Budgie crisis

[lottiel]

We lost our hen only last week to an unexplained illness. Her mate (Brewster) has started to moult this week (which I know gets Homs down on top losing his friend) he seems ok in himself but has started to not use his left foot.

I've checked him over tonight and his joint (top of leg) is much more swollen than his other. Not like a tumour but just bigger, plus he won't put any pressure on it. ;(

Has anyone heard of this before and can budgies get arthritis?

Thanks

Charlie

[Hezz]

Budgies can definitely get arthritis. And gout. How old is Brewster?

Here are some sites with interesting info:

www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/birdinformation/arthritis.php

www.officialbarrieshuttbudgerigars.com/arthriticbudgies.htm

[lottiel]

That's great thank u!
Brewster is about 10 years old, he's on Baytril from the vets as a precaution of what his mate died from.

[Hezz]

It may be worth asking the vet if they recommend anything for arthritis, even holistic treatments etc - topical pain relief, shrug. They would probably want to diagnose it properly first. 10 years is getting up there in budgie years; Brewster is definitely of an age to be suffering from arthritis. Poor fella, hope you can give him some relief, and get him back onto two feet.

[lottiel]

Hey thanks for your help!
It now looks as though brewsters developing what might b bumblefoot? Small little ulcers have developed in his foot joints and toe tips.
He has natural wooden perches and gas done for years (like natural twigs)
His cage is cleaned regular and he's on antibiotics still from the vets.

I'm desparetly trying to get vitamin a into him through carrots etc but he doesn't seem that bothered by them!

;(

[Hezz]

Cotton rope perches are good for sore feet - a little softer than plain wood. Or you could try wrapping your branch perches with a soft cotton cloth to make them a bit softer. Good luck with Brewster.

[lottiel]

Thank u, will keep u posted on his progress