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Yesterday, my husband accidentally stepped on my Quaker's foot, not knowing he was on the floor while walking by his cage. My husband was not wearing shoes at the time. The bird hobbled over to the cage and was able to pull himself back up. However, today he is not putting much weight on the leg and is not flexing his claws. He is eating and does not seem to be in great distress. I am thinking I should take him to the vet, but not sure if there is anything that can be done if serious damage was done.
Optional Information: Pet's Gender: Male Pet's Age: 8 Type of Animal: Quaker Parrot Name of Bird: Oskar Already Tried: Keeping him quiet and not allowing him to come out of his cage. Making sure he has water and food.
Greetings, I am Dr. Pat. I have worked with birds for many years. I will do my best to help you.These kind of injuries often involve nerve injury and/or spinal cord damage. He should be checked by a good, bird-experienced vet, to rule out fractures and to be put on proper pain control. There may indeed be very little intervention. It there are no palpable fractures I usually have them confined until gait improves and physical therapy can start. Control of pain and inflammation is essential (do not allow your vet to use steroids!)If you feel comfortable with it, examine the bird thoroughly, using gentle restraint via washcloth or hand towel: do not restrict the chest or hold around the body. Check the mouth and beak if possible, having a good look in there for mucus, redness, masses or anything else unusual. Palpate the tummy for pain, fluid, lumps or anything else. Check all the joints for swelling, pain, and mobility. Move the bird to an aquarium, box or carrier with soft towels in the bottom, no perch, and food and water in low bowls that can be reached easily. Put the whole thing on a heating pad on low or medium. Check it frequently, no overheating allowed! Keep the unit partially covered, warm and quiet. White paper towels or white cloth towels will show the true color of the droppings. Do not try to force food or water. You can offer warm cooked rice, pancakes, cornbread, grapes, melon, greens in addition to normal food. Transport as soon as possible. You need to to take your bird to see an avian-experienced veterinarian ASAP for complete examination, diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Check http://www.aav.org/association/index.php?content=activeMembersList for members of AAV in your area or call your regular vet and see who they recommend; ask if they really have worked with birds a lot.
Experience: 25 years as avian-only veterinarian