Duck With A Broken Leg

[deenamr]

My 16 week old pekin has a broken femur. I have the option of a surgical fracture repair and pinning the leg by the veterinarain I work for. I am considering doing it but am worried about the ducks stress level and seperation from his buddies. I am thinking that I may be just as well off to isolate him to a small part of the duck pen, treat with pain meds and see how much time helps. He still steps on the foot but is not getting around well. Swims just fine - can't get in the pool on his own but has no problem getting back out.

Please offer some thougths. I need to know my course of action by tomorrow.

 

[CMV]

One of my ducks had what I believed was a broken leg due to the duration of his limping which was about 2 months. He kept himself still and laid around most of the time with his leg stretched out, but was able to hobble to the feed/water stations. I palpated the leg and foot several times trying to locate the break, but never could feel any obvious fractures so I assumed he had a hairline fracture. It healed cleanly although he still walks with a little more waggle than his mates. I never gave him anything for pain because although he could barely get around he seemed comfortable enough. If the break is not a displaced fracture I would probably let it heal on its own without intervention. My duck seemed to know what to do to heal himself. He rested and spent most of his time close to the feeding stations.

Good luck whatever you decide to do. I hope he recovers quickly.