Accepted Answer

Hi XXXXXX,

I'm sorry that this happened to your bird.

I don't know if he will ever be "happy" again after the wing amputation or not. That is difficult to tell. I can tell you that we do quite a few of them at my clinic and they tend to do well and adapt readily to having only one wing. It should heal fine.

The problem is the anesthesia is risky on birds in general so there is a good chance that he won't make it throuh the surgery. Larger birds tend to do better with the anesthesia. A small lovebird, it is very risky. I can and has been done but you need to be prepared that he may not make it.

So, you have to make the decision as to what you think his quality of life will be without the wing. If you think it won't be good then you may elect to euthanize him. If you think he will be happy then go ahead and try the surgery with the knowledge that the anesthesia is risky and he may not make it through.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

Dr. Hinson

Expert:	Dr. Hinson
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	8/27/2009

Veterinarian

11 years working in the veterinary field. I have experience with small, large and exotic species.