Help help help

[Streetwise]

Right lucy's foot. The vet says don't leave it give her a chance and try reset it. The breeder who I got her of says no way. She was born with it don't risk anaesthetic.

 

What do I do? I'm not bothered about the vet bill

 

The vets says sort it while she is young or she may loose the toe when she's older.

 

William is a avian vet.

[birdhouse]

Who do you trust more between the breeder & the vet? At least around here, the level of avian veterinary medicine is always suspect. The breeder certainly doesn't want a reputation for selling maimed birds. Being purely cynical, both have monetary considerations, here.

 

After you've done all the research you can, it would probably be a good idea to take Lucy to the most advanced veterinary facility you can. Here, we have a veterinary college & the veterinary equivalent of human hospitals which can offer much more advanced knowledge & treatment. It's been my experience that it's well worth the effort to at least get a consultation from them. They're also usually willing to work with your regular vet.

 

Hope this helps. Good luck with Lucy.

[Streetwise]

There are not many avian vets round me.

 

For people who don't know about this problem :-

 

Just in case your not up to date with this toe issue. Basically Lucy as on one foot three toes going forward and on back. The large toe that is surpost to go back and forward only goes forward and most of the time it's under the other toes.

[judygram]

I have to agre with Val if there is any kind of veterinary college or equivalent in your area there would be where I would go for some advice, I usually go with what my avian vet recommends but then so many push for things you really don't need and your breeder says different and you need a second opinion about this procedure before you commit to it, research thoroughly before making your decision. If money is not an issue then seek another vet's opinion.

[Streetwise]

Well i've researched and researched and been on loads of forums and emailed many many experts. What I ended up with is loads of different opinions. One even recommended removing the toe now. Job done, no stress of a cast. I'm afraid that isn't the answer for me. The toe will only be removed if and when it's a problem. I'm going to try speak to another vet and try talk to William the vet that recommend the cast.

 

One thing I did get from everyone was the toe should have been delt with long before now and not left. Well I was aware of it but fell in love with the bird. I just want the best for her now and the best future.

[Karcar]

Chris get a second opinion, that's what I would do anyway.

Karen

[Greywings]

It is amazing how well birds learn to cope with a defective part, she may do fine as is but it would be worth getting a second opinion from a Vet or knowledgeable person who has dealt with a similar issue.

[Streetwise]

Well I've had Lucy at work with me today. As it's been her second day there she was more settled and played more both in and out of the cage. I have watched her a lot and the foot with the bad toe does hinder her so today I feel more that the vet is right. I'm still looking for more info and will talk to the vet again. But my feeling at the end of the day is, if there is a change I can give her all her working toes I would like her to have that change.

 

What do you think there is to loose if I give it ago. ?? Modern anesthic is very good and safe these days. So ive read.

[Birdnut]

So are you being told that the toe can be "fixed" so that it functions normally, or is it only a question of having the toe amputated?

 

It sounds, from your observations, like it might be a good idea to have the toe removed. With only one back toe on that foot, it could affect her balance and perching a little bit, but she's going to have that anyway with the toe going forward. With this odd toe sticking out under her normal toes, it would probably affect how she perches and walks and could cause stress and eventually deformation up into her leg and hip. I can imagine that this could cause her some chronic pain eventually. I'm no vet, but those would be my concerns.

 

I have had experience with a major amputation in another pet - a cat whose leg bone had been shattered by a bullet (no idea how it happened). Our vet recommended amputating the entire leg at the shoulder. The cat didn't appear to suffer much pain at all with the amputation, and the vet said there really wasn't much there which could be a source of pain.

 

On the other side of the coin, I would be very hesitant to put her under risk of surgery, unless I could be very well assured that she would be safe. I would want to know the surgeon's experience with similar surgeries and what kinds of outcomes they had. I would want someone who had a lot of experience doing surgery on birds.

 

This is a tough decision, and my heart goes out to you being stuck on the horns of this dilemma. I know you will make your decision with love and based on what you think is best for Lucy.

[Streetwise]

Amputation will be the very last straw and no way on my mind at the moment. If William the vet really believes he as a chance of correcting her toe i think i will let him try. My partner as had dealings with William in the past and she as no doubt in his ability and love and care for birds. I still want to speak with him again before the day she goes in.

[Malikah]

She's a young healthy bird, if the vet is indeed knowledgeable and experienced I would trust him. Best wishes for an excellent outcome for Lucy!

[Streetwise]

Right Ive collected all the info i need and its a deferent go with Lucy and the vets. I have spoke to many avian vets around the country and emailed many as well.

All have said the toe must be sorted straight away and William is correct in what he wants to do. Here is a email from Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott -: Certified Avian Specialist. For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including rap tors (hawks, kestrels, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.

 

Answer: -- Unfortunately, anyone can be a breeder. Sadly, lack of education in the animal field often leads to sick, suffering and sometimes abused animals.

 

--- The foot absolutely needs to be fixed. It's best to get this done right away while the bird is young.

 

--- Stop by and see Sadie http://www.4animalcare.org/birds

 

BOTH of her feet were done. She's nearly 9 years old now and even though when she gets tired or isn't feeling great, her toes wander 'forward' for a little bit, she's fine.

 

Birds are on their feet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Can you imagine that?

 

Just because they don't cry out or limp or complain or act like it hurts -- doesn't mean that it isn't completely agonizing for them

 

If the breeder had any education in animal (especially avian) sciences like a vet does, they'd know that and wouldn't make such a ridiculous statement

 

Do what you know is right and take care of your bird

 

A local zoo vet told me the same. Now lets hope its successfully.

[judygram]

Chris you have your answer and it looks like Lucy will be going thru the surgery, I agree with you on going with your avain vet's advice as he is the one who spent years learning all about animals and he is the one I would trust. I hope it is completely successful and she comes thru with flying colors, let us know when it is going to happen and keep us updated on her progress. Have faith she is going to be just fine.

[chezron]

I sure wouldn't even consider amputation! It seems to me that animals and humans make the best of physical abnormalities by using them to their advantage in some way. I would definitely see if it is possible to have a surgery that would allow normal function.