Help Need Duck Advice

[angiem1169]

My beloved Indian Runner was attacked in our yard by a neighbor dog. We took him to vet and found out that his leg is shattered. We have tried to splint it but are not sure what else can be done. It will break my heart if I have to have him put down. The vet was not very informative. Can a duck survive with one leg?

 

[CMV]

I wish it were under better circumstances.

A duck will have substantial problems with only one leg. A simple fracture will heal if given enough time and care, but a shattered bone is unlikely to heal without surgical intervention- pinning the bone back together with rods, plates and screws. This is a specialized surgery and very expensive. There is also no guarantee the bird will survive the surgery as birds are very hard to operate on and tolerate anesthesia poorly.

If I were in your situation I would opt to have the duck euthanized. I am sorry.

 

[ICallMyselfCherie']

I agree it will be difficult, but animals can go through alot and come out pretty well. If you're prepared to care for a special needs animal, then it could be worth it to keep working with him.

But in answer to your specific question, I think as CMV said it could be pretty hard for a duck to have one leg, but yes, he probably could survive with one leg if you were able to give special care to him with that disability.

Good luck, I hope you guys make it through okay!

 

[angiem1169]

Thanks. I definately love him enough to give him special care.

 

[ICallMyselfCherie']

That's really great you love him so much, I know how that goes.

I keep thinking about how you said the vet wasn't very informative. That's too bad. Maybe you could switch to another vet, next time at least? I hope your Runner is doing better! Keep us posted!