Limping runner duck

[Callender Girl]

Just noticed one of my girls limping. I went out and checked her feet and legs, no visible wounds, no obvious swelling. There are 11 of them that share a shelter, and I'm hoping she just got jostled a bit and it's nothing serious.

Questions: Am I being my normal over-protective self? Should I try to get her to a vet before they close at noon? Is there any point to using the Clavamox I've been storing in the fridge?

 

[Isaac 0]

Ducks often develop sudden limps due to tripping over things or getting their leg caught on branches, rope, etc. Depending on the severity of the limp, oftentimes they heal up just fine, and not much needs to be done along the lines of treatment.

Administering B vitamins, adding flaxseed to her diet, and/or soaking her foot in Epsom salt water may help. If the limp is really bad, you may consider making a soft padded pen for her to reduce her movement. If there is no swelling, and the limp developed overnight, it's unlikely infection is a concern, so there would be no evident reason to start her on Clavamox.

 

[Callender Girl]

You pretty much reinforced what I wanted to believe was true. But, I always err on the side of caution -- and my vet bills prove it! Thanks so much for setting my mind at ease.

 

[Isaac 0]

You pretty much reinforced what I wanted to believe was true. But, I always err on the side of caution -- and my vet bills prove it! Thanks so much for setting my mind at ease.

You're welcome, let us know how she gets along. Depending on the injury, expect a week or two until full-recovery. Luckily Runners are lighter, and tend to heal faster than your average Pekin,

 

[AzDuck]

I have one runner female who seemed to limp on and off all summer long. @Isaac 0 also helped me during that time to calm down a bit and just watch her a little more closely.
She recovered, then would limp again, and so on and so forth for about 2 months. I used some DMSO on her legs when I noticed it was worse than other days, and that seemed to help her in the mornings after she slept with it on.
She’s been a lot better lately, and after watching/observing them more, I think she’s just a little clumsy and trips sometimes. Our drake tends to try and mate her on the ground sometimes too, and I know that can be a source of injury at times as well.
Good luck! I hope she’s feeling better ❤

 

[Callender Girl]

Sorry to hear about your "clumsy" girl but glad she's doing better. I'd be frantic if Jan was limping for that long. Thanks for offering some reassurance.

 

[Callender Girl]

Again, it appears one of my critters wanted to make me panic unnecessarily. I just watched Jan, the runner who limped two days ago, run at full speed with the rest of the ducks all the way across the yard. Perfect gait with every step.

Thanks for the reassurance while I was over-reacting ... with goats, by the time you notice something's wrong, it's often too late. So, I apply the same YIKES!! reaction to all my babies, I guess.

 

[AzDuck]

ok

Again, it appears one of my critters wanted to make me panic unnecessarily. I just watched Jan, the runner who limped two days ago, run at full speed with the rest of the ducks all the way across the yard. Perfect gait with every step.

Thanks for the reassurance while I was over-reacting ... with goats, by the time you notice something's wrong, it's often too late. So, I apply the same YIKES!! reaction to all my babies, I guess.

I ironically came home to a limping Cayuga yesterday and still freaked out, sooooo, I can’t really say I’m any better. I just wanted my husband to check her feet because I’m TERRIFIED of bumblefoot (since mine free range most of the time) and too scared to look by myself lol. We rubbed some DMSO on her this morning and hopefully she’s feeling better by the time we get home today.
We are all learning together You sound like a wonderful duck mama. Your flock is very lucky to have you.

 

[Callender Girl]

Thanks! You sound like a great duck mom, too.All my birds free range during the day -- as long as I'm home, which is most of the time. I've only dealt with bumblefoot once, and it was my Buff Orpington hen. Originally $5 from a 4-H kid, she became the $100 hen!

Here's hoping your Cayuga recovers as quickly as my Jan!

 

[AzDuck]

Thanks! You sound like a great duck mom, too.All my birds free range during the day -- as long as I'm home, which is most of the time. I've only dealt with bumblefoot once, and it was my Buff Orpington hen. Originally $5 from a 4-H kid, she became the $100 hen!

Here's hoping your Cayuga recovers as quickly as my Jan!