Creating a foot splint?

[jmdc]

I was wondering if someone could guide me through creating a splint for Waffle's foot? I believe he's club footed since his toes are always curled up into each other. I sort of have a general idea of how to make one, but I still definitely need some guidance.

 

[MonicaMc]

You'd want something flat like a popsicle stick/tongue depressor, then some bandaging to get the foot to lay out flat... any vets or zoos in the area that could potentially help you out? Even a breeder?

 

[EllenD]

I'd be very careful attempting this without the help of an Avian Vet, as stated above maybe from a zoo, a vet office/clinic, or even a phone call to an Avian Vet clinic for advice. If you splint his foot and/or toes in the wrong way it could actually make the problem much, much worse, as you don't know what the problem is to begin with, nor do you know what type of splint position will correct the problem. "Clubfoot" isn't a diagnosis, it's a symptom of a potentially larger issue. You just don't want to end-up accidentally making it so he cannot walk/use his foot at all when it's over...

 

[Kiwibird]

I *think* this OP stated in another thread about these birds that they were in a country without much in the way of vets.

Personally, I wouldn't mess with the foot at all. Birds are highly adaptable to such deformities and being a captive bird without any threat of predation, he should be able to live a long and happy life with the foot as-is. Trying to "correct" it without the expertise of a vet would be inadvisable as it could cause him a lifetime of pain if done wrong.

 

[EllenD]

Well said by Kiwi, and I should have stated the same, if you don't have access to a vet to either visit or call, or a zoo or bird sanctuary, etc., then I'd not splint it at all either. You could very well end-up making it much worse, as if you splint it in the wrong way, even slightly, he may not every walk again. Better to just let him adapt to what's he's already been dealing with for this long...

 

[GaleriaGila]

If thre ere are truly no veterinary alternatives, I'm going with the 'leave it alone' idea. I know of at least two 'club-footed' birds who adjusted very well over time.

 

[jmdc]

I see. I'll leave it alone then. He seems to be gradually opening his foot. I saw all toes on the ground earlier today when I brought him out to feed so I haven't given up on the idea that he might correct it himself.

 

[EllenD]

I see. I'll leave it alone then. He seems to be gradually opening his foot. I saw all toes on the ground earlier today when I brought him out to feed so I haven't given up on the idea that he might correct it himself.

It could be a nerve issue, a muscular issue, etc. and not actually a permanent disability, and yes, he may grow-out of it over time, or at the very least it may get better to the point that he regains some use of it. That's why messing around with a splint may not be a good idea.