Experience regarding surgery on broken leg?

[sofi]

Hi, I've been taking care of a quaker parrot for about 4 months now, whom my uncle found in his garage almost a year ago. I took him to the vet last month and they told me his leg was fractured and needed surgery, also that it is illegal to have quaker parrots as pets in my country, and that he is a little bit undernourished and no older than a year. So I'm planning on taking him to a bird sanctuary once the COVID situation gets more normal, but I'm very conflicted on to whether or not having him get surgery since I've read birds sometimes don't survive the postoperative, and he is very young and underweight. However, I'd also find it very unethical to force him to live a life without a leg when the possibility of surgery exists (and legs are so important on a parrot's life!) He sometimes bites his legs kind of like trying to put it in place and it's so sad because it looks like he is in pain
So, does anyone have experience or advice on this? I'll attach some pics of his broken leg.
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[Scott]

Was the leg fracture confirmed with X-Ray or by visual exam and manipulation? You'll need to confirm the legality of a vet treating an illegal bird. In some venues the penalty may be harsh including euthanasia of "contraband." Hopefully services can be provided without sanction.
I have personal experience with two birds requiring surgery for broken leg: Eclectus and Timneh African Grey. Both larger than a Quaker, and in each case the bird was anesthetized, leg pinned, sutured, and covered with protective cast. You are correct about anesthesia risk, to better assess a blood panel ought be performed and choice of method is critical. Gold standard is Sevoflurane or Isoflurane gas delivered via mask. Far more costly but much safer than IV sedation. Both birds recovered without incident and full use of leg restored. An alternate method may be splinting depending on species size and location of break.

Delay in treatment may cause the bone to heal in broken position. You'd need a skilled vet to determine best means forward. I applaud you for caring for him and hope you find a good solution.

 

[Laurasea]

My heart hurts to hear of this. He bites his leg because it hurts. Ive seen several success stories with broken legs.
Are you in the states? I don't know what a sanctuary would do if they are illegal.....this is terribly sad.
Why didn't the vet fix?
O just don't know how to help...
https://lafeber.com/vet/external-coaptation-birds-bandages-splints/

 

[ParrotGenie]

Is it it possible just to drive to a state over and get him veterinarian care? They are only illegal in 10 states? California, Colorado (unless owned before 1990), Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Wyoming. Find a veterinarian that doesn’t care word for word the law and that will treat him. What area are you located around?

I advised against taking him to a Rescue/Sanctuary as likely they will put him down due to being illegal in your state. You best bet is go over to next state, or find a veterinarian that don’t mind treating him. If you don’t want him, rehome him to someone out of state.

 

[Littleredbeak]

I don’t have any helpful medic advice. Keeping your bird in my thoughts and prayers! In pa a woman found an injured Quaker and kept it. Later the woman took the Quaker parrot to the vet and the vet called the authorities on her and Fish and wildlife confiscated the Quaker. The woman and her husband got the bird back and moved to NC and adopted two more quakers! With the bird being illegal in your state I’d maybe give it to a friend or rescue in a state where quakers are legal. Wishing you the best of luck!

 

[Littleredbeak]

Any updates?