PEARL Parrot Rescue: Emergency Medical Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

The money was used for hernia/tumor surgery for Tiki, the Moluccan cockatoo.

Without this funding, we would have not been able to afford the surgery, effectively putting Tiki into hospice care.

How many pets did this grant help?

1

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

Tiki is a beautiful 17-year-old Moluccan cockatoo who was surrendered to PEARL Parrot Rescue when her owner could no longer provide for her. Upon intake, we discovered a large mass on Tiki’s butt. We knew we had to get this sweet girl to the vet for testing right away. Our veterinarian ran multiple tests and discovered a massive hernia encasing Tiki’s organs. Without surgery to remove the tumor, Tiki’s intestines could lose their blood supply and she would die. It was determined that she would need to see a specialist.

On Jan. 18, 2018, she was taken to see an avian vet who specializes in operating on parrots — a rare specialist to find. Because of the location of the tumor and the effect it was having on her internal organs, the surgery was very risky and very costly. Initial quotes for the procedure ran upwards of $4,000, not including the $800 in diagnostic testing to get us to this point.

After the surgery, Tiki stayed at the surgery center for a total of 45 days, receiving subsequent surgeries to tighten loose skin that the tumor had stretched out. Now that she’s back in the rescue, we’re looking for a very special person to become her forever flock. We can tell she’s definitely feeling better because she never stops moving! Her favorite things to say are “I love you” and “pretty bird” and to whinny like a horse! Meet her: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/40617803