Take dove to vet, or not take dove to vet?

[Birdsinchile]

Hi!! one of our cats recently caught a wild young dove. The first thing we noticed was all its tail feathers were pulled out on one side. Knowing how long it could take to grow them back we made him comfortable in a spare bathroom and we go in about twice a day to change the food, water and news papers. After a week and a half he'sflying better and is less afraid. However, his right leg is twisted to the side and although it is not swollen and doesn't seem to hurt, it dags a little and could get caught in things. We have heard about a vet realatively nearby who specializes in birds. We didn't hear about it till recently and don't know what she's like. So the question is:
Do we risk tramatizing this wild bird by putting it in a box and driving it there to get his leg checked or do we let it be??
i realy appreciate your help!

[TheSnipes]

Not sure what country or state you're in, I guess I would call and ask if that vet treats *wild* birds because some will just insist on euthenizing them. And some places have some strange regulations that might even prompt seizure of the bird. If you call and they seem willing to treat it I would definately take it in for an examination. The leg may be broken and require setting. My $0.02.

[Birdsinchile]

Actualy we're living in South America I'll be sure to check that out.

[Pidgey]

Well, let's do a little research on this dove for a bit and see how we should proceed. Follow this link, read the thread and then follow the links in the thread to see if its leg might possibly be splayed:

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showthread.php?t=17869

Pidgey

[TheSnipes]

Originally Posted by Birdsinchile

Actualy we're living in South America I'll be sure to check that out.

I kinda thought that might be true from the handle

[Birdsinchile]

Thanks for the links but we don't think he got the twisted leg from birth its probably an injury from getting caught.

[Pidgey]

Is it wobbly, like you can move it anywhere or any direction with no resistance?

Pidgey

[Birdsinchile]

No. its almost like the leg is dead.

[TheSnipes]

Have you talked to that vet's office yet?

[Birdsinchile]

No- when my dad gets home from work he can translate it into spanish since he speaks it the best.

[Feefo]

Qui'ubo BirdsinChile

If you are lucky enough to have an avian vet nearby then I would take the bird to see her. She will be able to determine whether it can be corrected.

You are the first person in Chile that has posted on this forum.

I grew up in Santiago (my family is anglochilean), but for some reason I never particularly noticed any birds other than the queltehue. What part of Chile are you in?

Cynthia

[Pidgey]

Originally Posted by Birdsinchile

No. its almost like the leg is dead.

Uhh... well, what I meant was, if you grasp the leg and try to move it, is it totally limp or does it feel stiff? The reason I'm asking is that if it's totally limp, it might well be broken. If it's actually stiff or can extend pressure outward, then it may be a deformity.

Pidgey

[Birdsinchile]

you can move it but with difficulty

[Birdsinchile]

Is there like, a way we can set it at home? my mom's a doctor...

[Pidgey]

Well, then, that could be the reason why your cat was able to catch the bird in the first place. Is it in any way possible for you to post a picture or email one to someone?

Pidgey