Limp Muscovy Drake -

[scarycassowary]

Hello !
I have a Muscovy drake, I never knew how old he was exactly as i inheritated him from my grandmother but I can say for sure that he's at least over 5 years old. He has never had any serious injuries, or been attacked by predators, he's lived a pretty alright until last Sunday, so basically a week ago by now.

He started limping, pretty badly. Before he used to love going outside, but he never really does anymore. Now-a-days he just sits on a log in the chicken run...

I've dealt with a duck having a sprained leg before, so I thought everything would be alright and that I knew how to handle it. But when I began investigating him more, I realised he didn't have any symptoms of everything, at least those i know of when it comes to joint or leg problems. His feet and legs are a normal temprature, and I can't feel any difference in the bone. The only thing I notice his bad knee is a bit swollen.. (+ it's just one leg)

It's making me really concerned, of course. I really care about him and I will try my best to keep him safe, and to help him. I know maybe I should just ask a vet instead but unfortunately I'm just a teenager and my mother would now allow it, since he's just a duck.

I tried reading more about what could be wrong before writing this, but i only got results for young ducks with a niacin defitioncy..

I really don't know what to do moving forward, I appreciate all the help I can get, thank you.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Did you check for bumblefoot or a callus on the bottom of his foot?

He might need a glucosamine supplement since muscovy drakes are a larger breed. I know it's not a standard recommendation, but I give mine dog supplements.

He could have an infection though, but it's good that you didn't feel any heat.

Is he eating OK?

 

[scarycassowary]

Did you check for bumblefoot or a callus on the bottom of his foot?

He might need a glucosamine supplement since muscovy drakes are a larger breed. I know it's not a standard recommendation, but I give mine dog supplements.

He could have an infection though, but it's good that you didn't feel any heat.

Is he eating OK?

He's behaving normally in every way, except for the fact he doesn't go outside.

Bumblefoot wouldn't really suprise me.. Odd that it just flew over my head though, I'll go check his feet

 

[scarycassowary]

Okay I checked his feet, and there's no sign of anything, really.
Though, obviously still concerned because there must be something wrong

 

[Crazy Maizie]

If you can get yourself a natural product to help with joint issues, that might help. The stuff I give my dogs has green mussels for joint protection as well as some other beneficial ingredients.

Or he may just need a boost of energy - you could try poultry cell, nutri-drench, or a b complex liquid supplement.

@Miss Lydia has some older muscovy, maybe she can give some advice.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I’m wondering if since he is flying if he may have had a rough landing it’s one thing to land in water another to land on the hard ground. He may have a deep muscle injury (sprain) rest, water therapy and something like Poultry cell for support while healing? BComplex is another good way to support leg health.

 

[scarycassowary]

I’m wondering if since he is flying if he may have had a rough landing it’s one thing to land in water another to land on the hard ground. He may have a deep muscle injury (sprain) rest, water therapy and something like Poultry cell for support while healing? BComplex is another good way to support leg health.

Well, he doesn't fly but he's been roosting a lot lately. Maybe he landed crooked jumping off or on.

What do you mean by water therapy? Like.. For how long? Do i just let him swim for a couple minutes to an hour a day, if not more?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I thought you said he flew over you? lol Yes jumping down from a roost can cause injury too since drakes are pretty heavy. I keep the bedding thick in my coops for that reason. Although my drake rarely roosted my female Muscovy do. Water therapy is just putting them into water and letting them swim around it takes the pressure off the legs and back and can help keep muscles strong while they are healing. Ensure he can get in and out of a pool or whatever you use so he isn't jumping down from anything. Just let him stay in the water as long as he wants if you have the time.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

They definitely can land wrong when jumping down. I use a smaller trough that I fill with water to let my ducks swim. We retrofitted it with a valve so it's easier to empty. But, muscovy drakes aren't the first ones junping in, so sometimes, I pick mine up and put him in. The funniest thing about picking up my drake (whether I put him in the pool or just to check him over) is that afterwards, he avoids me. Any other time he is annoying me - poking at me or trying to bite my leg.

 

[scarycassowary]

I thought you said he flew over you? lol Yes jumping down from a roost can cause injury too since drakes are pretty heavy. I keep the bedding thick in my coops for that reason. Although my drake rarely roosted my female Muscovy do. Water therapy is just putting them into water and letting them swim around it takes the pressure off the legs and back and can help keep muscles strong while they are healing. Ensure he can get in and out of a pool or whatever you use so he isn't jumping down from anything. Just let him stay in the water as long as he wants if you have the time.

Oh I meant that the idea of bumblefoot and that he might've had it flew over my head! Maybe that's not how you say it? I don't know I just learn phrases as I hear them haha

I'll try getting him to swim soon, just gotta clean the pool out first