Possible injured leg?

[Kiyomi1793]

Casper was due to get his nails cut, so I asked my sister to restrain him as I clipped away. Usually my mother helps me, so my sister was inexperienced and I'm worried she twisted him the wrong way as I was clipping and sprained his leg.

He's still walking on it but not putting as much weight on it as his right leg. He still climbs up and down his bars, climbs ladders, jumps from perch to perch, flies around.. but when he stops moving he pulls his leg up and curls it against himself and bites at it. I carefully examined and palpitated his toes and leg muscles but he doesn't react. He's still eating and vocalizing.

If this is a sprain, or a possible nail cut too short, will it heal by itself without veterinary intervention? I'm so worried... Thanks guys.

[Michael]

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=10498

[Eric&Rebecca]

As michael says if he not putting weight on the leg he needs to be in a box as this could be a serious injury. Our cockatiel's leg was just bruised. Its possible he will hold it up just for a while to automatically protect it but within 24 hours I would recommend a visit to an avian vet where they will perform an xray and nerve and muscle exam. It's very important to get this treated. Our bird stopped holding it up after 5-10 minutes but you still need to go.

If he won't stay in the box move all the perches down closer to the floor and make sure the bottom of the cage is padded with a towel and that he has access to food and water. If you can get to an avian vet now I would.

[Kiyomi1793]

Thanks, guys (: Well I just got back home from college and he seems fine as far as I can tell. He isn't holding his leg up anymore nor biting at it and he's climbing like CRAZY. I'll keep an eye out for the next few days in case he starts acting strange again, but he seems okay! If not I'll call the vet and get his leg looked at.

[Eric&Rebecca]

You should get it looked at even if they fine. Muscle strains, nerve damage and tendon snaps can be apparently days after even though a while later they seem fine. Luckily our bird was ok but you should definitely go to an AVIAN vet as soon as possible. Ive just been through this and ok there wasn't anything to worry about in the end but the avian vets did say how important and good it was to bring him anyway. Also you'll feel better about it rather than waiting 2-3-4days on tenterhooks.

I should also add that pecking can be a sign of nerve damage they peck because they have an odd sensation. This can disappear but that's not a good thing because it could mean he now doesn't feel it although he can still use it... I really really would advise getting checked. If its fine then you'll feel better and you can just a general health check done at the same time.

Make sure its an AVIAN vet though. Can't stress that enough. Failing that an exotics vet with bird experience.