Bird's leg injured?

Question

Today I woke up and I noticed a thread was tightly wrapped around my cockatiel's foot. It had come from the blanket that I lay on top of it's cage at night. The bird's foot was purple on down from where the string was knotted. Well, after a few minutes, I finally got it off. Five hours later the bird's foot was back to it's normal color but he wouldn't use it at all. Six hours after that I notice that it was extremely red and had blead. I used hydrogen peroxide to clean it and it began bleeding again. Now he only is using the un-injured leg and the nail is beginning to look like it may have fallen off. The tip of his foot is black. I am wondering what I could do or put on it. Can he die from this? What should I do with him?

Answer 1

Hi Laurie

I got your message. and I have seen this happen so many times.
First stop using the hydrogen peroxide. It is safer to use epson salts in a cup of warm water.

Just hold the bird gently and place it's foot in the water for about 5 minutes. You can do that about 3 times a day.

You can mix 1 table spoon of epson salts to 8 oz of water, make sure you don't let the bird drink it.

I DO NOT for one moment would say it has gangrene, since the injury occurred this morning it has not had time to develop
gangrene. Gangrene can occur after a timely infection
It does sound like the toe nail did come off, but don't panic over that, it's toe will heal and that is why I say to us the epson salts they assist in it healing quicker.


The reason why the bird is only using 1 leg is because it's foot is sore, it will take a few days for it get better.

If you need any other help please contact me.


Sapphyre
Certified Avian Specialist
http://www.borrowed-rainbow.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BorrowedRainbowAviary/

Answer 2

It sounds like the circulation to the foot was cut off of to long. The black is actually the toes dieing. I would take it to the Vet ASAP. It need to have the toes looked at. While the bird can't die from this the toes can and will fall off if they are infact dead. The vet will be able to asses the damage, make sure the bones are not going to be exposed and give antibiotics. If there is a laceration with blood he needs antibiotics. Don't use Peroxide, for one thing it is painful for the bird but for another peroxide will actually eat away at healthy tissue and could cause more damage if used to much.

Answer 3

The fact that the foot went back to normal color tells me the circulation was back to normal. But the redness and bleeding and blackness makes me think it is infected.
You say the tip of the foot is black; is this because of dried blood, or is the flesh actually black? If the flesh is turning black, (I wish I could see it) there could be infection and developing gangrene.
You can get an antibiotic to feed your bird at the pet store, or see a vet if it worries you.
If it is gangrene, yes it could spread and the bird die, but not always.
I had a mouse that had some infection that caused gangrene in the ears and toes and tail; I gave it an antibiotic from the pet store, and it got well but some little pieces turned dry black and fell off. The mouse was fine and lived out her life with no problem.

Answer 4

I'm no bird expert, but it sounds a lot like gangrene. I don't think there's any home remedy to cure gangrene. You really should take him to the vet.

*edit* Sapphyre seems to know what she's talking about; take her advice instead.

Answer 5

give him 2 my cat he will take care of it lol