Dog grabbed our duck and her leg is broken!

[Suebrose2000]

2 days ago a neighbors dog grabbed one of our pekin ducks and took off with her in it's mouth! We saw it happen from inside the house and it was awful! We ran outside and the neighbor(was on a four-wheeler) had stopped and got the duck from his dog! She was clearly shook up but appeared to be ok. We sat her down on the ground and she was limping. We thought the best thing to do would be to leave her with the other ducks! However, today I got a better look at her and she can barely walk and was alone in the creek with ice on her! We brought her inside and her leg is clearly broken! It is swollen and you can see where it is broke. It's not a compound fracture, but it almost is! I used some popsicle sticks and medical tape and splinted it the best I can! We have her in the house in a dog kennel. What is the likelihood that she will recover and what else should I do? Should we fill the bathtub with water and let her swim in it? How long should the splint be left on. I'm not sure I got the splint on right. Should I take this one off and take more time to make sure I have it 100 percent right??? When I put it on she was in pain, so I think I rushed it! Ugh, I hate that this happened!

Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[Miss Lydia]

2 days ago a neighbors dog grabbed one of our pekin ducks and took off with her in it's mouth! We saw it happen from inside the house and it was awful! We ran outside and the neighbor(was on a four-wheeler) had stopped and got the duck from his dog! She was clearly shook up but appeared to be ok. We sat her down on the ground and she was limping. We thought the best thing to do would be to leave her with the other ducks! However, today I got a better look at her and she can barely walk and was alone in the creek with ice on her! We brought her inside and her leg is clearly broken! It is swollen and you can see where it is broke. It's not a compound fracture, but it almost is! I used some Popsicle sticks and medical tape and splinted it the best I can! We have her in the house in a dog kennel. What is the likelihood that she will recover and what else should I do? Should we fill the bathtub with water and let her swim in it? How long should the splint be left on. I'm not sure I got the splint on right. Should I take this one off and take more time to make sure I have it 100 percent right??? When I put it on she was in pain, so I think I rushed it! Ugh, I hate that this happened!

Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks

I think I'd take off the splint and recheck to make sure you have the leg in the right place, you could put her in a nice tub of warm water and see how she moves the leg since your keeping her inside, I don't think I'd put her in a tub of warm water then take her back outside if it's extremely cold where you are, but after her bath gently dry her leg and wrap her in a towel so you can really examine the leg make sure the bones are aligned then use the Popsicle stick as splints making sure they can cut into her leg anywhere. I'll give you a link to help with this.. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/740867/need-help-my-duck-has-a-broken-leg

It would be nice if you could get her some Metacam but it has to be dispensed by a vet, if you know one real well they may sell some to you it will help with the pain. Infection is something else that can happen. Try to keep her from walking or running for a while rest is very important, but water therapy would be good to take pressure off and help her gain strength back in her leg once it begins to heal. I'm not a medical Dr. just telling you what I would do if mine. Not sure if you should start her on any oral antibiotics though this link may help. Does she have an appetite?

 

[Suebrose2000]

Thanks so much! I have a question! You said water therapy would be helpful! Do I wait until her leg is healed before starting that or do I put her in the water with the splint on? Thanks

 

[Suebrose2000]

And yes, she is eating and drinking!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks so much! I have a question! You said water therapy would be helpful! Do I wait until her leg is healed before starting that or do I put her in the water with the splint on? Thanks

I'd think I give it about a week to begin to heal then take off the splint and let her have some nice warm swim time again keep checking to make sure it's not wrapped to tight and circulation isn't cut off. and when you put her in the tub stay with her so she doesn't get the chance to jump out and re injure her leg. Great she is eating and drinking that's always a plus. Please keep us updated. Now I'm just guessing on how long to wait before letting her swim but I'd think it would be best to let the leg begin to heal then start the therapy. Maybe someone in the medical field who knows more about broken legs could advise better. hopefully they will see your thread.

 

[Amiga]

I think Miss Lydia has offered some good advice. I am not a bone-setting specialist, or even a vet, just a duck lover.

First, if you can get a vet's help, do so. I understand if it's not possible. But metacam or some other appropriate pain reliever would help.

Follow a guide for setting the bone, watch very very closely. Also, even though the bone break is the most obvious injury, please be sure to check thoroughly for punctures. Those will introduce bacteria to the bloodstream, and require antibiotics - oral or injectable. Again, not a vet, not a pro with recommending which antibiotic is best, but there are some available from feed stores and it would be good to get some because you may need to make the decision on a holiday or weekend, and it's best to have the antibiotics right there, and the means to give them (needles if injectable, for example).

Going away from the computer for the night. Prayers.

 

[Suebrose2000]

I took the splint off and put her in the tub and let her move around in there a bit! She was moving her leg at the top so that's good! I put the splint back on, at first I made it too tight so I had to redo it, but I think I have it good now! So I will leave it alone for a while and see how it goes! I really hope she heals! Thanks for all the advice!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I took the splint off and put her in the tub and let her move around in there a bit! She was moving her leg at the top so that's good! I put the splint back on, at first I made it too tight so I had to redo it, but I think I have it good now! So I will leave it alone for a while and see how it goes! I really hope she heals! Thanks for all the advice!!

I hope so too please keep us updated.

 

[Amiga]

Cautious optimism!

 

[Suebrose2000]

It's been nearly 2 weeks and I think I may take the splint off in a few days and start some water therapy! I will let you all know how it goes!