Peahen with possible broken leg

[Jazzy_G]

I have a 4 year old peahen with a broken leg. Can that be splinted? Need advice!

 

[KsKingBee]

Splints are hard to stabilize, use cast material but don't make it too heavy. The cast can be removed in three weeks.

 

[Jazzy_G]

Splints are hard to stabilize, use cast material but don't make it too heavy. The cast can be removed in three weeks.

Thanks for the information. I think maybe it’s dislocated instead of broken…I don’t see a break anywhere in the leg. Have you had one recover from that issue?

 

[KsKingBee]

Thanks for the information. I think maybe it’s dislocated instead of broken…I don’t see a break anywhere in the leg. Have you had one recover from that issue?

What you see that looks dislocated is actually called a 'blown hock'. It is a torn ligament that should be holding the leg straight but since it is torn off the bone it allows the leg to rotate out away from the bird. That will not repair itself nor is it repairable without expensive surgery that most vets are not capable of doing.

 

[Jazzy_G]

What you see that looks dislocated is actually called a 'blown hock'. It is a torn ligament that should be holding the leg straight but since it is torn off the bone it allows the leg to rotate out away from the bird. That will not repair itself nor is it repairable without expensive surgery that most vets are not capable of doing.

So I’m most likely going to have to put her down so she’s not suffering?

 

[Jazzy_G]

So I’m most likely going to have to put her down so she’s not suffering?

And does this happen often? I’ve had them for about two years now.

 

[KsKingBee]

So I’m most likely going to have to put her down so she’s not suffering?

If you will post a picture of the hens leg we should confirm that is what you are dealing with before you put her down.

 

[Jazzy_G]

I’m actually at the vet’s office with her now. Hopefully the vet will be experienced enough to know. I don’t want to put her down unnecessarily

If you will post a picture of the hens leg we should confirm that is what you are dealing with before you put her down

 

[Jazzy_G]

So I’m most likely going to have to put her down so she’s not suffering?

What you see that looks dislocated is actually called a 'blown hock'. It is a torn ligament that should be holding the leg straight but since it is torn off the bone it allows the leg to rotate out away from the bird. That will not repair itself nor is it repairable without expensive surgery that most vets are not capable of doing.

So vet diagnosed an actual broken leg (showed me on the X-ray) and said she could fix with surgery. I’d have to keep her crated 4-6 weeks until she’s healed. She said she could also put a cast on it but it may not work and then surgery wouldn’t be an option. Does this sound like a normal course of treatment? Have you had birds with broken legs before, and if so what did you do for them?

 

[Waterfaery]

So vet diagnosed an actual broken leg (showed me on the X-ray) and said she could fix with surgery. I’d have to keep her crated 4-6 weeks until she’s healed. She said she could also put a cast on it but it may not work and then surgery wouldn’t be an option. Does this sound like a normal course of treatment? Have you had birds with broken legs before, and if so what did you do for them?

It's great that you have a vet to treat her. I don't know anything about breaks but I would follow your vet's advice.