Please help. Our male swan ( we have on male on female) two years old, got his foot caught between a rope and a piece of wood that supports a pump motor used keep a portion of the pond free of ice. This has never happened before, the previous owner had this set up for 8 years.
The swan twisted his foot and joint so badly trying to free himself that he destroyed his tendons and exposed the bone. His one wing was badly bruised probably trying to free himself for hours. I had to go into the shallow but freezing water chest deep to free him, and brought him to the local vet. The swan was in shock and exhausted, near death.
The wound at the joint was cleaned, IV fluids were given with anti-biotic's, and the swan is being kept warm. The wound was not closed, just bandaged, and it was recommended that i take him to a specialist for surgery.
Can the swan survive with one good foot? Can i put him back on the water with his mate as is? The cost tonight was 1,000. and surgery for the joint with be triple that. We love these swans and are at a loss for what to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated.