Need help/advice ASAP please

[donnakris]

Someone brought me a little Goffin Cockatoo very late this afternoon. Said she had gotten her foot stuck in a rope toy about 2 weeks ago and they had to cut her out. She was fine for about a week they said then started picking at her ankle. They finally took her to a vet, not an avian vet and he said there wasn't really anything he could do but give them antibiotics. They said she would just spit out the antibiotic when they tried to give it to her.

My problem is this, my avian vet is out of town until Friday morning. I called her office and explained and they called her and she said I could put antibiotic ointment on her ankle but it just looks worse than I thought to begin with. I've tried wrapping her leg but of course, she just wants to chew it. Without the wrap she just keeps chewing her ankle. She seems to have no use of her foot/leg at all.

I tried to make a collar for her with part of a toilet paper roll, gauze and self sticking tape like an ace bandage. Now she won't even stand up. I tried to make a little bed/nest for her to lay in but she won't do that either.

I can't even begin to try to find another vet till tomorrow, if I can find one then. They are very few and far between here. I tried taking her to an emergency vet but she wasn't an avian vet and said all she could do was keep her overnight until the avian vet came in tomorrow. The worst part was they wanted $800 just for that and we are a non-profit rescue and just don't have those funds available.

Any ideas on how to keep her from picking at that leg? I'm just at my wits end here.

[FoxersArtist]

Are they sure the leg i infected? Is there a noticable wound? (Maybe I missed that part.) Swelling, bleeding, bruising? How is her appearance? Is she acting sick? How badly is she digging at/messing with the ankle? What are your concerns, upon observing her, that make it seem like an emergency? Some of these questions may help us better know where you are at with the situation, since we are not there...I wish I knew what else to say...
-Anna

Someone brought me a little Goffin Cockatoo very late this afternoon. Said she had gotten her foot stuck in a rope toy about 2 weeks ago and they had to cut her out. She was fine for about a week they said then started picking at her ankle. They finally took her to a vet, not an avian vet and he said there wasn't really anything he could do but give them antibiotics. They said she would just spit out the antibiotic when they tried to give it to her.

My problem is this, my avian vet is out of town until Friday morning. I called her office and explained and they called her and she said I could put antibiotic ointment on her ankle but it just looks worse than I thought to begin with. I've tried wrapping her leg but of course, she just wants to chew it. Without the wrap she just keeps chewing her ankle. She seems to have no use of her foot/leg at all.

I tried to make a collar for her with part of a toilet paper roll, gauze and self sticking tape like an ace bandage. Now she won't even stand up. I tried to make a little bed/nest for her to lay in but she won't do that either.

I can't even begin to try to find another vet till tomorrow, if I can find one then. They are very few and far between here. I tried taking her to an emergency vet but she wasn't an avian vet and said all she could do was keep her overnight until the avian vet came in tomorrow. The worst part was they wanted $800 just for that and we are a non-profit rescue and just don't have those funds available.

Any ideas on how to keep her from picking at that leg? I'm just at my wits end here.

[donnakris]

Anna, No, I'm not sure it's infected, yes there is a noticable wound--it's like a kid's skinned knee, you can see flesh. It doesn't appear to be swollen and it's not bleeding at this time. She seems fine otherwise. I just gave her a big bowl of food and she's eating like she's starved. Of course these people did take her OFF Zupreem pellets "because they were too expensive" and put her on a seed mix. She's constantly messing with the ankle if she can get to it.
My concern is that she will keep it bleeding and lose too much blood. She seems a little underweight to me when I feel her breast. Also, she doesn't seem to be drinking much. I've sat up most of the night just watching her sleep and making sure she was alright. Pluckers I can handle, this has me a bit overwhelmed. I'm going to see if I can find an avian vet somewhere today that doesn't require me to sell a kidney.

[iti hoa's mom]

Circulation could have been cut off and injured nerves to the area making the leg not be able to use. It might be a scrape to the leg and tore the skin off trying to get out of the rope. This type of wound would hurt as the nerve endings are exposed. With pain comes picking at the wound. She probably needs something for pain.

Next, if the wound is not way deep then try a little hydrotherapy. If you have a sprayer on your sink then turn the water on lightly and spray the leg. Let the warm (not hot) water irrigate the wound. This stimulates circulation which is what is needed for a wound to heal.

[donnakris]

Circulation could have been cut off and injured nerves to the area making the leg not be able to use. It might be a scrape to the leg and tore the skin off trying to get out of the rope. This type of wound would hurt as the nerve endings are exposed. With pain comes picking at the wound. She probably needs something for pain.

Next, if the wound is not way deep then try a little hydrotherapy. If you have a sprayer on your sink then turn the water on lightly and spray the leg. Let the warm (not hot) water irrigate the wound. This stimulates circulation which is what is needed for a wound to heal.


Thank you so much!! I will try that.

[too&me]

Let us know how she is doing today please. I had a foster Goffin who came in with a badly fractured leg which the owner did not want to discuss. He is doing great now after a few surgeries and lots of TLC.

[donnakris]

Well Jeebee seems to be doing better. He's eating pretty good. I've got him back on the pellets he seems to love and not that seed junk they sent with him. He has also eaten some birdy bread. I offered him some fresh fruits and veggies but don't think he's had them much because he just kind of looked at them. He's been drinking. He kept climbing the cage so we finally relented and put a perch in higher up and now he is sleeping with his little head tucked under his wing. He is really a sweet little guy. Very quiet and steps up with his one little foot. He slept on my chest for about 3 hours this morning.
If I can just keep things under control until my vet gets back, I have the 1st appointment with her Friday morning.
He's also leaving the wrapping on his leg/ankle alone. I'm going to try and change it tonight and get some more antibiotic ointment on there and let some warm water run on it like iti hoa's mom suggested.
Thanks everyone, I'm not feeling nearly as panicked as I was last night or early this morning.

[donnakris]

And I'm not sure if Jeebee is a he or she. The people said a he "because he hasn't laid eggs" but he's supposed to be only 2 years old.
After seeing this poor little one, I know why I tend to like my birds better than people!!

[birdie]

My 1st thought was if she was caught in some rope, is there still a tiny piece around the leg?
Please let us know about the little one. Sounds like she's doing a bit better already.

[too&me]

So many possibilities from simple pain, bruised nerves, circulatory issues to actual damage to bone or joint. I will tell you that they can learn to act lame as well if it gets them good things. The little Goffin we cared for sure knew how to limp for attention. They are so very clever, wishing all the best outcome. Hugs for you.

[donnakris]

Thanks everyone. I didn't see anything around her leg/ankle just the raw place. Those Toos sure do know how to get to you. Those eyes get me everytime. I love all the birds but Toos just have a special place in my heart. I'll let you all know how things are going.
Donna

[MoluccanZoey]

My 1st thought was if she was caught in some rope, is there still a tiny piece around the leg?
Please let us know about the little one. Sounds like she's doing a bit better already.

I'm with you brenda- my first thought was that there might still be a little string still in there, making it worse.

[donnakris]

Just wanted to give everyone an update. We saw the vet this afternoon. The leg isn't broken just badly infected. We have antibiotics and pain medication. We're hoping we can save the foot. If the people had called me a week ago, it would have been much better. Anyway, we have a follow up appointment Friday.
Thanks everyone for the thoughts and advice. I truly appreciate it.

[Larry, Baby and Me]

Thanks for the update, Donna.

That bird is in good hands.

Lar

[donnakris]

Little Jeebee is coming along. If I could just keep him away from that leg. I've been holding him a lot, letting him lay on my chest to sleep to get off the foot he has to use constantly. He's such a little sweetie. We're keeping up with the antibiotics, pain meds and keeping his leg wrapped and antibiotic ointment on it. He seems to be trying to use it a little so I hope that's a good sign. Am anxious for our regular vet to see him tomorrow to see how it's coming along. It doesn't look any worse to me so I think that's good.

[too&me]

Appreciate your updates, it does sound hopeful. will continue the healing thoughts and good prayers.

[birdie]

sounds like jeebee is doing good. Do we get to see the little cutie? :photo:

[donnakris]

Thanks so much everyone. Birdie, yes, I'm going to try to get some pictures tomorrow. I haven't so far because he's been through so much--being injured, relinquished, strange people fooling with his leg, new home, new cage, vet trips, I was just afraid it was all too much for the little guy.
But he seems to be taking it all in stride so tomorrow, pictures of the cutie pie :smiles:

[too&me]

Looking forward to seeing your little waif. I think Goffins are the cuteest and very resilient little Too's.

[donnakris]

The vet took x-rays and said she is afraid the infection has gone into the bone. She is hoping to save the foot. She said she would probably have to be on an antibiotic for 6 to 8 weeks. She is growing a culture to see what grows? For now, just antibiotics, pain meds and antibiotic ointment with a dressing. Poor little baby. I feel so bad that people could let this go until it's this bad. I swear I could just scream.

[too&me]

Been there and done that, I will be in your corner fighting for his foot. Prayer and healing thoughts coming to you.