Pigwidgeon's Prognosis

It saddens me to tell you this, but my baby Pigwidgeon definitely has cancer. It is testicular cancer, and while he has no swelling in his abdomen as of yet, Dr. Burkett said that the prognosis is not good. He's giving Piggy 3-6 months. So, we have definitely entered into a "budgie hospice care" stage with him.

I am upset even though I knew it was coming. I really do love him, even though he's only been in our lives about a month now (rescued!). There were some good things that came from the vet visit today. Pigwidgeon has gained weight (yay for not being underweight anymore!) and his beak has stopped growing as fast (perhaps his liver is doing much better now!).

Testicular cancer is typically seen in budgies that are inbred. This is a huge problem in pet stores. Many of the breeders they get these birds from allow inbreeding to happen. Little Pigwidgeon is only three years old! He's at the end of his life even though he should've/could've lived another 10-15 years! The biggest indication is his cere. It should be a beautiful blue color, but it is a dark brown. Later on down the line, Pigwidgeon will have trouble breathing and his tail bob will be the indication that it is getting hard for him.

Piggy is my first ever budgie. I love talking to him. He makes cute sounds back at me. He also sings in the mornings. Otherwise he is very quiet, unless the lovebirds are annoying him! He rides on my shoulder and sometimes will even let me get in there and preen his head good!

I will cry when he goes to heaven. Losing a pet is never easy. It makes me happy to imagine him in heaven with my Grandma though. She passed away last September, and in the last months of her struggle with ALS, one thing that always perked her up was when we brought over our birds!

Dr. B says this is a typical case and that there is nothing we can do but make him comfortable and give him the best months of his life. That, I know, we can do!