Conure with broken wing (radius/ulna)

[Skyenalani]

Hello, my green cheek conure somehow broke his wing last week. I took him to the vet right away when I noticed it was hanging at his side. My avian vet informed me that he broke both his radius and ulna near the location of the joint. Because the break is so close to the joint, she said the two bones may fuse together and he may lose the ability to fly. She wrapped his wing and said it needs to stay wrapped for three weeks.

When i got home, I did some of my own research to see if there is some form of physical therapy i could do that would increase the likelihood of him being able to fly again. I came across a few research papers that said when rehabilitating wild birds with that kind of break they may wrap it for a week or so and then unwrap it and keep them contained in a small space where the aren't able to run around, but have just enough room to stretch their wing. This allows for more movement than a wrap and increases the chance of normal function retuning. Does anyone know more about this or possible other options? I am going to call my vet to consult with her as well, but I wanted to hear if there were any other opinions or if anyone has experienced the same break with their feather babe.

Thanks so much.

 

[chris-md]

Hello and welcome!

So sorry your dealing with this! I know that must be heartbreaking.

Unfortunately the answer here is “why are you asking a bunch of stratagems and not the vet, who ACTUALLY knows?”

You’ll not get any quality answers here, none of us are vets nor have the requisite experience to advise you. I know enough to say I’m skeptical of comparing wild bird rehabilitation to companion parrot veterinary care, two very different fields. Especially since many rehab cases focus on larger birds, not a 100g conure. But that’s the best you’re gonna get.

Consult your vet, and/or get a second opinion.

 

[Skyenalani]

If you read my entire post, you would have read that I said I am going to consult with my vet again. I was just asking to see if anyone has experienced the same thing. Maybe their vet had a different opinion.

Hello and welcome!

So sorry your dealing with this! I know that must be heartbreaking.

Unfortunately the answer here is “why are you asking a bunch of stratagems and not the vet, who ACTUALLY knows?”

You’ll not get any quality answers here, none of us are vets nor have the requisite experience to advise you. I know enough to say I’m skeptical of comparing wild bird rehabilitation to companion parrot veterinary care, two very different fields. Especially since many rehab cases focus on larger birds, not a 100g conure. But that’s the best you’re gonna get.

Consult your vet, and/or get a second opinion.

 

[chris-md]

Hello,

I did read, thank you though. you’re asking for a “second opinion” from non veterinary individuals about their experience with an experimental treatment on wild birds translating to a bird that is not your own - not really the approach you want to take on this for a several different reasons.

Nothing wrong with asking, but advise of this nature - translation of medical field work on what I assume are likely raptor to the pscittacine veterinary clinic - is best left to veterinary professionals. Like I said, none of us are qualified to comment, and guaranteed have no experience with this.

Also, asking someone about their their vets advice for THEM...is not a second opinion for you. It’s like using some else’s oncology consult and thinking it may apply to you. Every medical case is different.

 

[Littleredbeak]

Dr.David Mccluggage is an avian vet who combines traditional and holistic medicine And does phone consults. I have his book and just recently found out he does phone consults. He is nationally recognized.

Dr. Susan Orosz is a traditional avian vet who is internationally recognized. I’ve done a phone consult with her for my bird. Dr.Orosz was helpful in rehab in regards to my bird’s foot and ankle. Thank

I do not have any experience with broken wings so can’t offer any advice or share my experience in this regard. I do know egg shells have minerals that help the bones absorb calcium. I soft boil quail eggs
For my birds and give them half the egg. (Hard boiling changes the chemical makeup of the egg).

If I was in your position I’d call a parrot rescue and see if they can offer you advice. I have done this and the phone call was very informative- they shared their vast experience with me. This did not replace a vet but made me wiser and a better bird mom.

 

[Skyenalani]

Broken wings are very common, so I believe there is a chance that someone has dealt with something similar and may have another idea I could bring up with my vet when I speak with her. Thanks for the unhelpful reply once again. I'd appreciate it if you didn't respond further.

Hello,

I did read, thank you though. you’re asking for a “second opinion” from non veterinary individuals about their experience with an experimental treatment on wild birds translating to a bird that is not your own - not really the approach you want to take on this for a several different reasons.

Nothing wrong with asking, but advise of this nature - translation of medical field work on what I assume are likely raptor to the pscittacine veterinary clinic - is best left to veterinary professionals. Like I said, none of us are qualified to comment, and guaranteed have no experience with this.

Also, asking someone about their their vets advice for THEM...is not a second opinion for you. It’s like using some else’s oncology consult and thinking it may apply to you. Every medical case is different.

 

[Skyenalani]

I really appreciate it. I will look them up and see if we can chat I haven't heard of feeding egg shells. He does get an egg food, but I think it just contains the egg itself. Thanks for the thoughtful reply.

Dr.David Mccluggage is an avian vet who combines traditional and holistic medicine And does phone consults. I have his book and just recently found out he does phone consults. He is nationally recognized.

Dr. Susan Orosz is a traditional avian vet who is internationally recognized. I’ve done a phone consult with her for my bird. Dr.Orosz was helpful in rehab in regards to my bird’s foot and ankle. Thank

I do not have any experience with broken wings so can’t offer any advice in this regard. I do know egg shells have minerals that help the bones absorb calcium. I soft boil quail eggs
For my birds and give them half the egg. (Hard boiling changes the chemical makeup of the egg).

 

[Laurasea]

I have heard of wings healing with wraps, under veterinarian care. Several weeks.
Or surgery to put a in in, but requires an avain vet that does this, not all avain vets do. Sometimes it helps if you can take them to a veterinarian college that has more resources .
Sometimes wing amputation is tge best option.... it all depends.

Warmth is critical fir all sick and injured burds.

 

[Skyenalani]

I'm actually going to UC Davis currently. I tried to call our avian specialist here, but unfortunately due to COVID restrictions they aren't seeing new patients at the moment.

He will still have movement in the shoulder joint/wing just not one of the joints required for flight which was why amputation wasn't discussed. Thanks for your thoughts

I have heard of wings healing with wraps, under veterinarian care. Several weeks.
Or surgery to put a in in, but requires an avain vet that does this, not all avain vets do. Sometimes it helps if you can take them to a veterinarian college that has more resources .
Sometimes wing amputation is tge best option.... it all depends.

Warmth is critical fir all sick and injured burds.

 

[Laurasea]

Wow UC Davis is the best!!! Maybe they could do a video consultation, and offer advice.
Poor birdie, we want him healed , and able to fly.
Best wishes
Keep us updated as we will learn from your journey.

 

[Skyenalani]

Yes, I love it. When I called, they said no one was in that could talk to me. I will call again and ask if that would be possible when someone is available. I will post updates as they come. I'm also going to speak with his current vet again on Monday about whether or not there is something else I could be doing for him. Fingers crossed.

Wow UC Davis is the best!!! Maybe they could do a video consultation, and offer advice.
Poor birdie, we want him healed , and able to fly.
Best wishes
Keep us updated as we will learn from your journey.