Rio

Rio was found as a stray (with a band that says "32" on her left leg) on 1/6 and taken to SFACC. I first met her there on 1/9 (along with new volunteer Adam). The next day, she was one of nine that we picked up to transfer to the Marin Humane Society which very generously fosters pigeons that have run out of time at other shelters. Rio is very, very thin and we weren't sure she was in good enough condition but we wanted to give her a chance and see how she did.



Once out where she could move around, we could see that she had a very sore foot/leg that she avoided putting weight on and so that combined, with her emaciation, meant we brought her back home for foster and vet care.



She did pretty well in my downstairs recovery room but flightless racer Frankie was hassling her a bit and so I took upstairs to see if she might get along with Teddy who was upstairs in the kitchen counter hospital and lonesome and fretful by herself.



I traded out Teddy's crate for a slightly larger and more open cage and got very lucky because they get along great. They must both be hens which is a really good thing because I've got a coop full of bachelors.



They are doing GREAT together- they get along effortlessly and both are doing a little better thanks to the company. This morning, when I brought them out of the cage for some on-top-of-the-cage time, Teddy flew off to go exploring and within a few minutes, Rio joined her.




In examining Rio's right leg and foot, I can find no explanation for the pain except what I think is probably a case of bumblefoot. We have an appointment with Dr. Lynn at Montclair Veterinary Hospital on Friday.


2/2 Update

Rio didn't have bumblefoot (just some rough soles) but she did have a very swollen, painful ankle joint for which Dr. Lynn prescribed injected antibiotics (NaxCel) and pain reliever. Poor Rio has been getting twice-a-day shots from me and thinks I'm pretty much the devil but it is working and she's doing better. I took her in today for a recheck and the swelling is way down and while she's still limping, she is moving around more and can bear weight on it (gingerly). She's gained 100 grams (still has another 100 to go) and is doing well.