Leg dislocation/mineral deficiency from scaly leg mites?

[Sonya_]

I have a small flock of silkie mixes that are getting over a case of scaly leg mites (they've been treated with topical ivermectin and their scales are starting to clear up nicely), but before I knew of their mite problem, Toast (my rooster) had begun to show a bit of a limp, and had to separate him from the girls as it got worse.
It's been about a week since they've been treated, and his legs are now worse, sprawling out to the sides, and isn't able to put weight on his feet. The left side of his right leg has a bit of a bump from what feels like a bone out of place when the leg is flexed outward as well. I've attached a few pictures, circling where the protrusion of the bone is located. My best guess is that he has a mineral deficiency/inflammation from the mites, and/or a dislocated leg because of this, but I can't really tell for certain, and am worried I might do more harm than good if I put him in a sling or splint his leg. I've also had chickens in the past with Marek's disease and it seems qualitatively different from what I've seen. A vet isn't an option at the moment, and I'd prefer to try a little longer before opting to cull him since he's still eating and drinking plenty, and doesn't appear to have any secondary infections/complications. Any insight as to what the problem might be would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Obsessed With Silkies]

I'm not really sure but continue giving him the medicines and make sure he's still eating and drinking. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can help!

 

[ChickyMudder]

Sort of going through same thing with two of my black copper Marans cockerels
First one happened at 2 weeks and gimped along to week 10. I culled him. Now his brother developed same issue! I’m guessing nutritional issues with absorption. I’ll try splinting again and supplementing vitamins in water. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Obsessed With Silkies]

Sort of going through same thing with two of my black copper Marans cockerels
First one happened at 2 weeks and gimped along to week 10. I culled him. Now his brother developed same issue! I’m guessing nutritional issues with absorption. I’ll try splinting again and supplementing vitamins in water. Any advice is appreciated.

It doesn't look like slipped tendon since the tendon appears in place and the cockerel is standing on its own. Maybe @Eggcessive, @Wyorp Rock, @azygous, can give some more insight.

 

[Eggcessive]

It might be an injury or a joint infection from something like mycoplasma synovitis, a virus, or other organism. If you cull this chick I would have your state vet do a necropsy where they can identify the cause.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Sort of going through same thing with two of my black copper Marans cockerels
First one happened at 2 weeks and gimped along to week 10. I culled him. Now his brother developed same issue! I’m guessing nutritional issues with absorption. I’ll try splinting again and supplementing vitamins in water. Any advice is appreciated.

I agree with @Eggcessive that it may be MS, especially since this is the second cockerel with the same issue.
I'm not sure if I'd splint the leg if he's able to walk/move around on his own, it could make things worse since the leg looks so swollen.
Getting testing is a good idea if you lose him, this way you will have more information.

It might be an injury or a joint infection from something like mycoplasma synovitis, a virus, or other organism. If you cull this chick I would have your state vet do a necropsy where they can identify the cause.

 

[ChickyMudder]

I agree with @Eggcessive that it may be MS, especially since this is the second cockerel with the same issue.
I'm not sure if I'd splint the leg if he's able to walk/move around on his own, it could make things worse since the leg looks so swollen.
Getting testing is a good idea if you lose him, this way you will have more information.

If I have 50 other chickens and a few turkeys in the same area, will they all have it? Should I treat with Tylan?

 

[ChickyMudder]

If I have 50 other chickens and a few turkeys in the same area, will they all have it? Should I treat with Tylan?

sorry if I hijacked original post. Felt stupid reposting same issue

 

[Wyorp Rock]

If I have 50 other chickens and a few turkeys in the same area, will they all have it? Should I treat with Tylan?

sorry if I hijacked original post. Felt stupid reposting same issue

No worries!

No, I would not treat all with Tylan, but you can try treating the chick with leg issues and see if the Tylan makes a difference.

Hard to know if this is MG/MS or not without testing. If you do lose this one, then sending the body to your State Lab would give you answers so you will know if it's genetic or disease.

 

[ChickyMudder]

No worries!

No, I would not treat all with Tylan, but you can try treating the chick with leg issues and see if the Tylan makes a difference.

Hard to know if this is MG/MS or not without testing. If you do lose this one, then sending the body to your State Lab would give you answers so you will know if it's genetic or disease.

I will most certainly have this one tested. I’ve been checking in with my acquaintances who are vets - It will be worth it to test if it costs $100 or ao.
I have been trying to start a breeding programs for American Bresse and and Black Copper Marans. I’ve got some great genetics in my flock (unless the BCM have nutritional absorption issues)
I won’t be selling eggs or birds, or breeding birds until I find out.

Question: would apply the antibiotic to his joint with some kind of carrier or DSM type thing help ??