Phoebe's Foot

[Mylo's Mama]

Hi everyone! I know it's been awhile since I've been here and I am cursing myslef for it!
Is there anyone that would be willing to help me? Phoebe (catalina macaw) got her foot/leg pinched in her cage on Friday. She favored it until bedtime (about 2 hours or so). No swelling or bleeding or anything, she just did not want to put any weight on it. When she woke up the next morning, she was still favoring a little but nothing like the night before. As the days have gone on, she was back to her normal self. Last night, Mylo (military macaw) was playing with her and bit her in the same foot. She is now favoring it again. All her toes bend and everything (still no swelling, no toes are crooked), it just appears sore. I know most of you will say take her to the vet to be safe, which is probably what I will do. I was curious if any of you have had this issue and what a Dr. can do about if it's only bruised. And, I am concerned about exposing her to radiation with x-rays of her foot. (she spent a lot of time in the hospital when we first got her, and she hates going there!
Sorry about the long posting....will birds feet/legs swell when they are broken? Will they still try and use them? Can a birds foot bruise?

Thanks in advance

[green_feather]

I've heard birds feet can, and quite easily too. I bet poor phoebe is in probs pain like when we bruise or sprain our feet and ankles. If theres no swelling i'd say your probably safet to say its only a bruise but if she's favoring it for say 4 days then you should take her to the vet.

[sparkysmom]

One time my bird sparky bit my bird jaws and broke her little leg. It was only slightly swollen. But she had that leg pulled all the way up into her feathers until I could get to the vet. Didn't even try to use it. But then again she was a smaller bird and could probably get by better on just the one foot.

I hope your Phoebes owie turns out to be a bruise. A trip to the vet will put your mind at ease. Maybe they won't even have to X-ray.

[Heather_Bird]

I do hope all is improving for the little one Mylo's Mama. I always 'make haste slowly' with this sort of injury but that is my way. You need to do whatever makes you feel ok. Mostly I find that the foot/leg is fine within a day or two but anything longer and I am vet-bound! Let us know how things go and good luck!

All the best,

Heather