At this point I am desperate. I thought Pogo was on the road to recovery, but things have changed relatively fast in the last few weeks. I guess I'm going to try and limit his eating again, and go back to full dosage of the vitamin/iodine supplement. I had cut the dosage back to 1/2 strength after seeing him improve considerably before. Maybe slacking off has put him back to being in bad shape.

All I know is if I can't get this tumor to shrink by doing something, and if it keeps growing he's slowly going to be doomed from a losing battle.

I already know from talking with the Vet that surgery is a last resort that will most likely end up in him dying from the surgery do to the size. The Vet already said it was too big to remove because there will not be enough skin left to cover the wound, and that the lump look to intrusive to remove.


If there is something that is safe to try, then I'm willing to maybe try it. All I know, is doing nothing is going to result in him dying way sooner than he should. He's only 3-1/2 years old.

I have a feeling this lump may be more than just a "fatty tumor" ... it could be something that no diet or medicine could help at this point. But I'd like to hope something can help ... that's were I am at this point.

I'm sure you are making life as comfortable for him as can be.

You say you are going back to the Who suggested the supplement?

It is often the best thing to do - keep with what is working.

Lots of creatures live short lives - it is always hurtful when they are our dear ones.

Yes, Pogo is always on my mind and I'm constantly monitoring him.

The Aviation Vet.

Who Uses Vitamin and Iodine Supplements?

Update - I never did try any homeopathic substances at this point. Seems like this thing has really happened in a short time, and trying to research a possible cure hasn't proven anything definite at this point.

Pogo's lump is getting very large and he's having a hard time breathing it seems and a hard time getting around his cage now. I've changed some of the perches to make it easier for him to navigate. He's still eating, and even tries to play with his cat ball toys and bells now and then ... it's hard to watch knowing the shape he's in.

There is probably a lot of pressure on his little organs from this thing. I'm taking him to the Vet on Thursday, and I'm afraid I'm going to have to put him to sleep. I can't stand seeing him suffer more and more as this damn thing grows larger and larger. I hope Pogo understands that I don't want him to suffer, and that this is going to break my heart to no end. If the Vet thinks there is any chance of trying something, I will do it, but if they recommend euthanasia then I'm trying to get ready for that too.

I have been thinking about Pogo. Today I found myself looking up at the top of the page to see him beside Laker. It made me sad. I feel really badly for you both. I know you spent a lot of time with him & he really is a happy fellow - for all your attention & getting him everything he could want. I think you really opened my eyes to the potential of these birds - the way Pogo would play & how funny he was running around playing soccer.

We all start to blame ourselves at this point - wishing we could have been better some how. I still do it when I think about Laker. Try & remember his joy too. Life isn't fair and is short, no matter how we try to pretend it isn't.

My sympathies to you & Pogo. I can't really express how I feel right now.

Scott, I am sending healing prayers for sweet little Pogo, I had hoped that he was well and so sorry to hear that the swelling has returned. It is very hard to make the difficult decision to relieve his pain, even when you know it's time for you both that you won't have to.

Yes, I've noticed that photo too ... kind of ironic in a way. Maybe Laker and Pogo will meet someplace beyond this Earth.

Jac & Big Blues ... thanks so much for the kind words.

I've uploaded a few photos showing how large poor Pogo's lump has become. The first photo shows him after the lump had gone way down and he was back to playing with his toys like he did when he was younger.

Photo 1 - Pogo's lump after is shrunk to about 1/3 original size after changing his diet and started some iodine/vitamin supplements back in late June 2009. He had a complete turn around from late June until Mid November. This photo was taken 10/3/09. Around mid to late November, the lump started growing again at a very fast rate for no apparent reason.
http://www.parrotchatter.com/gallery...m/DSCF4572.JPG

Photo 2 - Pogo's lump on 12/22/09. It's so large and hard that it makes me sick to look at it. I know it must be pushing on his organs and air sac, etc. His breathing is very shallow and rapid while just sitting.
http://www.parrotchatter.com/gallery...m/DSCF4716.JPG

Photo 3 - Pogo's lump on 12/22/09. He has a hard time walking because it rubs on the ground when he stands. He can stand on his perches, but it's hard for him to get around. He can't fly much due to his heavy weight. He's such a trooper ... even though I know he doesn't feel good, he still can't resist playing with his toys when they are near.
http://www.parrotchatter.com/gallery...m/DSCF4730.JPG

I've also noticed that the color in his cere has been changing. The bright blue has started to turn almost a dark gray on the bottom of the cere area. You can see this in Photo #3.

scott, i'm so sorry about pogo's lump... i have to admit i wasn't prepared for the size of it before i looked at the photos... poor poor baby.
i agree with jac - make him as comfortable as you can.... and you will know what to do.

i'll keep you both in my thoughts

I stayed home from work today to be with Pogo the whole day. I'm afraid that tomorrow will be his last day with me as we have an appointment with the avian vet at 1 pm. I've been crying today over this already ... I hope I can hold it together somewhat tomorrow. I know he's not feeling good and he's starting to fall off his perches a few times a day because it's hard for him to maneuver with that damn lump. I've been holding him and telling him I love him, and how such a good bird he is.

Pogo truly has been the most loving, smart, tame and playful Budgie I've ever had. I'm praying for a miracle, but deep down I'm preparing for the worse of losing him.

Moirana - thanks for your thoughts and prayers.