Parakeet (blue) cyst

Question
Just got back from the vet with my blue parakeet C.J. (four years old).  C.J. has had a cyst on his breast that keeps filling up with ucky brown stuff.  The vet has drained the cyst twice 2 weeks apart, and given C.J. Vetisulid Powder, but the cyst keeps filling up.  Other than the cyst, C.J. is eating, playing, preening, singing (a lot!) and interacts with his partner Dusty and overall acts normal.  The vet has suggested as the next step (1) a drain put in to keep fluid down hoping it'd eventually dry up (2) surgery to clean out the cyst (he says the cyst does not appear to be attached to the bone).  I'm leary of surgery, but in your experience which of the two alternatives would be best - or is there another option??
Thanks, Jo Ann

Answer
Hi, JoAnn.

I'm not an avian veterinarian.  I also don't have any experience with this type of medical condition.  I'd do exactly what your bird vet recommends with your bird.  I'd shy away from surgery for as long as possible because most animals, including birds, often don't do well under anesthesia.  If your bird is healthy enough and the vet gives the correct amount of anesthesia, your bird might do just fine with surgery.  I think I'd try the drain first and if that didn't work, go for the surgery.

Chrys