Macaw

[Hollisterak12]

Can you guys please help me I have a macaw scarlet who is 3 years old and got hurt bad yesterday...took him to the VET and cost me $300 for the X-ray and check-up and pain killer meds. X-Ray indicate he's Right leg is broken and was told that it would cost me 1500 to get it fixed to a bird specialist, I feel so bad and guilty that I cannot do anything to get him surgery. I have a daughter who is 3 years old that had a liver transplant and life is been hard for my family. He doesn't complaint at all he let me hold he's broken leg and he try to hold he's food but when he eats. He can climb on he's cage perch. I just removed he's per con he's cage so he can rest. But he likes to be on he's perch when he's out. He try's to walk with both feel but I know he's in pain.Will he's leg heal up without surgery???Please help any advice would be appreciated. Thank you so much

[marie83]

In all honesty it all depends on the break-where and how bad etc. as we can't see the xrays and none of us are trained avian Vets. you need to be asking the avian vet these questions asap. Some Vets run payment schemes too so you might be able to spread the cost. Good luck and keep us updated.

[Wolf]

I would talk to the vet, most will take payments. They know that their services are not cheap and are usually willing to work with you.

I understand that you are having difficulties financially but I would also wager that given the same circumstances that this would not be a question if it were your daughter. I do not want to sound harsh or unsympathetic but your friend ( bird ) who looks to you for all things is hurting and truly needs your help.

My birds are not possessions to be discarded or neglected , they are part of my family and contribute to the general and overall welfare of the family. I am also on a fixed income and cannot afford this type of expense but I also love and highly value the interaction with my friends ( parrots ) and for me I would just have to find a way.

If you choose to help your bird and pm me we can discuss the financial end more, but I would be willing to try to contribute what I can. Maybe there are others who feel the same. Maybe there are better ways of dealing with this and someone will provide the info you need to fix your birds problem.

[Pajarita]

If the AV quoted a $1500 price, we are not talking hairline or a linear fracture (when the bone has a vertical slash) but, even if it's not a compounded/displaced (when the ends of the bones are no longer facing each other) or a comminuted (when the bone breaks into small pieces) and it's only a simple fracture (when the bone breaks but the ends are still in the position they are supposed to be) yes, he is in a lot of pain and, honestly, if you cannot pay for his treatment, you should take him to a rescue that will provide it. It's not fair to the bird to suffer because you have no money. And no treatment is not an option, he could end up with an infection (and that could mean septicemia and death) or such reduced blood flow to the bone that he might end up losing the leg altogether. Best case scenario, the break would heal by itself but this is not a guarantee. I took in an Amazon that lived with a broken leg that never healed even though years had gone by and she almost dies from it - and yes, the treatment cost me thousands of dollars (two surgeries by an avian orthopedist, steel rod, external fixator and cast plus weekly XRays for three months and medicines), much more that it would have if I had gotten her when it first happened and had it fixed.

[Hollisterak12]

Thanks for the advice, I will take him in tomorrow and get it looked by avian I was recommended closed Sunday I will definitely "BEG" for he's leg to be fixed. I can afford it monthly just don't have that cash on hand at the moment. So sad bird keep saying " I LOVE YOU" and it just melt my heart. I will keep you all updated. Thank you

[Pajarita]

Most vets work with programs that help/advance money for emergencies when you can't pay the vet bill beause of low income or financial hardship. There are two main ones: IMOM and AAHA but there are also local organizations (like the local Humane Society or rescues, sometimes) and veterinary schools clinics (where the students learn by treating actual patients). Please ask the vet, they are usually pretty good at this type of thing...

[Hollisterak12]

I finally found a place for my macaw scarlet to get he's legs fixed last week called, College Vet Avian. Was able to talk to them about payment on he's surgery cost $1300 for all. He's given a pin on he's leg to heal the bones joint together and was told take about 8-10 weeks before they removed the pins and also a valance colar on he's neck. He's really doing good he can perch on broken leg and moved around with it. I can't wait for him to get all healed up. Thx for all your advice!

[Wolf]

Thank you for getting him fixed and also for the update on his condition. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance and please keep us informed of his progress.

[Pajarita]

Ditto! You did the right thing by him, kudos to you for that!

Now, sometimes, when they take the pins out, they need to put a cast on the leg for a few weeks more (that's what happened to Pretty Bird) but birds are amazingly adept at making do and he will be fine.

[Hollisterak12]

Bird going to have he's neck guard out and pins on he's leg at the end of these month... Got extended 4 weeks to make sure it's healed really good. So exciting to see him gain the strength on he's broken leg and can't wait to see he's neck guard off and leg pin.