Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Cignet with bad leg
By:christine
Date: 8 October 2012
In Response To: Re: Cignet with bad leg (The Regal Swan)

The two vets that examined him/her are not sure what is wrong. I declined x-rays, they were not sure because of it's age (4 weeks) that it would show anything. They were thinking it was up in the shoulder area though, instead of the knee. They think it may have been dislocated at one time and now the leg tendons may be freezing up? You can definately tell that there is no muscle tissue left from shoulder down. They said they could do surgery to look as see what is wrong, but there was no guarentee that they could fix it. They suggested 'culling' it. But I am really attatched to this little guy/girl and want to give it every chance possible. So for now, I have wrapped the leg up so it would be in a natural sitting position for it, instead of it lay straight out behind it like it has been for the last 3 days now. I feel this will stop the tendons from freezing up this way. A pressure sore has just barely broke the skin from trying to scoot around. During the day, I take them outside and they have access to a small pond that they climb in and out of. There is a very slight incline for it to climb out of, but it can't do that now, so I am keeping it out of the pond while I have him bandaged up, however, I am thinking after reading your responds that perhaps swiming may be good for it? So, should I put it in the water for some time (amount?) and let it excerise and then back out for a time (amount?) 2-3 times a day? and when it's out keep it wrapped? Then I bring them indoors at night in a dry pool. And back out in a.m. when it warms up for them. Thank you so much for your reponds. More then my vet did!

Messages In This Thread

Cignet with bad leg -- christine -- 8 October 2012
Re: Cignet with bad leg -- The Regal Swan -- 8 October 2012
Re: Cignet with bad leg -- christine -- 8 October 2012
Re: Cignet with bad leg -- The Regal Swan -- 9 October 2012
Re: Cignet with bad leg -- christine -- 9 October 2012
Re: Cignet with bad leg -- The Regal Swan -- 9 October 2012