Limping duck

[jools2014]

Hi all,

I just noticed today that one of my ducks is limping really badly and frequently sitting down-I feel like it must be an injury of some sort since it's so sudden. I did at first suspect bumblefoot but I have checked her feet out and can't see a thing on them-not that I know what to look for as I haven't ever had any experience with bumblefoot, but her feet look completely normal to me.

It's bank holiday weekend here so I can't realistically go to the vet until Tuesday unless I could get an appointment for tomorrow morning but doubtful as they are only open briefly but would try if it's an emergency.

She's an older duck around 6 and a half. Do ducks get arthritis? Could she have sprained it or broken it-in which case does it need veterinary treatment and how much is this likely to cost? Any advice would be great as I'm not sure whether to leave it a couple days and see if she improves or get her looked at ASAP.

 

[chickens really]

What kind of Duck and yes arthritis is common in Ducks..

 

[jools2014]

She's a Khaki Campbell.

 

[Miss Lydia]

She could have injured it too but arthritis it seems is pretty common to in older ducks I had a Muscovy drake with it. I'd keep her up in a small area so she isn't using it much maybe give her a few soaks in some Epsom salt and water [don't let her drink it its also a laxative] Some times just rest and water therapy can help the more she uses it the longer it will take to heal. The vet can take a look and prescribe an anti-inflammatory and pain meds for her. Which if she isn't better in a few days you might want to consider.

 

[jools2014]

Hi, thanks great advice will keep it in mind for the future. Glad to say my girl has made a miraculous recovery-she is not limping at all now when she could hardly walk before and kept sitting down. Now she is back even running with the others with not a hint of a problem-very strange! I guess she must've injured it a little the other day and now she's ok. Anyway-very relieved it doesn't look like I have to take a trip to the vets-she had me worried there!

 

[chickens really]

Hi, thanks great advice will keep it in mind for the future. Glad to say my girl has made a miraculous recovery-she is not limping at all now when she could hardly walk before and kept sitting down. Now she is back even running with the others with not a hint of a problem-very strange! I guess she must've injured it a little the other day and now she's ok. Anyway-very relieved it doesn't look like I have to take a trip to the vets-she had me worried there!

Did she lay an egg ?...

 

[jools2014]

I'm not sure that's what I was wondering. She only lays very occasionally, but I can't tell if she has laid or if it was one of my others. Never seen this sort of behaviour from her or any of the others before though.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If your interested in knowing if she is laying you can put food coloring around her vent feathers then her egg will look like the color

 

[chickens really]

I'm not sure that's what I was wondering. She only lays very occasionally, but I can't tell if she has laid or if it was one of my others. Never seen this sort of behaviour from her or any of the others before though.

Just wondering because sometimes a stuck egg can cause a pinch in the sciatica and cause lameness...

 

[jools2014]

^^ That could very well have been it then, seems the most likely explanation-learn something new everyday!

Lydia-haha that's a great tip I shall have to try that thanks!