Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: How to assist amputated swan with artificial leg to walk again
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 12 October 2015

Hi Fiona & Guy:

This is going to be a tough one, but you need to keep the prosthetic on him all the time as long as you do not see any rubbing which can cause an open sore and possible infection.

Keep him swimming to strengthen the leg. You might try to place him in a water feature where the water is 3 feet high. Then, slowly limit the amount of water so that you gently wean him, every week so that eventually he has to put some weight on the leg in the water. In other words, at the end of the week, he now goes into the water feature with 2 feet of water. By the third week, go to 1 1/2 feet of water. He should still be able to float at this height, but will also be required to put some weight on the foot and leg. You will need to keep him in this type setting until he gets comfortable with the leg.

The other issue is that you always have a zero entrance water feature. He may or may not be able to climb in and out of water which could not only stress him, but also the leg and cause further injury or pain. So, you want to make sure he is not having to climb up and down. If he can safely and comfortably walk into the water, that is the best scenario. If he cannot use the prosthetic, then you will need to provide him with a zero entrance that he can always sit on the edge of the water feature to preen and keep dry. Ducks have been given prosthetic devices and have learned to use them. However, this is an individual case by case basis. Good luck and please let us know how he progresses. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

How to assist amputated swan with artificial leg to walk again -- Fiona -- 12 October 2015
Re: How to assist amputated swan with artificial leg to walk again -- The Regal Swan -- 12 October 2015
Re: How to assist amputated swan with artificial leg to walk again -- Guy and Fiona -- 23 January 2016
Re: How to assist amputated swan with artificial leg to walk again -- The Regal Swan -- 23 January 2016
Re: How to assist amputated swan with artificial leg to walk again -- Guy and Fiona -- 25 January 2016
Re: How to assist amputated swan with artificial leg to walk again -- The Regal Swan -- 25 January 2016