Ask the Swan Specialist

In Response To: Re: Swan with swollen leg (The Regal Swan)

Hi Betty:

Which leg is injured? If it is the left leg, it may have something to do with the injury to his left wing. Do you know how his wing was injured? Was he attacked by something, did he run into something, etc.? Does the leg maintain its normal position or is it splayed (away from his body at an abnormal position)? Have you checked the bottom of his foot to see if anything is embedded in the large bump under his foot? Is it cut or displaying oozing found in bumblefoot?

He may not have fractured the leg, but severely bruised or strained the leg. Try to keep him off of the leg for a few more days and see if you can get him to stay in the water by gently supporting him (watch the wings) and see if he can move the leg. Use a container that you can hold him but there is a great depth of water so that he cannot touch the bottom (a large pond liner (purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot). The pond liners are round and have about a 2 foot depth to them. Do not let him flail, but again gently support him so that he uses the leg. It is not likely that he has lost the water repellency as long as he is preening. By taking weight off of the leg (using water therapy similar to humans), he may be able to stretch the leg in water, strengthen his muscles and increase his range of motion. Good luck and please let us know his progress. The Regal Swan
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