Splayed Leg

Splayed leg is a abnormal condition which can occur in hand- raised and parent raised birds. This condition, also called spraddled leg, is an orthopedic deformity in which one or both legs deviate laterally from the hip or stifle. That is the leg or legs extend outwardly from the hip instead of downward under the chick. Another leg deformity occurs in chicks when one leg is thrown forward while the other is thrown back. If these malpositionings of the leg are left untreated, legs will become awkwardly bent away from the body and in time calcify and become so stiff that it is impossible to draw them together normally. If the leg or legs do deviate, immediate care and support therapy is needed to prevent permanent orthopedic problems. Chicks should be observed often to check for potential leg problems. Legs should be straight and symmetrically positioned. Generally, the sooner any deviation is observed and correction is begun, the less severe and prolonged the therapy required. If neglected, maturation and size development will require more vigorous orthopedic-restraint and longer correction periods. Severe deformities are difficult to treat and may require orthopedic surgery. These cases may require fixed braces or casts to encourage redirection of bone growth.

CAUSES

The specific growth deviations seen in splayed leg, may be due to a number of causes. These range from dietary imbalances (vitamin D3 & calcium deficiency), rapid growth rate and/or unsuitable bedding materials (in nests or brooding containers), incubation problems (malpositioning in the egg), genetic defects and congenital defects. (Diseases of Cage and Aviary Birds. Part I: Caged Birds. Psittacine Pediatrics. 342-344).

Leg deformities in hand-reared psittacine chicks are most often associated with traumatic events and/or inadequate or improper bedding or nesting material.

NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES

Dietary imbalances have been implicated, especially metabolic bone disease (such as rickets in young birds and osteomalacia in older birds) resulting from deficiency, calcium/phosphorous imbalance or vitamin D3 deficiency. The proper combinations of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D3 is crucial to proper bone formation. As little as ten days on a deficient diet can cause irreparable damage to the bones of a growing chick. Inadequate feeding or caloric intake is responsible for nutritional deficiencies. Under feeding and feeding too watery a formula can result in inadequate caloric intake and eventually nutritional problems. Improper nutrition may be caused not only by a poorly balanced diet, but also by absorption problems in specific birds. These absorption problems can be caused by disease or genetics.

Advanced cases of leg deformities, resulting from dietary deficiency or from other causes, are not usually curable and may require extensive supportive therapy, surgical treatment, amputation or even euthanasia. Diet evaluation can confirm a dietary origin of the disease. See your veterinarian!

NUTRITION IS IMPORTANT

Bone maturation is more rapid in birds then in mammals. It is extremely important that adequate nutrition be provided from the time of hatching. Also, providing the proper nutrition, that is a balanced diet, to the breeding pair can be a contributing factor in the healthy development of a chick. When hand-feeding, use a proven commercial hand-feeding formula. There are a number of outstanding formulas, available commercially, that are easy to use and provide optimum levels of nutrients for as wide a range of species as possible without dangerous excesses. For a few rare species in aviculture, some formulas may need modifications, such as fat supplementation, to achieve maximum growth rates (Mark Hagen, Mag. 1992. Specific Commercial Formulas. In Nutritional Observations, Hand-Feeding Formulas, and Digestion in Exotic Birds: Part 2. Pp.2-3).

USE COMMERCIAL FORMULAS

It is ill advised to use homemade formulas or to use additives such as significant quantities of human baby foods, juices, peanut butter, oils or additional vitamins or minerals in commercial formulas. The addition of some of these ingredients may dilute or dangerously elevate essential nutrients causing dietary related problems. Only a qualified avian nutritionist or knowledgeable avian veterinarian can determine what additives are beneficial to a particular avian species. Chicks may seem to thrive on homemade formulas or commercial formulas with additives but dangerous conditions (hypervitaminosis D, protein poisoning and FLKS) may occur in some species. When feeding a commercial formula, DO NOT supplement the diet with extra fat, calcium, protein or vitamin mixes (such as calcium or vitamin D3).

HYPERVITAMINOSIS D.

The excessive use of vitamin and mineral supplements in a hand-feeding diet may result in hypervitaminosis D. Calcium levels greater than 1.2% of the diet may lead to kidney damage and visceral gout. Kidney damage may result from feeding excessive amounts of vitamin D3 or calcium (Jeannie Smith, DVM. (April 1995). Avian Kidney Disease. In Bird Talk . p. 20). Fatty liver and kidney syndrome (FLKS) may result from the arbitrary addition of calories and fat to the diet. Protein poisoning in parrot chicks can be caused by chicks absorbing too much protein from a predominately cereal based diet. Most formulas on the market are excellent as is. They are thoroughly tested, nutritionally balanced, and easy to use. Many companies have developed species specific formulas. Find one that suits you and agrees with the species you hand-feed. If a nutritional condition is suspect, see your avian veterinarian for his qualified diagnosis and treatment.

CONGENITAL DEFECTS AND INCUBATION PROBLEMS

Congenital defects are rare and difficult to prove but should be suspect if a pair consistently produces young with deformities (R. Low. (1987). When Chicks Are Ill. In Hand-Rearing Parrots and Other Birds.69-72).

Infections and deficiencies in parent birds may affect the health and development of the embryo and cause congenital abnormalities. These abnormalities can contribute to the development of splayed leg. Accidental occurrences such as inadequately formed eggs, delay in fertilization, delayed egg laying or cooling of eggs may lead to imperfect embryo development and deformities. Skeletal abnormalities may result if the humidity is too low and membranes become dry decreasing mobilization of calcium from the shell (R. Schubot, K. Clubb, S. Clubb, DVM. (1992). Psittacine Pediatric Medicine. In Psittacine Aviculture---Perspectives, Techniques and Rearch, 16-1). Deformities affecting mainly the hip and pelvis when the legs are spread horizontally are not uncommon. This condition especially seen in budgies can be the result of a congenital pelvis and hip deformity in which the ball and socket is under-developed and easily dislocated (L. Arnall & I.F. Keymer (1975). Hereditary and Congenital Diseases. In Bird Diseases---An Introduction to the Study of Birds in Health and Disease. 367-374).

IMPORTANCE OF BROODER AND NEST BOX BEDDING

Splayed leg can occur when chicks are kept on a surface that is slippery. Legs easily slide apart and injury occurs. Therefore, it is mandatory nest boxes and brooders be furnished with the proper bedding material (substrate). It is important that nesting and bedding material be deep enough to provide traction and support. Budgies prefer to nest with out benefit of nesting material. This preference in combination with the budgies tendency toward pelvis and hip deformity can result in a number of babies with splayed leg. Try adding corncob bedding to a budgies nest. Adding this substrate will aid footing and help to discourage splayed leg, The best time to add the crushed corn cob is after eggs hatch, when droppings begin to accumulate at the bottom of the box. The corncob resembles the hardened droppings---most often then not budgies are tricked into accepting them. If tiny budgie chicks show any leg deviation a tiny yarn hobble may be fitted to the chick. Hobbled chicks can safely be returned to the nest and continue to be parent raised. Observe chick often and adjust hobbles as needed. Applying hobbles or other restraining devices to a very small baby can harm the bird by tiring it. The device should be put on very quickly. Always have a second pair of hands to help.

YARN HOBBLE

A yarn hobble is an easily made contraption. This hobble has proven to be a safe and effective method of dealing with simple pediatric orthopedic problems in a variety of avian species. There are various suggested methods for bring the legs down into a normal position. Breeders and veterinarians have been known to use foam, card board, tape and/or vet wrap, etc. to secure or hold the legs in order to correct leg deviation.

The yarn hobbles are ease to make and has proven to be very effective in neonates and young chicks. The procedure is simple. Select a section of soft yarn about four or five inches long,. Length depends on size of the chick. Excess can easily be cut. Choose a unobtrusive color. A beige color works well. The less noticeable the yarn color the less chance the parents will take notice and remove the hobble (Color only matters if the baby is to be returned to the nest). Fold length of yarn approximately 1/2 way down its length (see #1). Fold section of long end and go over short end , around and into loop.(see #2). Hold new loop and gently pull long end to tighten slip knot (see #3). The loop should be large enough to fit over the babies foot. There should be a loop (a), a long end (b), which will go around the opposite leg, and a shorter 3/4 to 1 inch end (c), which will tie on to the longer end. Place one foot (left) through the loop. Slightly pull long end to tighten loop. It should still be fairly loose around the bottom part of the leg, close to the ankle (see #4). It is important to avoid any pressure points on the legs so new deformities are not created. Bring the longer portion of yarn around the opposite leg (right). Sometimes it is easier to work with the patient on his back. Tie the short end of the yarn to the long end pulling the legs together into a normally aligned position. There should be some space between the ankles. Secure the yarn with a granny knot.

Cut excess yarn ends. When placed correctly the hobble will look like a figure eight with knots at center. Do not draw up ends too tightly around legs. There should be sufficient space around each ankle and between the legs. Since growth is rapid in young birds it may take as little as three or four days (or as much as 15 days in more severe cases) to correct. In more severe cases the yarn hobble should be used with one or two Baby Support Rings or a padded bowl or container as support. Check hobble often for any deviations or signs of irritation or swelling. Cut off when legs return to normal.

CHOOSE PROPER BEDDING

Always furnish brooders with a deep fluffy bedding material that will provide support and help to prevent splayed leg. Chicks kept on surfaces which do not provide good traction, such as tissues and some toweling, are liable to suffer from splayed leg. After babies are over one week old I prefer to use our own avian pediatric bedding and liners instead of the commercial bedding available. Cage�N Birds� Baby Bedding and liners are safe and effective avian pediatric bedding products that are highly recommended. Baby Beddings� fluffy texture, in combination with one or more of our liners, provides needed support and traction, keeps babies clean, sanitary and most of all is extremely safe and highly absorbent. Never use wood chips or any bedding material which can prove to be unsanitary and can easily be ingested by growing chicks.

SUPPORTIVE TECHNIQUES

Using one or two connected Baby Support Rings piggy backed (depending on size and age of the chick) can correct mild leg deformities and usually require no other active corrective devices. In severe cases physical therapy, manipulation, splints or surgery may be beneficial. Splayed leg and other mild leg deformities of the hips, femur, or tibiotarsal bones can be successfully treated using various methods. In more severe cases of splayed leg or other leg deformities and in cases of older babies a fixation or hobbling devise may be required in addition to a supportive container (a Baby Support Ring or cup or bowl). The supportive devise limits the ability of the legs to push out to the sides. The legs of the chick should be supported and confined for a number of days or weeks to successfully accomplish repositioning.

ORTHOPEDIC HOBBLES

I personally prefer the yarn hobble described above but there are variations which may prove helpful in certain situations. Leg hobbles fashioned from masking tape, elastic, cloth, bandages, vet wrap and other creative materials should be fastened between the metatarsal bones, hocks, or tarsometatarsal regions. Breeders have been known to use leg bands on each leg as an anchor to tie string or elastic at an appropriate distance for re-positioning of affected legs. A chicks feet can be positioned and taped to a strip of card board or a tongue depressor. Chicks can be taped over a foam rubber pad or sanitary napkin, or placed in a piece of foam rubber. A piece of foam rubber with slits cut to accommodate the legs can provide alignment at the same time as support. To correctly re-position legs and feet, two cross cut openings are cut into the foam brace at distance dictated by the anatomical position and severity of the defect. The feet and legs of the patient are inserted through these openings and taped if needed. Any avian patient with braces and hobbles should be positioned in a support ring or padded container for best results. Supplemental support will keep pressure off the deformed legs and help keep restrained patient in a healthy upright position.

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IN CONCLUSION

Orthopedic problems in nestlings are poorly understood and their causes are due to a wide scope of origins. Every care should be taken to avoid these conditions. Despite the best precautions, leg deformities do occasionally occur. When deformities do happen it is important to act quickly. If recognized early, many abnormalities can be corrected by simple manipulation. What ever method of manipulation is chosen to correct leg deformities, it is crucial to evaluate the situation and to examine and re-examine the patient and the chosen orthopedic positioning device. Neonates grow quickly. Be sure to position the restraint device at a comfortable natural distance between the legs so that new deformities are not created. In most cases of leg deformity the majority of birds treated early, grow up normally with little or no deviation.

Copyright � 2000 Wanda Barras. All Rights reserved. WWW users are granted the right to download a single copy of this catalog and Mrs. Barras articles for archival on electronic media and/or conversion into a single printed copy for personal use. All commercial or educational use or reproduction of this material is strictly prohibited. It may not otherwise be reprinted or recopied, in whole or in part, in any form or medium, without express written permission of Wanda Barras.