PLEASE HELP! Standing on one foot + leg is red/swollen!

[Sally]

That looks like it would work just fine. You would have to watch the temperature in the terrarium, I don't think you want it over the low 80's, so the heating pad on low should do it. Also, modern heating pads are often designed to shut off after 2 hours, so you'd have to watch that.

Injuries on birds often heal themselves. They may not heal pretty, but even if a bird loses a foot, it can get around just fine with the handicap. If the break cut off circulation to the foot, the foot will turn black and eventually fall off by itself. I have had birds lose toes or even a foot before, they adapt pretty quickly.

[Corkysgirl]

It sounds like you're doing everything right. It could probably heal with proper care. Sally's probably right about the infection being the reason the doctor mentioned not amputating, not monetary reasons. Lets hope for quick healing. Good luck! Let us know how she progresses.

[jmollica]

After taking over an hour to hand feed Beemo the medicine, I managed to get some pictures of her bad foot on the right. Poor baby It was very difficult to grab her and she REFUSED to open her beak for the medicine!

[jmollica]

That looks like it would work just fine. You would have to watch the temperature in the terrarium, I don't think you want it over the low 80's, so the heating pad on low should do it. Also, modern heating pads are often designed to shut off after 2 hours, so you'd have to watch that.

Injuries on birds often heal themselves. They may not heal pretty, but even if a bird loses a foot, it can get around just fine with the handicap. If the break cut off circulation to the foot, the foot will turn black and eventually fall off by itself. I have had birds lose toes or even a foot before, they adapt pretty quickly.

Thank you, that's very reassuring. I think the break is at her ankle though. Can her whole leg fall off and still be okay? Thanks again for everyone's help.

[Corkysgirl]

Yes, it can, and it has happened. As long as the infection doesn't spread into her blood stream. Did you try the "search" feature on this forum? Maybe you'll find someone who experienced the same thing. I know some have had their feet that turned black and dried up for various reasons and did fine. Really it depends on how the scenario plays out. The medicine isn't the kind you put in water? You have to put it directly into her mouth? What form is it in? Do you have a syringe? I have a med I have to mix with Really Raw honey so my hen will take it because it's bitter. Did you inform the vet that isn't working? It's important she doesn't miss doses. I would contact them if that's the situation. Maybe someone else has tricks to get it in them. I just went through trying to feed a chick that refused feeding so I'm not the one to advise you on this. She's not fluffed up and looks alert so that's a good thing.

[jmollica]

The medicine is in liquid form, with a syringe, that we have to feed by mouth. The vet knows how fussy she is, but she said it's much better than diluting it in water. Thank you for taking the time to help I haven't been sleeping at all because I'm so worried. Any time an animal is in pain, I am in pain.

[MiaCarter]

Try the mixing with honey trick. That's worked for me with birds that have done the lock-jaw treatment!

You might also try putting a drop on the side of her beak, right where the upper and lower beak meet.
This stimulates a lick --- the bird equivalent of putting something on a dog's nose to trigger them to lick.

[Sally]

I once watched my avian vet open the finch's beak using a credit card to slide between the upper and lower beaks. Almost a two-person function, I think.

[Corkysgirl]

I've used a drinking straw, cut into a spoon shape at the end so there are no sharp edges. It made it so it held a little food/fluid for me to feed my chicks before I was able to get a syringe back in the day. But you could use it for prying as it's thin...put the syringe up under it, pushing up against her beak, then in. Your husband will need to help hold it in place and even hold her...whatever works, as you work the syringe...if you're getting the picture. It's very thin and stiff, and if done right it works.

[MiaCarter]

I once watched my avian vet open the finch's beak using a credit card to slide between the upper and lower beaks. Almost a two-person function, I think.

I've seen this too. With a little metal banding tool; good idea with a credit card! (Poor birdie's probably thinking...."Oh goodness, now human thinks I'm an ATM machine!)
But would that make her more likely to aspirate?

[MiaCarter]

Another thought: If you just can't get her to take the antibiotics by mouth, you might ask your vet about giving an injection instead.

I've never done it with finches, but larger birds like an Amazon and a Military Macaw. I used a short-tip insulin needle (so very small and fine) to inject subcutaneously in the area between the shoulders. I believe it was once a day, if I recall properly.
This was for birds who simply wouldn't cooperate with medicine by mouth and were too sick to risk not getting enough by putting the medicine in the water (in fact, one wouldn't drink the spiked water at all.)

I've never done this with a finch, but I don't see why it wouldn't be possible. My only concern would be the fact that the needle is going to be quite large compared to her body, making a sub-q injection a bit more difficult. But perhaps easier than wrangling her and prying her mouth open.

Many are intimidated by injections, but really, once you do it a few times, it's not a big deal. I'm very comfortable with injections and I much prefer this dosing method to wrangling uncooperative pets who don't want to take a pill or liquid by mouth. It's much more precise too.

ETA -- a note on the honey: Make sure you freeze it (ideally, for a full 48 hours) to kill off botulism and bacteria. Honey (even a fresh, unopened jar) is prone to this. It may not be possible for the first couple doses, but it will make it safer for future doses.

[jmollica]

Thank you everyone! So how would I mix it with the honey? The medicine is in very small doses.

Also, we were wondering what the proper way to hold her is. The vet taught us to hold her head between the pointer and middle finger, but she always squeezes out. We had to hold her with a towel, but I'm so scared she won't be able to breathe.

[MiaCarter]

That's the same holding method I utilize -- head between pointer and middle finger, with your thumb across the chest.
Unfortunately, some do try to wriggle out (especially when you turn them on their back. But for medicine, you'd want to keep her upright.) Normally, I'll take a small piece of fabric to cover the head and calm her, but that's for pedicures. It won't work in this case since you need her head!
But if you prefer holding her with a towel, I don't think there's any problem with that. I would just be *very* careful about her nails getting caught up in the tiny little loops that form the towel fabric. Don't want her bad leg to get caught up.
In fact, I'd try to trim those nails while you have her in-hand. I'm afraid those long nails on her bad leg could get caught up. Just be sure to have styptic powder on-hand in case you clip too short. Or corn starch. Even flour can work in a pinch.

I would use a bottle cap as a tiny mixing bowl. I'd try to find one with a smooth interior, no ridges.
Place the dose in the cap. Add a drop of honey. Mix with a toothpick, then suck it up into the syringe.
Turn the syringe tip up to the ceiling, give it a few flicks to bring the air to the top and gently push in the plunger to remove the excess air.
That should do the trick!

If you haven't tried it already, I would see if she'll lick if you put a drop on the side of her beak, right where the upper and lower beak meets. This triggers a lick in many birds.

[jmollica]

I'll give it a try later today Thanks!

[jmollica]

Hi everyone! Just a quick update. Beemo seems to be responding well to the medicine. We tried the honey trick and it worked beautifully! Her leg is less swollen and seems to be going back to a normal color.

On another note, we bought a rope perch so it would be easier on her foot. Only problem is they are avoiding it ENTIRELY. I also noticed this morning that the two girls are pecking at each other, and both puffed up. They have always been close.. Feeding, bathing, and sleeping together. Is this just playful, or aggressive, and should I be worried? Could it have to do with the new rope perch? They have a nest but never go inside it, only on top.

Thanks in advance!