Baby chick not bearing weight-please help!

[MrsChicky55]

My 2 week old baby silkie is not bearing weight on it’s right foot. Not sure what happened, unaware of an injury. His feet look fine, I can’t feel any breaks or anything. He doesn’t show pain on palpating. His right knee joint is quite a bit larger than the other but the flesh itself doesn’t feel swollen or hot. Maybe a joint issue? Any guesses? He’s my only blue and so cute. Also one of my few straight up Silkies rather than frilkies or sizzles. I’d hate for him to end up lame or worse. He’s shaking I’m guessing from pain? He seemed fine yesterday. I tried to separate him from the others but he desperately wanted to be with them and I was afraid he’d injur himself further trying to get to them. They aren’t picking on him. I have a little cardboard box in there he’s nesting in so he’s with the others but not close enough to get bumped or jarred.
(In the video he’s picking at his feet but I think that’s because Their a little wet. I used a wet paper towel to clean its feet for a better visual.)
Neurologically he seems fine other than the trembling. (Which only started once I was messing with him).
I’m planning on getting some Mareks vaccine but have not done so yet. But given the size comparison of the joint I’m guessing that is the crux of the problem. Not sure what I can do for him.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you get a clearer shot of him standing? It may be a leg bone deformity or a slipped tendon. Usually there is not much that can be done, except for giving chick vitamins. Some try splinting the affected leg. The hock joint can become swollen, red, and may worsen as the chick grows. Hopefully, it is just an injury, though. Here is some reading about varus-valgus deformity:
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1051/leg-health-in-large-broilers/
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/poult.../noninfectious-skeletal-disorders-in-broilers
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...yone-ever-try-to-fix-this-experiences.879233/

 

[JeanR]

Merek's vaccine must be given at hatch to be effective. Symptoms do not show up early. In cockerels first symptoms show at about 9-12 weeks--pullets about point of lay. Hope the chick recovers quickly.

 

[MrsChicky55]

Hard to get a good image as he’s not putting weight in that right foot and the feathering makes it hard to see too.

 

[MrsChicky55]

Poor little one just hops around in the one foot.

 

[MrsChicky55]

Can you get a clearer shot of him standing? It may be a leg bone deformity or a slipped tendon. Usually there is not much that can be done, except for giving chick vitamins. Some try splinting the affected leg. The hock joint can become swollen, red, and may worsen as the chick grows. Hopefully, it is just an injury, though. Here is some reading about varus-valgus deformity:
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1051/leg-health-in-large-broilers/
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/poult.../noninfectious-skeletal-disorders-in-broilers
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...yone-ever-try-to-fix-this-experiences.879233/

What vitamins would help?

 

[MrsChicky55]

I looked up the info you gave me and I think you're on the mark with a slipped tendon. Any thoughts on how to pop it into place and demobilize?

Can you get a clearer shot of him standing? It may be a leg bone deformity or a slipped tendon. Usually there is not much that can be done, except for giving chick vitamins. Some try splinting the affected leg. The hock joint can become swollen, red, and may worsen as the chick grows. Hopefully, it is just an injury, though. Here is some reading about varus-valgus deformity:
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1051/leg-health-in-large-broilers/
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/poult.../noninfectious-skeletal-disorders-in-broilers
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...yone-ever-try-to-fix-this-experiences.879233/

 

[MrsChicky55]

https://www.facebook.com/659792004/...50685/10155111533322005/?type=3&theater&ifg=1
Can't figure out how to post a video but here's a link.

 

[MrsChicky55]

Finally resting comfortably! Poor little baby chick. When I checked on it this morning this chick was in SO much pain. I picked him up and he settled into my hand and fell asleep almost immediately, he was just exhausted. While sleeping, every breath he made a painful little noise. It just broke my heart. I very carefully relocated the tendon but I know it hurt. He’d cheep at the most painful parts but his breathing was SO labored the whole time and he just curled up in my hand with his eyes shut tight. It only took a minute but it was so painful to see him hurting like that! Hopefully it’s located correctly and the tape job will stay. I’m hoping since the legs straight that means I did it right since he couldn’t straighten it himself? Too he fell back asleep as soon as I was done. No more painful noises or labored breathing. He definitely seems more comfortable. Now I just have to keep him off it. Hopefully it heals well and he can walk again soon! Here’s what we’ve concocted for a chicken sling or chicken-chair to keep the little guy (or gal?) from bearing weight on the foot and risking the tendon slipping out of place again. At first the chick was too exhausted to care but after a few hours it’s perking up and occasionally makes it known he’s not so thrilled about his sling. The trick has been keeping him down while his leg heals! I’ve been doing epsom salt baths too. Fingers crossed this works. I really don’t want to have to put him down:-(

 

[Eggcessive]

I am glad you got some info on fixing the tendon. This is not often successful, but checking it daily and replacing it, and resplinting it with vet wrap could help. I sure hope you can help the little cutie. The vitamins to use should include riboflavin. Rooster Booster Vitamins With Lactobacillus are easy to use in the water. Poultry Cell 1 ml daily, or PolyVisol Baby Vitamins without iron 2-3 drops daily can also be good. Good luck.