How to rehab bad leg from niacin deficiency?

[WhiteSilver]

I know this topic is pretty common on here, but I can’t seem to find the exact answer I’m looking for. I started with four Pekin ducks (two male, two female) from Tractor Supply and always kept them together. The one male-female pair seemed to grow up fine and we eventually took them to a local farm with a large pond once they were old enough. My other male-female pair however developed leg issues around 1 month old which I eventually determined was a niacin problem.

I got niacin supplements a few months ago for it but I’m afraid I didn’t give enough of it in time. The female has actually improved almost completely and only has a very pronounced waddle but is able to move around well and get in and out of the kiddie pool on her own. The male however has stayed pretty consistent and needs to use his bill and wings in order to move around the pen. I’ve been giving a slightly higher dosage than the 125mg I’ve read about, but I’m worried his legs are permanently messed up.

Is it possible for me to perform some sort of physical therapy with him to straighten out his bad leg? His joints are extremely swollen from being all twisted, but would it cause him extreme pain if I try to rehabilitate/move his leg to where it should be (along with giving him the niacin supplement)? Is there a way I could splint or wrap it so that he can’t twist it underneath him? And finally, would it help if I give him more time in the pool to keep weight off it/would it help if I did the physical therapy while he’s in the pool?

Sorry for the long post and so many questions. I just feel so bad for him because he can’t get around easily and live a happy duck life like his mate does (although they love splashing together when they’re both in their pool).

 

[Lil Drake40]

I’d start him on a Bcomplex liquid. It still may help some. If this has been going on for quite a while he probably has permanent damage but trying the B complex sure can’t hurt to try. You can get it at TSC in the cattle dept 1ml per day or go to Walmart and get human Bcomplex 3 ml per day we have seen the Bcomplexliquid do great things for those duckling already having leg issues. Let him have supervised pool time so he doesn’t try to get out of the pool on his own or tire out if he can’t get out but water therapy is a great way to build muscles that are weak.While he is in the pool I don’t see why trying some massage would hurt him unless you move his legs in a way that maybe uncomfortable start gently and gradually work up to getting him to move his legs in normal range of motion.All you can do is try and hopefully it will help him. I sure hope so please keep us updated.

 

[Abraeri]

My 4mo ducklings have niacin problems on and off - I sprinkle a generous amount of Brewers Yeast on their food and the problem is usually gone by two days. However, it seems your drake has been having problems for a while so I'm not sure if that has caused any permanent damage. Ducks in general are very hardy creatures and bound back quick from injury. Hoping for the best!

 

[CayugaJana]

I know this topic is pretty common on here, but I can’t seem to find the exact answer I’m looking for. I started with four Pekin ducks (two male, two female) from Tractor Supply and always kept them together. The one male-female pair seemed to grow up fine and we eventually took them to a local farm with a large pond once they were old enough. My other male-female pair however developed leg issues around 1 month old which I eventually determined was a niacin problem.

I got niacin supplements a few months ago for it but I’m afraid I didn’t give enough of it in time. The female has actually improved almost completely and only has a very pronounced waddle but is able to move around well and get in and out of the kiddie pool on her own. The male however has stayed pretty consistent and needs to use his bill and wings in order to move around the pen. I’ve been giving a slightly higher dosage than the 125mg I’ve read about, but I’m worried his legs are permanently messed up.

Is it possible for me to perform some sort of physical therapy with him to straighten out his bad leg? His joints are extremely swollen from being all twisted, but would it cause him extreme pain if I try to rehabilitate/move his leg to where it should be (along with giving him the niacin supplement)? Is there a way I could splint or wrap it so that he can’t twist it underneath him? And finally, would it help if I give him more time in the pool to keep weight off it/would it help if I did the physical therapy while he’s in the pool?

Sorry for the long post and so many questions. I just feel so bad for him because he can’t get around easily and live a happy duck life like his mate does (although they love splashing together when they’re both in their pool).

My first question is what kind of niacin are you giving him? Is it flush free? If so, stop immediately and get the liquid b complex at tractor supply. Flush free won’t work.

Your poor pumpkin sounds miserable. They love to be by their friends 24/7 and it’s probably difficult for him when he can’t walk well.

From the sound of things, it’s probably going to be a long process for him. But if you don’t give up. I’d bet you can get him feeling and walking a lot better.

1) get liquid b complex as @Lil Drake40 suggested

2) restrict his movements, can you put him in a small cage where he can still see his friend but not stand up much? Let’s rest the swollen legs. Let’s try 1 week minimum and see where we are.

3) You are going to want to try to reduce the swelling even more. Get turmeric from Walmart or its equivalent. Give him 1/2-1 capsule sprinkled on his food everyday. I promise this will reduce inflammation. Even if it’s not visible to the eye. (It will stain your clothes though so be careful).

4) when he’s not resting, let him have some aquasize time in the pool with his friend. Can you do this a couple times a day?

I know this is a lot, so just try your best!

 

[BeccaLynn]

I’d start him on a Bcomplex liquid. It still may help some. If this has been going on for quite a while he probably has permanent damage but trying the B complex sure can’t hurt to try. You can get it at TSC in the cattle dept 1ml per day or go to Walmart and get human Bcomplex 3 ml per day we have seen the Bcomplexliquid do great things for those duckling already having leg issues. Let him have supervised pool time so he doesn’t try to get out of the pool on his own or tire out if he can’t get out but water therapy is a great way to build muscles that are weak.While he is in the pool I don’t see why trying some massage would hurt him unless you move his legs in a way that maybe uncomfortable start gently and gradually work up to getting him to move his legs in normal range of motion.All you can do is try and hopefully it will help him. I sure hope so please keep us updated.

do you give the vitamin b complex orally or injection?