My duck is having trouble walking

[Stephanie Adler]

So we have to find a vet that will see her? All of the vets I called today will not treat her because they said she is considered livestock

 

[Isaac 0]

She has Bumblefoot. Could you post a video of her walking? To post a video, upload it to youtube or Vimeo, then copy/paste the link here.

 

[Stephanie Adler]

She has Bumblefoot. Could you post a video of her walking? To post a video, upload it to youtube or Vimeo, then copy/paste the link here.

She wont walk at all

 

[Isaac 0]

She wont walk at all

What is she being fed, any supplements? When did this develop?

 

[Stephanie Adler]

She eats purina optimum nutrition pellets,we supplement with frozen peas and it started yesterday. She was fine and walking around friday no trouble

 

[Isaac 0]

Thanks for being patient and providing us with more information.

Right off the bat, I cannot tell you what is going on with her, as I'm not able to physically examine her. I'm inclined to think the problem is not related to the Bumblefoot she has, nor do I think it's related to a nutritional deficiency as the progressive onset of the symptoms related to both of those conditions would be at a slower pace.

If it happened all in one day, with no previous signs of disablement prior to this, I would be inclined to think there was an injury of sorts. This often happens with ducks, because while they are good at swimming, they are poor on land, and often trip, or get their legs caught in things.

My basic treatment suggestion would be to keep her situated in a dog kennel, located in a soft padded area, with feed and water provided. Niacin is good for bone health, and structure so I would up some of that in her diet, in the form of Cattle B complex, which you can obtain here,

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/durvet-hi-level-vitamin-b-complex

You can draw out 1ml of that, and give her that amount once a day, over treats or orally. It would also be a good idea to let her swim in water a few times a day, occasionally in Epsom salt water, just don't let her drink the water as it can act as a laxative. Not only will the soaks in water help with leg health, but it'll also help loosen the core of the Bumblefoot which will need to be taken out. After a few days or a week, and the core is loose, you can try peeling the scab off using a scalpel, and or a pair of tweezers. Once the core is out, you can fill the remaining area with an antibacterial ointment, and bandage the foot.

Here is some additional information regarding treating Bumblefoot, and how to bandage :

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/duck-feet-bandages.1424682/
https://the-chicken-chick.com/bumblefoot-causes-treatment-warning/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wrapping-feet.1255043/

Bumblefoot, and leg problems can often be encouraged to occur when ducks are being kept on hard compact, wet, dirty grounds that offer little no cushioning, and provide a source of bacteria to thrive. REevaulting your setup to ensure there are no problems that may predispose her to some of these conditions would be a good idea.

 

[Stephanie Adler]

Thank you for all your help! I really do appreciate it.

 

[Isaac 0]

Thank you for all your help! I really do appreciate it.

You're welcome. Please keep us posted, on how she does.