Duck with injured foot/ankle

[Beth42]

Seem to be having a bit of year with injuries… have a little lady runner, 3 years old, who has been off her legs for a few weeks now.
She’s been mostly kept in a crate, with friends in sight, for 3 weeks now and is showing some signs of recovery, but I am concerned about the swelling on her ankle.
It doesn’t seem to be going down and not sure if it’s bumble foot as there are no scabs, it feels like it’s fluid filled and is quite squidgy.
She’s been having regular soaks and some baby ibuprofen, but was wondering if it could be a bumble and should I operate (have done so on chickens this yr already!)

 

[Miss Lydia]

Do you have any Epsom salt poultice? you can slather it on then wrap and see if it helps. But with fluid I am wondering if a vet could draw it out and test it for bacteria? she may need an antibiotic.

 

[Beth42]

Do you have any Epsom salt poultice?

Is that the same as Epsom paste for horses? I can get that on Amazon so will give it a go.

Antibiotics need a trip to the vets in the UK and there aren’t any around who deal with ducks - so I’ll give the paste a go first!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes this is what we get here
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/epsom-salt-poultice-5077

 

[Jenbirdee]

i agree with swelling after 3 weeks of rest she may need an antibiotic, how about can you order online some Aqua Mox fish amoxicillin, they come in capsules , i opened the capsules and mix with water the correct amount for my duck depending on their weight , and give orally with syringe.
idk maybe they don’t ship to you there? it’s a shame how the laws have made it so hard to help our animals and get the anabiotic they need without a costly vet visit

 

[Beth42]

Have had a look for the fish antibiotics, but no joy. You just can’t get this stuff in the uk by the looks of it.
If I could find a vet who could treat a duck, it cost around £40 first consultation.
I shall see how we go with the Epsom paste, otherwise it may be the end of the line for little Belinda

 

[Miss Lydia]

Have had a look for the fish antibiotics, but no joy. You just can’t get this stuff in the uk by the looks of it.
If I could find a vet who could treat a duck, it cost around £40 first consultation.
I shall see how we go with the Epsom paste, otherwise it may be the end of the line for little Belinda

If your up for it you might be able to use a syringe and draw off the fluid and hope it doesn't come back. There are natural antibiotics one is oregano.

 

[Beth42]

I could definitely give that a go if required. Thanks for the tip re oregano too!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I could definitely give that a go if required. Thanks for the tip re oregano too!

Here is more info
https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/herbs-and-spices-a-sustainable-alternative-to-antibiotics

I use dried Greek oregano in my flocks feed daily

If need be draw off the fluid then use the Epsom salt poultice and hopefully any left will be drawn out with the polutice.

 

[Beth42]

Well Belinda is getting stronger by the day. The poultice has helped massively and the swelling has gone down considerably. She's back out with her small flock of girls (keeping the boys separate for a few more weeks).
Didn't think she was going to make it as she seemed to be taking so long to recover, but am glad I was patient and I hope she will be back to normal in a couple of weeks.