Could he have broken his leg? Worried.

[paper_lantern]

I didn't post about it, but I recently adopted a new GCC after my Furbie died, I couldn't bare being without a GCC.

Anyway, today I noticed that Chubby (the new GCC) was holding his right leg up while standing on his perch. I was home all day and didn't see him fall or hurt himself. He can grip food with the leg, scratch himself, and he still uses it to climb all over his cage and toys. He can also stretch it backwards when he stretches out his wings and stuff. But when he is standing still on his perch he holds it up, and when he walks on a flat surface he limps a little.

I called my Avian vet, who is 5 hours away, and she is not in until TUESDAY. I'm freaking out. I don't know what to do...other than holding it up and limping a bit when he is on flat ground he seems fine...he is eating and playing. He isn't puffed up more than normal either...but I heard that birds conceal their pain.

I'm so worried, what do I do?

[liz]

If he is easily moving his leg - check his foot. He could have a splinter or something.

[paper_lantern]

Already checked, nothing in it and he isn't bleeding, the leg also doesn't look irregular or anything. He doesn't seem to be in pain when I touch it either.

[Michael]

You sure he's not just sleepy/cold?

[naomi]

do u check any redness or sore leg?it could be irritated skin.if u see its sore u can put little big organic sesame oil on his leg.

last time my grey fall down,the vet said if the bird get a broken leg they will tuck it inside their chest 24 hours and they cant walk on flat surface like floor etc.if u see him can climb or even streching i guess his leg is okay.
hope he will be okay.

[paper_lantern]

Michael, I'm sure because when he is put on a flat surface he limps on it a bit. I'm thinking maybe a sprain? I would assume that if it was broken he wouldn't be able to stretch it or use it to scratch himself.

[Michael]

When Truman broke his hip he didn't display the full extent of the damage until about 24-48 hours later (assume sooner on a higher metabolism bird). He stopped eating and was losing weight besides standing on one foot and limping. If he's eating/behaving normal, I'd leave him be. If he seems in bad shape and you want to avoid further damage prior to vet, then put him on the flat surface of a carrier or other small container that he can't climb in. If it's not a substantial break, it could heal itself by tuesday. Just keeping him warm, rested, and fed is key. Damn little the vet can do anyway.

[paper_lantern]

Thanks Michael, I lowered all his perches and bowls and removed the toys he climbs on for now. I also padded the bottom of his cage in case. How had Truman broken his hip, and what did the vet do for it? I'm really baffled as to how this has happened....I hope he isn't in too much pain.

[marie83]

How is he today? Is there another vet you can go to? I know Michael says there is little they can do but that really does depend on the circumstances and the vet in question, there is alot that can be done in this day and age in some circumstances. Whether the bird can walk with a break or not depends on the break and I've seen articles on operations or external splints on even tiny birds legs to fix them. Chances are its not a leg break but I do think it is important to find out asap.

Michael, I don't wish to be rude, I have a hell of alot of respect for you in most instances but in this case do you think it's appropriate to be telling people that there is little that can be done? I've seen you write it in response to a few posts now and am concerned it may put some users off of going to the vet, alot of people seem to idolise you in a way, especially the younger ones (can't think of a better word sorry).
I don't think paper lantern will but someone with less concern or also respects your opinion that much might just think in that case there is no point wasting my money if they can't do anything. Even if there is nothing a vet can do they may be able to give pain relief to make recovery less painful or more specific advice concerning the injury. It may even be a problem with another part of the body which is having a knock on effect. You just cannot possibly know from a brief description of a problem on a forum.

I was debating sending this as a private message if I could but have decided to post it publicly. Not to attack you but so people can learn and make up thier own minds and add any comments or differences of opinion, either against my opinion or yours.

[Cage Cleaner]

Gl