Cancer in Finches

For concerns related to avian illness and wellbeing.
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Zebrafincher
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Cancer in Finches

Post by Zebrafincher » Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:16 am

My little Star Finch, Fruit, is undergoing surgery today. He's had a long issue with his preening gland being impacted - and two previous surgeries. Now they tell me it might be cancer or a tumor as its been growing very quickly and bleeding. Does anyone have any experience with growths/tumors and recurrances with finches or canaries? My finch is 9.5 grams and has survived several operations already. It may not be this, but I'm very attached to my little finch! He's a sweetie

ranchnanny
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by ranchnanny » Tue Feb 05, 2013 3:35 am

Sorry your bird is going thru surgery... [-o<
I don't think I have ever heard of birds getting cancer.. I sure hope all goes well......Blessings to you both. [-o<
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Abigail
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by Abigail » Tue Feb 05, 2013 3:56 am

Awh, how sad....I hope everything turns out OK!

debbie276
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by debbie276 » Tue Feb 05, 2013 6:14 am

:( best of luck
Debbie
long time breeder of lady gouldians:
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SF Pastel (SF Yellow)
Pastel (Yellow)
Blue
SF Pastel Blue (SF Yellow Blue)
Pastel Blue (Yellow Blue)

GREAT articles on avian lighting:
https://mickaboo.org/confluence/downloa ... ummary.pdf
http://www.naturallighting.com/cart/sto ... sc_page=56

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lyzzyjayne
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by lyzzyjayne » Tue Feb 05, 2013 6:43 am

Please let us know. :(
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Ria
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by Ria » Tue Feb 05, 2013 8:11 am

Sorry to hear about your little guy, hope he does well!

Yes, birds can get cancer. A lot of people don't bother to treat for little ones like finches; they are so delicate, and treatments are so expensive. Just like humans, there are a variety of cancers they can get. Somewhere on this forum, our member cindy posted links to the Merck Veterinary Manual, and one with avian medicine. I know the avian med one talks about cancer, I've read portions of it. I'll see if I can ferret out the link for you...

give this a try:

http://www.avianmedicine.net/ampa/43.pdf

and hopefully the Merck manual:

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index ... m_list.htm

I hope they work, you may need to copy and paste them into your browser instead. Good luck!
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Zebrafincher
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by Zebrafincher » Tue Feb 05, 2013 8:58 pm

Thankyou all for this. Fruit came through the operation OK and I should be able to take him home tonight. The vet will give me some advice about caring for him - medication and anti-bacterial/disinfectyant cream for him. I'm wondering whether they'll place an elizabethan collar on him~! They are so cute! I love my little bird. !!!!

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carlamay
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by carlamay » Tue Feb 05, 2013 9:25 pm

So glad he made it through - one tough little bird! Prayers to you both...
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henrietta
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by henrietta » Tue Feb 05, 2013 9:59 pm

Yay! I'm so glad he's okay!! :] He is one lucky bird to have you as his owner!!
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Zebrafincher
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by Zebrafincher » Tue Feb 05, 2013 11:06 pm

Fruit is a sweetie. He's a kinda cranky bird, a bit like my canary, Kevin. He's six - which is middle aged or so, I guess for a finch. He's outlived three other Zebra finches and currently lives with an ongoing relationship with his reflection in the mirror. I have another star finch, Merlin, who gets on better with Kevin, my Canary.

debbie276
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by debbie276 » Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:42 am

Wonderful news!
best of luck
Debbie
long time breeder of lady gouldians:
Green
SF Pastel (SF Yellow)
Pastel (Yellow)
Blue
SF Pastel Blue (SF Yellow Blue)
Pastel Blue (Yellow Blue)

GREAT articles on avian lighting:
https://mickaboo.org/confluence/downloa ... ummary.pdf
http://www.naturallighting.com/cart/sto ... sc_page=56

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Angeldov222
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by Angeldov222 » Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:11 pm

awww..........hes so lucky to have u...........all the best :) :)
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Zebrafincher
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Re: Cancer in Finches

Post by Zebrafincher » Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:29 pm

Well Fruit is back at Home and doing well. They had to trim off his tail for the operation but it should grow back. He's a very tired little bird! Spent all of last night eating! He looks like a little chicken with no tail!

Thanks all! :)

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