Hi my pet female pigeon was attacked by a sparrow hawk she has a nasty wound to her back but she’s been seen by an avairien vet whose prescribed antibiotics and pain relief. I’m concerned about her left foot the leg isn’t broken but her foot is clenched like a fist and she can’t stand on it. I’m worried she has nerve damage and won’t regain use of it any suggestions on what may be causing this and if she will recover?
Hi Shell,
I am so sorry this happened to your bird! I’m sure it was terrifying for both of you. I do think you should ask the Vet about her foot, in case he wants to put her on something for the swelling. Birds can be very resilient, and I’ve seen birds recover completely from partial or total paralysis. I had a parakeet that suffered a head injury and was paralyzed from the neck down, but he gained some mobility soon after being treated with anti-inflammatories and within a year, he was fully recovered and could even fly again. So don’t give up on her. See what the Vet says, and ask when it would be safe to do physical therapy on her. You can gently try to unclench the foot a few times a day, as well as gently extend her leg. Keep sessions to a few minutes, a few times per day, and only if the Vet says it is OK to do this. Hopefully with time she will recover and be able to use the leg again. Even if she can’t, she will adjust and be able to get around on one leg. I hope she heals well and feels better soon!
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
