Cross post - injured duck?

[BrukeyBrooke]

Posting this in the duck forum since the injury forum doesn’t seem to be popular today.

My sweet Elsa was limping and didn’t come out for yard time the other day. I checked for bumblefoot and have started treating for the same. But what I see on her foot doesn’t quite look like bumblefoot (ironically, I’m treating another duck for this now and am generally familiar with it). Also her symptoms are disproportionate to what I am seeing.

Elsa barely moves her right leg and won’t put weight on it. When holding her, if I push her leg down, she lightly pulls it up, but when I push up, she lets me move it without resistance (you know how ducks push down with their feet/legs similar to how babies do?) I also tried some swimming today, but she did not paddle that leg. Just touched down with her other foot and used her wings to hop out. I’m now thinking her leg is sprained or there is another injury.

I’ve called just about every vet within an hour radius with no luck. Many are closed for Labor Day. Aside from keeping her cleaned up, dry, and calm, any other suggestions or thoughts?
Closeup of her foot and one of her standing without setting her foot all the way down.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Is that swelling around her ankle in the second pic?

 

[BrukeyBrooke]

I don’t think so. I have felt up and down both legs and feet. They feel basically the same to me. Same temperature, texture, flexibility. She just doesn’t seem to be able to move the right one down and doesn’t want to put weight on it. I inadvertently startled her about and hour ago, and I watched her almost slither without picking up that foot. She was able to reposition it afterward.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I’d try some rest and be Epsom salt soaks do the soaks side she can’t drink the water since ES can cause dehydration and upset tummy if they drink enough of it. Does she jump out of the pool or is there a ramp or steps?

 

[BrukeyBrooke]

I move it around a lot so I gave up on steps, but I’m now thinking that may have been an issue, especially for her as one of the smaller gals. I’m kind of questioning everything now and being really hard on myself.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Don’t beat your self up. Just fix the problem. Usually when mine limp it’s because they run up and down the hill here. They usually recover in less than a week if I make them take it easy. Water therapy is good for them it takes the pressure off their legs and helps keep the muscle strong while they recoup. Also some liquid B Complex for support.

 

[Canadian Wind]

I move it around a lot so I gave up on steps, but I’m now thinking that may have been an issue, especially for her as one of the smaller gals. I’m kind of questioning everything now and being really hard on myself.

Don't be. Accidents happen no matter what. And we can't change the past but we can affect the future.

 

[BrukeyBrooke]

Thanks for the kind words. We moved recently, and I’m not 100% happy with our run set up. And I’m realizing how many potential hazards there are around the yard. We have a long way to go to get this place up to par.

From what I can see on BYC, if it is a sprain, it could be WEEKS before she’s okay, so I’m trying to keep that perspective. I keep seeing this B Complex referenced too. Does anyone have a brand or a photo?

Also, anyone think I should keep trying to find a vet or continue to nurse this at home? I’m assuming if this was one of those diseases or infections causing lameness, then she wouldn’t be eating, drinking, and taking treats…

 

[ruthhope]

Durvet high level vit B complex.

Available from Tractor Supply or on line

Good luck!

 

[sourland]

Are there drakes in your flock ?