Duckling with Perosis?

[Mabel's Mom]

I'm new to this site and trying to find out if anyone has ever experienced perosis. I volunteer at an animal rescue (mostly horses) and we got in a duckling with leg issues. I'm not a vet and neither is anyone at the animal rescue so I'm trying to figure what is wrong with him and if anything can be done about it. I plan to take the duckling to the vet this week (on my own dime) and if it the vet says to put it down, that's what I plan to do, but if I'm told the duckling can live a good decent life, then I plan to adopt it. Can anyone offer any advice?

 

[Soccer Mom]

How old is the duckling? Can you describe what's wrong with the leg? (pics are good too) When was the onset of the problem? More info would help!

Good luck with the vet!

 

[Duck Keeper]

You might try this thread discussing leg problems with ducks.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=217224

 

[Mabel's Mom]

I just went to check on the duckling, again, this morning. She (I think it's a she) seems to be healthy otherwise from the leg problem. The story is, she was brought to the animal rescue I volunteer at over the weekend by a person who thought she was hit by a car. Upon closer inspection (by me) I told the owner of the rescue that I did not think it was hit, instead the legs looked like they didn't develop correctly. Neither did her wings. So I've been feeding her better quality feed and a few greens from my garden. I also have a vitamin supplement that I add to her water. She's eating, drinking and pooping fine. Her vet appointment is tomorrow (Fri) afternoon so if the vet says she can live a good quality life and won't get worse, she's coming home with me. I took photos this morning, but I can't figure out how to upload them to this site. If anyone can help me, I'll do it. Or if anyone wants to see them, I can email them.

 

[Mabel's Mom]

Ok, I uploaded the photos, but don't know how to post them. Maybe these links will work...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/37293_duck_2.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/37293_duck_1.jpg

 

[Birch Run Farm]

It just looks a little deformed, should live a decent life if it can move about reasonably well.

 

[horsejody]

Can she walk? I got a duckling as a rescue that had a crooked leg due to diet issues. I flollowed the advice of others on here and supplemented her with brewer's yeast as a niacin supplement. The leg is still crooked, but it is much stronger. At first I fed her flock raiser with the brewer's yeast on top. Since then, I have found a place that orders duck chow for me.

 

[Mabel's Mom]

She can walk, just walks crooked. I actually made a little video of her walking, but it's 10 mbs so I don't think I can upload it. If anyone wants to see if and can take a large file like that, let me know and I'll email it.

She goes to vet tomorrow at 3:00 eastern time so I'll let everyone know what her prognosis is. I hope the vet says she's ok and I can bring her home. She'll be spoiled, that's for sure. I have three chickens and three siames cats. They're like our children since we don't have any of our own. Thanks everyone!

 

[tia]

She is sure a cute little duck. Let us know what you find out at the vet. It looks like she has found a good home. : )

tia

 

[Mabel's Mom]

I put him down. The duck had slipped tendons and a possible fracture and would never live a good life doing duck things, like swimming. The vet said that it would get worse as he grew and became heavier, probably developing sores. She even had an orthopedic surgeon look and he said the same thing. If the duck was younger they might be able to help it, but his bones have already been fused. It would be really costly to do surgery and probably wouldn't help much and the most humane thing to do was put him down. I'm a mess and can't stop crying, but I do feel like I made the right decision. I was really hoping to bring him home, though. Thanks to everyone that wrote with advice and I wish I had better news...