We are sorry for the accident to the swan. Unfortunately, surgery is going to be the only answer to this issue. You will need to take him to an avian veterinarian. If he survives the injury until you get him to surgery, he has to have the surgery in order to survive. Swans cannot do well with only one foot. If the surgery is successful and rehabilitation will be required, then he may be able to get up and down banks and free himself from predators which are the major concerns for needing two feet.

DO NOT put him back into the water. The cold water will only cause more stress to him and the injured foot.

On a bright note, we had an 8 week old Mute cygnet that had his feet ripped to shreds by a turtle. Unlike your swan's injury, however, there was no joint damage. Our veterinarian was able to clean and debride the wound. The swan walks funny but is able to get up and down banks and flee without having partial webbing of the feet.

If you do not opt to have the surgery, Euthanasia is the only recommended outcome for this injury. We wish that we could offer much more assistance, but an avian veterinarian examining the foot will be able to provide a better diagnosis for you. Please let us know how the situation progresses. The Regal Swan