Ask Lafeber

My cockatiel

Hello my name is Shreya Kumar. I have a boy cockatiel who is 10 years old. Unfortunately, he had an irritation on his left foot and starting biting it. We took him to the vet, however he had bit through to his veins, breaking all blood supply to his foot. We took him to another experienced vet and they said the two options we have are full amputation of the leg or euthanization. His overall health is very good as for he is very active and chirping. If we were to proceed with a full amputation, will he be able to survive? What is a better option for him?

Hi,

If he is otherwise healthy, I don’t see a need to euthanize him. Cockatiels can do fine with one leg. But you need to allow his wings to grow out because he needs them for balance. I actually had a cockatiel with no legs and she lived into her late 20’s.

I do think you need to clarify with the vet about where he wants to amputate the leg. I’m surprised if he is recommending the entire leg because this is a more complicated and risky surgery than if he amputated at the joint above the foot. Is it possible there is an infection and this is what caused the bird to mutilate his foot? You can have the talk with the Vet, but do not euthanize him if amputating the leg is an option. You can make adjustments in the cage to help him get around at first, such as lower perches or make ramps, but with time, he should fully adjust.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda