Dislocated leg IDEAS Anyone

[bbillyc]

One of the fledglings fell being knocked off the house either by a king bird or other martin. I saw it happen and he went straight down. I went to pick him up to put him back up on the house but noticed that his left leg was dragging and obviously in trouble. I've called vets and a wildlife refuge who have no clue what to do. I've repaired fractures and dislocations on people so I applied the same thinking....traction and hyper extension to get it to pop back in...it seems to have worked but he is pretty sore. Right now I'm just working on trying to get him to eat..I have crickets and mealworms. I need him x-rayed to make sure the joint is relocated properly then it might just be rehab. Does anybody out there have any experience with this...or is this just a trip to euthanasia for the little guy. He had fledged and was flying really well for a couple of days. Thoughts please. Thanks

[Linda Reynolds]

I am so sorry you are experiencing this, bbillyc. Perhaps when Penny Halstead gets home from her work at Roger's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Dallas, she will chime in. I do not think your everyday landlord has the expertise to offer advice, but we wish you the best regarding this little one.

[bbillyc]

Thank you Linda. I had the same thing last year but it was a dislocated foot and it took me three days of rehabbing him and some homemade physio therapy and he flew away. And much to my absolute amazement he came back this year. This guy is a little more seriously injured. I think I have his leg set but right now I am trying to get him to eat. I just force fed a few meal worms but he is going to need more than that. At least this morning the parents fed the little guy for a while while he was in the house, but he fell out so I have him now in a cage. He doesn't appear to be in pain like he was. Bill

[TX Rehabber]

bbillyc,

Just got in and read your post.....if you would like to call my cp# I'll be more than happy to try and help.

[bbillyc]

I spoke with Penny on the phone and she was a fabulous lady with excellent suggestions. Being able to talk with someone who has some experience is just so gratifying. I'll keep you updated on how the little guy makes out. Thank you