Broken wing, please help

Dani08

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Nov 9, 2016
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Hi, I am new to posting to this forum although, being a caring parrot owner, I have read it for years. I am heartbroken. My Yellow Headed Amazon broke his wing. I took him to his vet who x-rayed it, confirmed it was broken, wrapped it up and sent us home with anti-inflammatory meds. He promptly put all his energy into chewing it off. Dr. says he would do it again if she re-does it and it will heal but he may never fly again. Can't afford to drive to the big city to have a pin put in He will not eat very much at all, but will drink a little water now and then. Acts like he's in pain, sleeps a lot, won't talk. I'm crying a lot. Can anyone help us? Thanks so very much, Dani
 

Terry57

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Hi Dani, I am so sorry this has happened to your bird. Is his vet an avian vet? He should at least have been given pain meds.
Is there no chance of you getting him to another vet?
 

Rival_of_the_Rickeybird

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I am so very sorry. As you already know, there are lots of caring and helpful people here. Maybe you could use the SEARCH tab to look for 'broken wing' threads. I'm glad you have joined us, and I send my deepest sympathy and hope and support your way!
 

GaleriaGila

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I will chime in and wish you both well, with all my heart. I'm glad you're reaching out. There's no better place than here to get support and advice.
 
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Dani08

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Thank you Terry and Rival. I suppose I could take him the 20 miles to another Vet, and I already fired the 1st one because I felt like she treated him badly. The Avian vet that fixed him up once already seems pretty caring and went above and beyond on the phone with me yesterday explaining about the healing time with no splint, etc., and much more even though I was very emotional. Should I ask her to reset it? Think he'll do it again or learned that it feels better splinted? Live with the fact he'll never fly again? Ask her for pain meds to go with anti-inflammatory? What would you guys do? THANKS VERY MUCH!
dani
 

GaleriaGila

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I suppose it's all horrible but I knew a broken-winged bird once who had to wear one of those Elizabethan collars... the wing did heal. Pain meds? Yessss, hopefully!
 

Terry57

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I would take him in to see the caring vet you spoke with yesterday. As Gail mentioned, a collar may keep him from tearing off the bandage again. I do think the pain meds are a must. My birds have been put on Metacam before with no ill effects.
Even if the worst happens and he can never fly again, he can still have a wonderful life.
Sending you healing thoughts and prayers, it is obvious how much you love him and I pray he heals soon.
 
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Dani08

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Thanks to you all so VERY much! This Dr. wasn't real excited about my collar suggestion since he manipulated so hard to get the cast off. I think I will ask her again and also about the Metacam. I'm so afraid that he will starve..got him to eat about a teaspoon of Grapenuts flakes (of all things) yesterday but no interest in anything today so far. He just wants to sleep.
Again, Thanks for everything! Dani
 

Terry57

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Dani, you may have to ask the vet to show you how to hand feed him until he feels better.
It's scary that he isn't eating and is wanting to sleep, but if he does go on pain meds that may help his appetite as well.
You could try to cook him some oatmeal or sweet potatoes to see if he would eat that in the meantime.
Please update us on him.
 
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Dani08

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Dani, you may have to ask the vet to show you how to hand feed him until he feels better.
It's scary that he isn't eating and is wanting to sleep, but if he does go on pain meds that may help his appetite as well.
You could try to cook him some oatmeal or sweet potatoes to see if he would eat that in the meantime.
Please update us on him.
Thank you, Terry. He does let me hand feed him and I have tried some of his favorite foods. I will keep offering. I called the vet and she said that what she sent me home with IS Metacam @ 1.five mg a dose only once a day. I hope all this sleeping is good for him and I will try everything. THANK YOU, DEAR..and thanks to all. I'm so glad I joined this wonderful forum and I hope everyone gets my thanks..I will check back later and keep you posted. Kiss your bird..Dani
 

Quakerella

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Dani08, so very sorry to hear, some great advice has been given. I had a smaller bird that broke his foot. He had to wear the collar, hated it, but it was for his own good. The foot did heal and he was able to walk, with a limp mind you. Terry57 had a great idea if he is not eating. You can get handfeeding formula from the pet store. Mix it up a little thicker than the directions, since they are written for babies. Spoon feeding an older bird is not that difficult, I'm sure you will be able to do it. He may eat that while it is warm. At least this may give him nutrients and vitamins that he needs to heal. I wish you and your fid all the best.
 

texsize

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I am so sorry to hear about your amazons broken wing.
Best wishes for a quick recovery.
My cockatiels LOVE Grape-nuts Flakes. I give them a pinch with there seeds/pellet mix every day.
I buy it just for them.
texsize
 

Kentuckienne

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Good luck to you and your dear bird. It seems worthwhile to try to save the ability to fly, since that would be a lifetime restriction. The collars for birds are different than the ones they use for dogs or cats - they are a clear hard acrylic that your bird will not be able to get out of or reach past it to tear off his bandage.
 

LeaKP

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Ohhhh poor baby and so sorry for you! It's a horrible feeling, knowing they are in pain. Hoping for a smoother recovery...
 

Scott

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Welcome Dani, hope your Amazon is doing better. Pain control and proper nutrition are important; Metacam will help keep him calm and allow the wing to heal. While sedated his appetite and caloric needs will be lessened, so keeping track of weight is important. Many parronts have an inexpensive scale calibrated in grams. It is a great early-warning system in good times, and will help you judge how much food is necessary now.

Looking forward to an update when you are able!
 

Notdumasilook

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I wasn't aware that Metacam was a sedative.. I thought it was an NSAID. Regardless he needs something for pain ASAP and I agree the need for the splint redone AND a collar... otherwise you may end up with a flightless bird. Fingers crossed for your youngin!!!!!!!!
 

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