Lame Muscovey Duck

[JohnsKEB]

I have two Muscovy ducks as pets - there are about 6 years old. In the last week one has been lame. She is only able to lift her head not her tail. She can move around a little but stays in one spot mostly. See attached picture. What can I do to treat this? She is much loved by my two year old daughter and she would be so sad if she died.

 

[Isaac 0]

She looks quite ill - if she is outside currently, could you bring her inside, somewhere warm, and quiet? After she has acclimated to being inside, can you determine if she is eating, and drinking and if she is producing droppings, if yes to the latter, post a picture here.

From my limited observations in the picture you posted, it appears she is attempting to maintain her body heat and has an obvious distended crop. The penguin-like stance she has is indicative of a reproductive disorder which is a common problem in older hens.

To further determine what might be the problem, a thorough physical examination would be a good start. You can find information pertaining to doing a physical exam here:
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exot...ltry/physical-examination-of-backyard-poultry

I would be particularly focused on her crop and abdominal area and noting whether the areas are hard, soft, or liquid-like, and how far distended they hard. If she is not eating, or drinking much, supplemental tube feeding would be suggested until her problem can be established. Here is some info on that topic:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/tube-feeding-ducks-updated-5-7-2020.1211994/

Getting a good baseline weight on her, and continue weighing each day to determine how much, and if she is losing weight would be another good measure to help fiqure out her current state of health.

 

[JohnsKEB]

She looks quite ill - if she is outside currently, could you bring her inside, somewhere warm, and quiet? After she has acclimated to being inside, can you determine if she is eating, and drinking and if she is producing droppings, if yes to the latter, post a picture here.

From my limited observations in the picture you posted, it appears she is attempting to maintain her body heat and has an obvious distended crop. The penguin-like stance she has is indicative of a reproductive disorder which is a common problem in older hens.

To further determine what might be the problem, a thorough physical examination would be a good start. You can find information pertaining to doing a physical exam here:
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exot...ltry/physical-examination-of-backyard-poultry

I would be particularly focused on her crop and abdominal area and noting whether the areas are hard, soft, or liquid-like, and how far distended they hard. If she is not eating, or drinking much, supplemental tube feeding would be suggested until her problem can be established. Here is some info on that topic:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/tube-feeding-ducks-updated-5-7-2020.1211994/

Getting a good baseline weight on her, and continue weighing each day to determine how much, and if she is losing weight would be another good measure to help fiqure out her current state of health.

Thank you Isaac. That's a great idea - I'll bring her onto our back deck which is better insulated and make sure she keeps warm. She is eating and drinking which is good. I'll have a go an examining her closer and let you know how I get on.

 

[JohnsKEB]

She looks quite ill - if she is outside currently, could you bring her inside, somewhere warm, and quiet? After she has acclimated to being inside, can you determine if she is eating, and drinking and if she is producing droppings, if yes to the latter, post a picture here.

From my limited observations in the picture you posted, it appears she is attempting to maintain her body heat and has an obvious distended crop. The penguin-like stance she has is indicative of a reproductive disorder which is a common problem in older hens.

To further determine what might be the problem, a thorough physical examination would be a good start. You can find information pertaining to doing a physical exam here:
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exot...ltry/physical-examination-of-backyard-poultry

I would be particularly focused on her crop and abdominal area and noting whether the areas are hard, soft, or liquid-like, and how far distended they hard. If she is not eating, or drinking much, supplemental tube feeding would be suggested until her problem can be established. Here is some info on that topic:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/tube-feeding-ducks-updated-5-7-2020.1211994/

Getting a good baseline weight on her, and continue weighing each day to determine how much, and if she is losing weight would be another good measure to help fiqure out her current state of health.

Hi Isaac,

Unfortunately the link to the physical exam didn't work. I tried my best to perform one and then compare to my other duck and I can't identify huge differences. No unusual hard or soft parts.

Her legs are not baring much weight but when I looked at them they don't appear to have any unusual bumps or anything. See pictures attached.

Any thought on where to go from here?

 

[Poultry mum]

Is it possible that she is egg bound? I had a scovie who I thought was egg bound and gave her a luke warm bath and felt around her vent mass very gently.... in my case I just a slightly constipated duck who was broody.... even if she’s not some extra TLC can’t hurt....

 

[JohnsKEB]

Thanks everyone unfortunately she took a turn for the worse last night and is in heaven now.

 

[Poultry mum]

Thanks everyone unfortunately she took a turn for the worse last night and is in heaven now.

Enjoy the green grass and everlasting pools on the other side of the rainbow bridge sweet muscovy...

 

[Isaac 0]

@JohnsKEB , very sorry for your loss.