If it is affordable for you and the vet confirms it is possible and worth it, amputation of the infected limb may be the way to go. It’s true that birds often show symptoms late but that doesn’t mean it’s always TOO late to help them. Heck I brought my hen back to full health even after the vet told me there was no chance of survival. Many things are possible.I agree with you completely. My boyfriend looks at Sally and says there’s no reason to put her down. But the x-ray shows that she’s developed this horrible bone infection that can lead to sepsis which is a terrible way to die. That’s why the vet has recommended euthanizing her. I had another girlfriend say that when birds or ducks, chickens show symptoms, it’s often too late to do anything about it. They are good at hiding disease. And so that is my dilemma; do I euthanize her to save her from sepsis or do I hope and pray for a miracle that the infection can be fought with oral antibiotics? It’s a quandary because she is such a happy duck. I want to hold out hope. And I have her loyal mate, Harry, who is by her side at all times. What will I do with Harry and his grief? It is difficult to say the least.