![Main fundraiser photo](https://images.gofundme.com/KTI2EVw7HWfNjLAp5JM1GvDN8L4=/720x405/https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/71021077_1675967133638281_r.jpeg)
Donate to help Ruby
Donation protected
Ruby the eclectus parrot is the sweetest little thing. I completely fell in her with her the minute she stepped up on my hand for the first time (and I think all of you that had a chance to meet her did as well).
In the time I had her she was eating and defecating normally, and showed no signs that anything was wrong. Tuesday evening, she was out spending time with me and acting 100% normally.
When I came in on Wednesday morning, I immediately knew something was wrong. Ruby was lethargic, drinking a lot of water and had some diarrhea, so I rushed her to the vet.
After some X-rays and diagnostics, it was determined that she has pneumonia. I immediately blamed myself. But because I have had her for less than 2 weeks, I was able to give the vet great detail of everything she's eaten, drank, and everything I've done with her in that time. Thankfully, he said it is highly unlikely that anything I did could have caused this.
The X-rays also showed that her liver is enlarged and she has some digestive issues. From what the vet said, it is unlikely that the pneumonia and the liver swelling is related.
Then the vet mentioned the possibility of cancer... This could be the reason she got so sick so quickly.
Even with further testing, there is no official "cancer test" for parrots. So we decided to treat the pneumonia first, and then take X-rays again after a week to see how her liver looks.
I am trying to remain optimistic, but seeing her sick is terrible. She made it through the night and is on heavy duty antibiotics for the pneumonia, so I am confident that she will be able to heal from that at least.
In a matter of hours, my vet savings fund was depleted. And with another appointment next week and further testing, it is going to be costly. If you want to support Ruby and lend a helping hand, please consider making a donation. It could be a long road ahead and we need all the help we can get.
I will keep everyone updated as often as possible. As always, thank you so much for your support
Organizer
Sara Smith
Organizer
Pittsburgh, PA