Elderly duck with necrotic feet?

[thehenhouseinpa]

So I have had Artie inside the house for about 3 months now. He wasn’t doing awesome with the cold winter we had and at 6 years old I let him stay downstairs.

He seemed to start with an upper respiratory infection with gross discharge from his nares. I treated with antibiotics and resolved. Kept him inside because of the never ending winter and noticed his feet getting worse. Started getting black spots and platches. He is still eating.

Have started him in glucosamine. Any advice would be appreciated. I have reached out to some large veterinary schools and have gotten the possible arthritis back as a result.

His feet have been getting dried and cracked so I have been soaking in chlorehadine water and applying aquaphor nightly.

 

[Jpat]

So hes 6 years old?

 

[thehenhouseinpa]

Yes he is 6 years old.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sounds like your doing all you can for Artie. You might try some Bag balm or green goo on his feet, dry air and heat and cause drying and cracking. Good feed and poultry vitamins can help get him ready for back outside when weather permits. I have a Muscovy that’s 12 it can be a challenge when they get old.

 

[thehenhouseinpa]

It’s hard to determine if they are in pain or enjoying life or not. He eats fine plays in his water and likes to walk around so I feel he still has a good quality of life.

Wow 12! That’s amazing! I’ve heard muscovies live for a while.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That’s it as long as they want to keep going and can enjoy life then we can help them as much as possible. My female has some arthritis other than that she is still going strong.

 

[thehenhouseinpa]

I got some updated pictures of him tonight to show.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Have you done any Warm water Epsom salt soaks? That can be healing then gently rub some of the things that have been rec. his feet do look like something is going on but with out a vet diagnosis treating like you are and just eliminate what isn’t helping. Does he have a good appetite? Walking bother him?

 

[thehenhouseinpa]

No vets close to me will see waterfowl. I have not but I will start them tomorrow. He is eating very well. He does have some trouble walking at times but I thought he maybe had arthritis from his age.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That maybe too the Epsom soaks May help that feel better too. Same here the two vets we have are dog cat vets. So we have to do what we can, I hope you can find something that helps him. He hasn’t been out in freezing temps at all over winter? That one pic made me think frost bite but you said he has been inside. The pic where his feet looked blackened.