How to help my stubborn drake heal

[arrowti]

Good news! I went and checked on him before putting him in and I couldn't see anything sticking out. It must have slipped back in on its own. Hopefully it stays in.

 

[Miss Lydia]

 

[arrowti]

I'm not entirely sure what happened. Recently he was showing great improvements. Waddling around, attacking chickens, even mating. And then today... he can't walk at all. He did his normal fall out of the coop this morning, got up, waddled off. I came home and he can't walk. He's pushing himself forward with his wings. He flopped into the pool and stood. It's almost as if he can't get his legs beneath him, and he can't balance, using his wings to stand.

I caught him and put him in a crate with hay and food and water. He's lying down with the ducks huddling outside his crate. He is looking great, other than the fact he can't walk. I'm not sure what to do. Another round of B-complex? I'll start the cream again tonight. He ate and drank and he swam for quite awhile.

His right knee is massive. I've never seen it so large. It's very hot as well. He wouldn't move it under him to stand, but when he was in the pool he was standing on it, and after the pool he even moved it a bit, so it's not broken. Could he have somehow sprained his good leg? I mean he probably did, it's completely possible considering how clumsy he is. He's grooming himself and acting alright.

I know he's part pekin, and being part pekin is definitely not helping him with it comes to his legs.

EDIT: He moved his food, that I had towards the middle so the chickens and ducks couldn't eat it, so that his females could reach the food and eat it! He's such a brat! I'm a little less worried now, since he's acting so normal. He even nipped a few chickens through the bars. He was able to stand and turn around on the hay.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sounds like he has maybe infection in his knee with it swelling and heat. I don't know how you feel about antibiotics but you might want to try some with him. Can you post a picture of his knee?

@casportpony

 

[arrowti]

I am not opposed to using antibiotics. The main issue is access - there is no poultry vet available in my region, so it would have to be something I could easily find. I do have some fish erythromycin (https://www.chewy.com/api-em-erythromycin-freshwater-fish/dp/122001). Unfortunately our Tylan ran out a few months back.

I'll try to get a picture of it. Provided he'll let me.

 

[arrowti]

I got as close as picture of his swollen knee as possible. His 'bad' leg looks normal, not even swollen. He stood up when I got close to take the pictures.

The large widening you see is the bottom of his knee. The entire knee is that size. He is putting weight on it now, though.

Left leg out to the side is the problem leg that I initially made this post for. Not swollen at all.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@casportpony

 

[casportpony]

I'm in the middle of feeding and cleaning, so when done I will read the whole thread and comment if I can.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you! Using antibiotics and which one is best for what is your speciality.

 

[casportpony]

I know adult ducks don't 'need' certain supplements like ducklings do, but I know ducklings often get additional niacin when they display leg injuries/deformities. Would adding brewer's yeast to his food while I have him in recovery help at all?

What have you been feeding them? I ask because adult ducks do need extra niacin, they also need feed with 55 ppm niacin.
https://www.nap.edu/read/2114/chapter/7