Ducks limping

[Princessred]

I have two adult male ducks. One of them started limping a tiny bit, about a week ago. Now the other one is showing signs of limping. I have checked their feet and legs and see nothing wrong. I honestly don’t know what is wrong. Can somebody tell me what I should do. Vet is not an option right now. So maybe an idea on what might be going on would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[CHlCKEN]

Pics of their feet please

 

[Princessred]

Pics of their feet please

These guys don’t like to get picked up. But here’s what I noticed. The first duck to limp had a dew claw nail hanging on by a thread so I popped it off, then put some pet rx on it and all over his feet and legs. Just a few minutes ago I looked at the other ducks foot, and he has a inch long dew claw that is also coming off, it is still half way attached and though it is not actively bleeding, there is blood present. I am afraid to tear it the rest of the way off, because I don’t want to hurt him. I did however clip the nail 3/4 of the way off so it is much shorter now. If you really need pictures, I can get them but I have to wrap them in a towel, and even then it is a struggle. But I will.

 

[Isaac 0]

A few pictures of the bird's feet, including the bottom footpad, would be helpful - sometimes it can be easier to wait until night where the birds are confined and unable to see well.

If you have a video of the birds limping around, please do post as well.

When you examine the birds, note whether there is any sign of discoloration, swelling, lesions/scabs, or warmness in a particular area. Limping can be due to several problems; providing additional information would help determine the problem faster, so it can be treated with more efficacy.

 

[Princessred]

This is the first duck that started limping.

 

[Princessred]

This is the second duck started limping yesterday. He had the really long back claw that is half hanging off.

 

[Isaac 0]

With the very little information, one has to base off of here, it is hard to say anything with certainty, but my hypothesis would be that the first one likely received some soft tissue damage(strain/sprains); with the other one, that could be the case or the problem could be related to the hallux issue.

You did not speak on any of your findings on the leg, but if you felt abnormal warmess, or see swelling in a particular area, you could start the bird on an NSAID such as aspirin, dosing at 5mg/kg once a day. If the limp is noticeably bad, confining the bird on soft grounds to reduce movement in the leg, and letting the duck practice water therapy, occasionally in Epsom salt water may help at reducing any inflammation, or pain.

 

[Princessred]

With the very little information, one has to base off of here, it is hard to say anything with certainty, but my hypothesis would be that the first one likely received some soft tissue damage(strain/sprains); with the other one, that could be the case or the problem could be related to the hallux issue.

You did not speak on any of your findings on the leg, but if you felt abnormal warmess, or see swelling in a particular area, you could start the bird on an NSAID such as aspirin, dosing at 5mg/kg once a day. If the limp is noticeably bad, confining the bird on soft grounds to reduce movement in the leg, and letting the duck practice water therapy, occasionally in Epsom salt water may help at reducing any inflammation, or pain.

Thank you for responding, there is no swelling or warmth on the legs. It is spring, and as soon as I noticed them fighting, I divide there pen and house. All thought the first one limping, could've been a result of a fight. I will try the aspirin, I have pills and powder. How much should I give them, and how? Can I give the fish mox, just in case of an infection?

 

[Isaac 0]

How much should I give them, and how? Can I give the fish mox, just in case of an infection?

How much you give them depends on the weight of the bird- the dose I suggested is 5mg/kg once a day. For a five-pound duck, that would be 11mg. If you have baby Aspirin (81mg), you could cut the pill into nearly an eight, and pop it in the duck's mouth.

I would not give Fish Mox unless you start noticing swelling, increased warmness, or lameness.

 

[Princessred]

How much you give them depends on the weight of the bird- the dose I suggested is 5mg/kg once a day. For a five-pound duck, that would be 11mg. If you have baby Aspirin (81mg), you could cut the pill into nearly an eight, and pop it in the duck's mouth.

I would not give Fish Mox unless you start noticing swelling, increased warmness, or lameness.

Okay, I will try the aspirin and keep an eye on them.... and you didn't see anything wrong in the picture?