Duckling Leg Injury DIAGNOSIS: Slipped Tendons

[3bird]

This 1.5-week old silver appleyard duckling has apparently injured its leg. Last night there was no issue. Both ducklings were running around and acting normal. This morning we noticed that Duckling #1 was favoring its left leg. We also noticed that the feed trough was in the middle of the brooder. We suspected the duckling got its foot caught in the feed trough and that is what caused the injury. Tonight it is worse. Here's a short video. Ideas of how we should proceed?

Thanks in advance.

 

[3bird]

One more video:

 

[3bird]

The more I'm looking at this, I'm thinking niacin deficiency. If so, it tricked us because it appeared to start as an acute injury and on one side, but the sitting down frequently and the perhaps pigeon toed presentation has me wondering. It's been a minute since we dealt with ducklings, so I'm a bit slow on the uptake, especially since we're using a great feed. I think we'll begin treating for niacin deficiency in the am unless folks have other ideas?

Thanks!

 

[ruthhope]

Good idea on treating niacin deficiency -- use Durvet high level Vit B Complex as the duckling has symptoms, and then start nutrition yeast with the feed.
Meanwhile also give the ducklings supervised swimming for a short period several times a day as physiotherapy for the leg.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How precious! I think that is a good move too on starting both on liquid B complex it's the best to get them over any deficiency.

 

[3bird]

Good idea on treating niacin deficiency -- use Durvet high level Vit B Complex as the duckling has symptoms, and then start nutrition yeast with the feed.
Meanwhile also give the ducklings supervised swimming for a short period several times a day as physiotherapy for the leg.

Does it matter that it says injectable sterile solution?

 

[ruthhope]

Does it matter that it says injectable sterile solution?

No it doesn't matter -- that just means it was prepared at a higher standard against contamination than oral medications!
The Durvet preparation is intended for injection in Cows or Sheep. We always give it orally in ducks. Peel of the aluminium foil, pull out the rubber plug and draw up 1 ml into a small plastic syringe to get the correct amount to soak into a treat. It soaks into dried mealie worms well and we all know how much ducks love mealie worms!!

 

[3bird]

No it doesn't matter -- that just means it was prepared at a higher standard against contamination than oral medications!
The Durvet preparation is intended for injection in Cows or Sheep. We always give it orally in ducks. Peel of the aluminium foil, pull out the rubber plug and draw up 1 ml into a small plastic syringe to get the correct amount to soak into a treat. It soaks into dried mealie worms well and we all know how much ducks love mealie worms!!

I figured as much--just an off label use, but my wife who was at the store this morning was anxious. We administered the first dose with peas, and they loved it. They have not tried mealworms yet, but they are going to love them I'm sure (although their parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and future mates are spoiled on Grubblies now!).

 

[3bird]

The duckling is still not as steady on its feet, but wesaw marked improvement yesterday (4 July) morning. By the afternoon, the improvement was not as marked, but the duckling is getting around. We did some swim therapy. I'll post a video later. We are doing the complex at 0.5 mil 2x/day over peas (tolerated well!). We're also doing nutritional yeast at 1tbsp/cup of Mazuri waterfowl starter.

Question: Is it good to encourage the
duckling to walk?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Miss Lydia]

As long as it’s not over doing I can’t imagine it would hurt. But swim therapy is the best way to help it gain strength..