is 'wrong' ( or appears to be). I prefer to keep healthy birds at home and away from any possible infections. Koko went for a 'well bird' exam when I first brought him home from PetCo.

Easiest way to get to her is 495 south..take the 2a exit- she's about 1/2 mile down on the left hand side. Red building next to the gas station. If you hit the car wash, you've gone just a bit too far..she's sandwiched between a Y intersection. Not difficult to get to at all..

[Doubleyolk]

Thanks Lissa I go past there 2 or 3 times a week on my way to Shirley.

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

LOL I keep forgetting you drive a truck!!

Thought of you yesterday as I drove by the Edaville exit on my way home...

Shirley is only about 15 minutes from me...