swollen canary feet

[chickie]

I was asked to look after this canary while the owner went away. I was shocked when I saw its feet. The owner said she had been putting betadine on them as they were in this state when she was given it. I did some research and think it may be mite infestation/tasselfoot and after talking to my local vet nurse I am treating it with scaly face liquid daily. Has anyone seen this and do you think the poor little thing will recover. Not sure if the picture is big enough, hubbie is not here to instruct me reducing the size and I think I have over done it.

[vankarhi]

picture is fine except I cannot enlarge it. I cannot say I have had a bird with swollen feet, but have read it quite often is caused by mites.

[chickie]

hope this picture is better

[sebzpets]

Yep scaly mite with a secondary infection is my guess. Also remove any wooden/cane things from the cage and give the whole thing a really good scrub. Dry the nest and perches etc in the sun after giving them a soak in some diluted bleach.

Basicly you have to go in for the kill on the mites...and treat the 2nd bird as well.

Ohh and when painting their feet with the scaly mite stuff do right up their legs as well as the mites are just as likely to just move up the foot and onto the leg.

[chickie]

Thanks Big "S", we have treated the second bird as there is already evidence of the same thing and I have used one of my new unused little cages and transfered them. I have scrubbed their cage and bought a new little cane nest as the little one finds it hard to stand on the perches. Will it be ok to scrub and dry each day as I have 2 I can alternate them? If not I will see if I can buy something in metal. I do hope I can make him/her more comfortable before their owner gets home, they are so sweet.

[chickie]

Forgot to ask if there is any risk to my new 2 galahs and my 2 tiels? I have segregated them and am very conscious of control of infections ( being a nurse )and I am a stickler for cleanliness.

[sebzpets]

Tis all part of the service Chickie. The cane will prob die pretty quickly being washed all the time but you should be able to buy a plastic one...which will certainly cope with washing etc.

The mite I shouldn't imagine will jump cage unless they are on top of each other (really close) so you should be safe there. The scale should clear off in a few days for the minor prob bird but the other 1 could take a week or more. Prob wouldn't hurt to get some probiotic into them either whilst u have them...it replaces a lot of good bacteria in the gut and will certainly give them a boost

[silverfox]

Also check the bum for it as well . I have the odd budgie get it and they can also get it on the bum

[chickie]

Thanks Silverfox they will both be up for a bum check this evening. Also can someone tell me where to get some probiotics from as suggested by Big"S". I'm new to all this so have no idea.

[sebzpets]

Petshop or produce store for probiotics....produce might be a bit cheaper. Can buy it online through Vetafarm but by the time you get it it would prob not be worth it. Just be good to give their systems a bit of a boost after trying to stave off the infection and mite. And it is called Probiotic btw.

This is vetafarms link www.vetafarm.com.au/product_list.asp?category_id=11

[silverfox]

How is the birds faces? because they can also get it on the face. It is usually around the eyes and on the beak. I noticed the face was not mentioned so am just asking . Good luck

[chickie]

Faces and beak seem fine. They are finding it a bit stressful being handled every day, although today they seemed a little less so. I'm off to buy a plastic basket and all the other things recommended and I do hope we can help them and be able to educate mum when she's back off holiday. Thanks to all for your advice and guidance, I will keep you informed of the progress.

[grego]

You have done well Bird sittimg Chickie ,well done and good luck

[sebzpets]

Come on Chickie an update please

[chickie]

We have continued with the scaly feet treatment and cleaning everything in the cage daily, I know it is early days but I didn't really see an improvement. I decided to visit the vet but the avian vet is on leave so the other 2 vets examined the poor little thing and agreed with you Big "S" that is was almost certainly mite infestation with a nasty secondary infection. Both birds have had treatment which lasts for 6 weeks and an injection of doxycycline which will last till next Monday. Their owner returns next week but I will ask her if I can keep them as I have made a follow up appointment with the avian vet. Thankyou to all who gave advice, this is the best site I have found.
I will let you know how things progress.

[chickie]

I am pleased to say things seem to be improving very slowly, The swelling is reducing and the feet are no longer so angry and red looking. The owner is back and pleased with the progress so I am keeping them for a little longer as I have an appointment with the avian vet tomorrow. Let's hope his little feet won't be too deformed after this.

[silvercloud]

Thats wonderful news. You've done well with him.

[vankarhi]

that is great news ;D

[silverfox]

You are a great friend to have chickie , wish there were more people like you. Glad you are winning with the canary's feet.

[grego]

Well done Chickie
Good work, for l am sure with this kind of progress, you have done well