This is Dumpling the Pigeon. We have had Dumpling for 4 years and he’s always been a medical challenge. A few months after rescuing Dumpling from walking the streets (yes, literally walking... he can’t fly), he was diagnosed with heart disease. It took a lot of time to officially diagnose him. There were countless vet visits with radiographs, bloodwork, and different medications prescribed until we got things under control. While having heart disease is very unfortunate, that rarely slowed him down. He’s always been very lively and had a strong will to live!

Late February 2026, Dumpling showed signs of declining. I found that he had thrown up one morning. This was especially concerning as one of our other pet pigeons, Iris, was (and still is) ill. Dumpling was testing negative for what Iris has, his bloodwork only determined he has elevated white blood cells indicating infection and low red blood cells with anemia. He was prescribed antibiotics to clear this mystery infection with little to no improvement. I had to formula feed Dumpling for about a month to ensure he was eating as he couldn’t tolerate solid food without instantly vomiting (although he still frequently vomited on formula too). He has lost about 100 grams in weight and his body fat is depleted to barely anything. Last week we reintroduced Dumpling to solid foods and he seemed to be improving! He began to gain a few grams and was more vocal, however, the vomiting started back up after a few days on solids.

We have done everything our vet recommended, Dumpling underwent a Barium Study to determine if there is a tumor or mass physically obstructing his digestive tract causing the frequent vomiting. This test came back inconclusive, meaning there was nothing concerning and obvious causing the issue. Between Dumpling being ill and our other bird, Iris, we have spent roughly $2,500 (not including the transportation costs to travel to from San Bernardino County to Orange County for each visit). Our vet is stumped with what is making Dumpling sick, but we will continue to fight with Dumpling as long as he wants to and take things day-by-day.

Anything helps right now, we don’t like things getting to the point of asking for help. Between Dumpling and Iris’s different illnesses we could use a little push in this difficult time. Thank you for reading to this point!️