pancreatitis - what to do

[jsyamala]

Hello:

I have a bird who has had poor results on her pancreas tests and I am flipping out. Matilda (a green cheek conure) had symptoms of loose stools and feather plucking when we first took her to the vet. He had us change her pellets and change her cages. She seemed to be all better, no more itching and feather plucking, but when he retested her, it still reads bad for the pancreas. He is next doing a zinc test. There has been a delay so we have to wait until Monday to try and get the results. If it is not zinc, then he says she may have to see a specialist which is in the Bay area, 9 hours away. I am wondering what kind of financial outlay we are looking at if she has to get a biopsy and be treated for pancreas problems. Does anyone know? We already have financial issues and would have to evaluate whether to go to this specialist if it is a lot of money. We are trying to save money for a down payment for a house, and just finally got out of credit card debt, plus we have to support my husband's parents.
I know I have to wait and see what the vet says, but I thought I would go ahead and so some web research. Just the trip itself would be a cost, plus time off from work. I don't know if we would have to drive back several times or just go the one time and this biopsy procedure could be a lot of money.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks