Introduction
Due to the fact that birds have small, and
sometimes hollow bones, it is not unusual for them to break them due to trauma.
Falling off a perch, being injured by another animal, or even being stepped
on by its owner are some of the more common causes of a fracture. Sometimes
there are underlying
problems causing the bones to be
weak and susceptible to fracture during normal activity. The tibiotarsal (shin
bone) is the one most commonly fractured.
Diagnosis
Most birds that have broken legs
will not bear weight on the affected leg. Most fractures can be
palpated by one of our doctors, although a bone can be fractured
without any obvious evidence during examination. Taking a radiograph
is one of the best methods to determine if a fracture is
present.
Do
you see the fracture in this view?
The fracture is more apparent in this
side view. This emphasizes the importance of taking two
views. This fracture is classified as a mid shaft
transverse fracture of the tibiotarsal
bone.
Splinting
Most tibiotarsal bones heal well when splinted
with special tape. We usually keep the splint on for one month,
although this varies. On occasion we need to perform surgery
for proper stabilization. This is more common when there is a
fracture of the femur (thigh bone).
The
first step in splinting is to remove all the feathers
over the fracture site. Plucking them allows them to grow
back faster compared to cutting them. You can see the
bruising that is apparent on this birds leg directly over
the fracture. Birds routinely show bruising of many
colors, which is sometimes misinterpreted as gangrene by
inexperienced people.
The
first layer of tape is applied directly to the skin. We
use a type of tape that will cause minimal irritation to
the sensitive skin during the healing process and when we
remove it after the bone has healed.
These
tape strips are molded over the leg to provide the
beginning stages of stability. Several pieces are used to
cover above and below the fracture.
The next layer
of tape is waterproof and much stronger. Several strips
are used to provide the necessary
stability.
When all the
layers of tape are applied a hemostat is used to gently
mold all the layers tight up against the bone. Now the
fracture site is stable and the bone can begin the
healing process.
The
splint is trimmed for easier mobility. With the fracture
stable this bird will feel substantially better, and
might even start bearing weight in a few days. It needs
to remain quiet and not climb or play excessively during
the healing process. The foot should be checked daily for
swelling and the splint should be kept clean and dry (of
course it is OK to sign the splint). Weekly rechecks by
one of our doctors will ensure the splint is secure and
the foot is not swelling.
For comparison purposes this is a cast put on a wiggly
6 year old boy named Mike. As you can see, one of his fans is signing
the cast while he enjoys some R & R. Your bird needs the same kind
of attention during its healing process. Make sure it gets plenty of
rest and good nutrition, and remove perches initially so it can not
climb around the cage. Putting something soft in the bottom of the cage
is also needed.
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