Tough day for The Captain and Gail

We have a 4 year old black shoulder peacock that we call "The
Captain". He is a beautiful bird that we got from Richard at
Pop's Coops. A couple of weeks ago I noticed that on eye was
glassy and somewhat swollen. I called Richard for advice and
he believed that it could be simusitis so we treated with Tylan.
No improvment. We talked to different people etc. and the problem
got worse. We were finally able to get to the U of S small
animal clinic emergency. Turns out it is a mass in the orbital
socket. We must love our birds since the exam was $105.00 then
they need a scan to see how big the mass is and how extensive -
another $200.00. Turns out the mass is restricted to the orbital
socket - good new. Eye may be able to be saved but recommended
removing everything - $350.00-$400.00. Since they are unsure of
the reason for the mass a biopsy is recommended - $100.00. By
the time we are done I will have a wife (Gail) who is a complete
wreck while this is going on and a beautiful bird with one eye
and a huge vet bill. As I said we LOVE our birds. The Captain
is in surgery right now and we expect to hear back by noon as
to how it went.

Rick you sure do go the extra mile for your stock.
You sound a lot like me, my vet just shakes his head when I call in with a "unique" case, but he takes it all in stride and doesnt overcharge me.
I hope your peacock, the Captain pulls through surgery ok, and that Gail can rest once he is home safe and sound.

Just a quick update. Captain is out of surgery after almost 3 hours.
He lost more blood than the Dr. would have liked but he came
through it OK. He is still grogy since they have him medicated for
pain. They are holding him until Friday. Gail and I leave tomorrow
to do 3 back to back trade shows in Edmonton so the wonderful
neighbor that is looking after my birds while I am gone is going to
pick him up and look after him for us while we are gone. You have to
love Saskatchewan - people that were complete strangers when we moved
here in '06 are willing to do whatever they can to help out people that
are in a jam. Congrats to all you native Saskatchewanites - you truly
are "salt of the earth".

Glad the surgery went well and I hope Captain has a speedy recovery

Rick, you have my respect. I have also followed the same path a you, for a special bird. Some may call it crazy, but you just feel it is the right thing to do. I am glad the Captain made it through surgery and is recovering. I hope you and your wife can rest assured he will be much more comfortable after he heals. Good on ya, and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Rick, you have my utmost respect. I too go the extra mile for my birds and animals. My vets love it when I bring in something unique for them to look at. I could sleep at nite if I didn't. I hope Captain has a speedy recovery and gets home soon. Lou

BTW, was Dr Swekala on the case? I know he is doing exotics now, or was it Dr Parker?

Susan not sure of Dr. name - female French last name.

Thanks to all who gave their best wishes. Gail and I are off first
thing in the morning and of course will be in touch with Doug (our
neighbor) daily to check on the Captain.

Thanks again and will keep you posted when we get back.

LOL

Wishing the Captain a full and speedy recovery!

Rick if your neighbor needs my help please have him call me