Another spraddle leg question

[tryingtohaveitall]

This morning one of our 2.5 week old Brahma chicks was walking with one leg turned far outward. I assume this is spraddle leg? We tried to do the bandaid splint, but I'm not sure this is really what she needs. She can walk with her legs bandaided together (awkwardly, of course), but that leg still turns outward. And she insists on turning circles in the opposite direction, which pulls that leg even more outward as it drags behind. (I hope this is making sense)

Is there a better way of splinting this to keep the foot turned frontwards? Thanks for the help and advice.

 

[horsejody]

If it is just spraddle, it will straighten out. If it is a slipped tendon, it is more serious. Post a pic. If it is a slipped tendon, maybe someone with more experience can help.

 

[tryingtohaveitall]

I knew someone would want a pic.

Going now.

 

[hoppy]

here is what I do.
take a block of foam (like in the fabric store) about 2" thick.
cut a block as wide as the chick's body and make a slit from top to bottom on each side where if the chick was on top of it with legs in the correct position , the legs would be. then, slide each leg in from the side and duct tape the leg into the block. you may have to cut a section of the top of the foam block for the chick's belly. so now you will have the chick's body on top of the foam with the legs strapped into the foam and feet are sticking out the bottom side of the foam (the foam is protecting the legs from the tape)
now prop up in a deep flat bottom bowl and tape the foam to the bowls edges so the chick can't tip over. you will need to set up a feeding bar of food and water and put a paper towel under the butt maybe to catch the poo depending on how long your foam is from front to back. you should only have to keep the chick like this for 2-3 days, then it hopefully will be healed back to the proper position.
I did this with a day old chick and it only took over night- also good for straightening out curled up feet.

 

[Chicky Tocks]

Wow that sounds great! I have a 7 week old pullet with a dislocated hip I'm pretty sure....and I'm having problems keeping her splinted. She keeps breaking the splint because she's so large. I wonder if this method might work for her?

 

[tryingtohaveitall]

This is the pic of it splinted. 2nd pic trying to show how it still turns outward. It's harder to see when she isn't turning right away from it and twisting it out.

 

[hoppy]

Quote:
try my technique with the foam block, it may work. from what I see, it looks like the hip might be out?and this should pull it in as long as it's not been out for long. so manipulate the leg to get the legs straight then do the foam splint.

 

[tryingtohaveitall]

Quote:
try my technique with the foam block, it may work. from what I see, it looks like the hip might be out?and this should pull it in as long as it's not been out for long. so manipulate the leg to get the legs straight then do the foam splint.

I don't think I have any foam here. I'm trying to figure out a way to modify that and keep the hip/leg aligned. BTW, I do think you're right about the hip. I went out there again a bit ago and it seems like a hip dislocation. I wonder if an ace wrap between and around the legs/hips would work? Kind of like what they used to do for babies with a congenital hip dislocation.

 

[hoppy]

you could try an Emer sling like they use on dogs but I really think the foam would work easier. maybe you could strap the chick using a towel instead of the foam. the foam is just soft but holds it shape better and the faster you get this positioned right, the better the outcome.