broken leg?

[robin311]

Hi everyone - i hope someone has some suggestions. i came home tonight to find my male cordon with what seems to be a broken leg or possibly a dislocation. he is not bleeding and was not stuck in anything when i came home but his leg is sticking out behind him. he is eating & drinking and does not seem to be distressed (feathers are not puffed, eyes are bright) but he is not able to stand on that leg at all, although he can perch on the other leg. the affected leg is pretty much sticking out behind him. He has had his share of health issues - air sac mites when i first got him and a trauma of 'unknown origin' a few months ago that cleared up with a few days of isolation, but he is generally a healthy bird. i islolated him but he won't stay off the perch. i tried not giving him a perch, thinking that would help him rest, but he just perched on the water bowl. as i said, i have him islolated, and i have a lamp on him. any suggestions for my little julian would be appreciated. i am attaching a pic in case that helps. thank you!

[BigBear0007]

If the leg is broken, then you may be able to reset it?
Get a small a small drinking straw, like the ones they give you in a bar
Split in half on one side and try to fit it on the leg to hold like a splint.
This should be able to hold it?

[robin311]

it seems that if it is broken then it is at the hip - i can't imagine being able to set it myself. i thought that too & thought it may even be dislocated but i am worried that it would be awfully painful for him. if the 'break' seemed to be mid leg or near the foot i think i would try something like that but it seems to be sticking right out backwards - if that makes any sense.

[BigBear0007]

it seems that if it is broken then it is at the hip - i can't imagine being able to set it myself. i thought that too & thought it may even be dislocated but i am worried that it would be awfully painful for him. if the 'break' seemed to be mid leg or near the foot i think i would try something like that but it seems to be sticking right out backwards - if that makes any sense.

You may have to take it to an avian vet then?

[robin311]

well, i took him to the vet and at least he came home with me! he has either a break at the knee or a severe dislocation but i decided to treat him with meds for a few days since he is otherwise healthy and the rest of the leg & foot are a nice pink color. i cannot see euthanizing him if his pain can be controlled. 4 days and check back with the avian vet, so wish him luck!

[debbie276]

Best of luck!!

[L in Ontario]

Good luck with Julian - he's pulled through everything else for you. Let's hope he can overcome this one too.

[robin311]

thanks - and yes, poor little julian has been my 'accident prone boy' all his life! he's a tough little bugger so i have high hopes for him.