Try to find another veterinarian, especially with waterfowl experience. The foot (webbing) needs to be trimmed and cleaned, possibly sutured next to the toes. He may also need to stay on antibiotics for a time. As long as the toes are intact, he will be able to swim and stand.

This seems like he may have encountered a snapping turtle. We have seen this injury incurred by a small cygnet at 9 weeks of age. Dr. Gardner, one of our swan veterinarians, cleaned the wound which was caused by a soft-shelled turtle. The bird is now 11 years of age and is still walking and swimming. The absence of the webbing may be throwing him off and he does not know how to balance without the webbing. If the veterinarian thinks that he needs to stay out of the water, you will need to form an indoor pen in your garage or other safe area that a predator cannot get to him and you can sprinkle his feathers with water as well as feed him without his getting the foot wet.

As far as the outdoor pen, make sure that there is a top (poultry fencing) over the top so that a predator cannot climb into the fence and kill him. The poultry fencing should also be placed under the pen so that nothing including turtles can dig under the pen to get to him. The pen must be 1/2 in water and 1/2 on land with a feeder inside. Please let us know how he is doing. The Regal Swan