Any suggestions for injured budgie? - Valentine

[Gemster]

Valentine flew into a door while trying to go through a small opening. He fell to the floor and was unable to fly or stand up on his one leg. His comfort position is to lay on his back now.
He’s been to the vet. Couldn’t find any breaks or injuries. They said he could be in shock.
He’s been eating.
Two things that have been concerning: his wing is twitching every so often and he is biting his leg.

He is trying to stand on his leg but hasn’t been able to keep the position for more than a second.

Here he is (FYI- he is not dead despite the fact that his eyes are closed)

 

[wrench13]

Was this a Certified Avian Vet? If not, Valentine needs to see one ASAP, because clearly she is not OK. Dog and Cat Vets and "Exotic" vets do not have the specialized training to diagnose and treat parrots.

 

[LaManuka]

Oh that poor little birdie! He could very well be in shock, or he may have sustained soft tissue or nerve damage from the collision. Were you given anything like Metacam for inflammation/pain relief?

Wishing sweet little Valentine a full and speedy recovery! :smile046:

 

[Laurasea]

keep quiet and warm in padded bottom of cage. Brain swelling takes a few dats to come down. Give him time. Be careful not to let him drown in water bowl

 

[Scott]

Sad to know beautiful Valentine had serious accident, hope he heals well and quickly. Sometimes an anti-inflammatory is good offense against potential brain swelling, perhaps considered by your vet.

 

[Gemster]

He is doing better today. He can glide but can’t properly land (I didn’t encourage it though)
His balance is better, not entirely standing yet.
I’ve got an extra cage which I’m keeping him in at the moment; the floor is padded. He has been climbing the side bars a bit as well.
His wing doesn’t twitch anymore. I haven’t seen him bite his foot.
Only thing: he doesn’t poop as much. Is there a reason for that?

He was given anti-inflammatory: now taking loxicom.

 

[Scott]

Good progress, I'd keep him as quiet and restful as possible next few days.

Loxicom an NSAID and anti-inflammatory, good med for reducing brain swelling if present.

My guess fewer droppings = diminished appetite, do you have a feel for how much is consumed? Tracking weight extremely helpful to spot health trends. Vet probably weighed him; do you have a small home scale sensitive in grams for comparison?

 

[Gemster]

He is eating independently- he consumes what he normally would. At the moment he is 36g: he usually is around 40g.
Today he was standing on his leg without any support so he still is improving. He’s keen to fly but can only glide.
Here’s a photo of him from two days ago.

 

[Scott]

Valentine appears on successful trajectory for healing. Takes time and he may still be in pain. Weight range of budgies appears 25-60 grams with 25-36 average: https://www.beautyofbirds.com/AverageBirdWeights.htm