Broken duck leg- how to treat

[thewildgoose]

Good morning, my fiancé and I are new parents of 12 chickens and 3 ducks, all about 2.5-3 months old. A neighbor's loose dog attacked our flock on Sunday and got one of our Rouen ducks- the leg has zero tension to it and just hangs. The foot is not spread; the toes are folded together. from everything we've read, it seems the injury is high up in the leg, in the femur or the pelvis?

We are new duck parents and have no idea how to treat this. we have the duck in a cat carrier now, with food and water. the duck is eating and drinking. originally we tried to tuck the leg up against the body and bind it there with bitter wrap but it didn't stay in place.

Anyone with experience treating these injuries, please advise!!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @thewildgoose Welcome To BYC

I'm sorry to hear about your duck.
If you have photos you would like to share that would be good.
Vet care is always best if you have it.

Let's get a few people in here that are knowledgeable about ducks

@casportpony @Miss Lydia @WVduckchick @CayugaJana ? I can't remember the rest of you guys!

 

[thewildgoose]

Thank you! i may be able to get some photos posted this afternoon- if not, then first thing tomorrow morning

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC!

Is a vet an option? If not, have you checked for wounds?

 

[thewildgoose]

the vet is not really an option at this time. the duck had a minor wound on his/her back that we were able to clean and is doing fine. no broken skin on or around the leg.

 

[WVduckchick]

Does the duck try to put any weight on that leg at all?

If you think the duck is up to it, you could try putting it in a tub of water, to observe whether it can use the leg or to maybe help figure out more precisely where the injury is?

 

[thewildgoose]

the duck has zero use of the leg from what i can tell, but i think she would be up to a water test and i can take photos and document what happens. what exactly would we be looking for? i imagine we would be assessing what if any mobility the duck has with the injured leg and where it begins or ends?

 

[WVduckchick]

the duck has zero use of the leg from what i can tell, but i think she would be up to a water test and i can take photos and document what happens. what exactly would we be looking for? i imagine we would be assessing what if any mobility the duck has with the injured leg and where it begins or ends?

That’s what I’m thinking. But would like @casportpony to weigh in on the idea before you do it. It could be a bad idea for some other reason.

 

[casportpony]

I think a water test would be fine, but first I would do a pain reflex test. To do that, use an unfolded paperclip and poke the leg starting at the toes, then move up the leg and see if the duck flinches. Check the good leg first so you have an idea of what a normal reaction is.

 

[BullChick]

Just a thought, I certainly understand not wanting to confront anyone, but the dog owner has responsibilities. One being compensation for damage, so you might ask that they be responsible for vet costs.