my duckling is limping

[yanakaye]

My 4 week old duckling started limping the other day and it has gotten progressively worse to the point where he can no longer put any weight on it. Took him to the vets and they gave me an anti inflammatory and pain relief for dogs (very small animal dosage for weight of duck), they said to give once a day for 5 days and if no difference take him back to see their poultry department, which i cant help but feel they should have taken him to in the first place. thought i could get some more expert advice on here, i have felt all over the leg and i cant feel any bumps and there is no noticeable swelling, his brother is always standing on him and pecking him but he doesnt seem to mind. He has fallen off the couch a few times, but he likes his leg being touched and he can stretch it out, just not put weight on it. any ideas? its breaking my heart to see him like this, i just want him to get better.

 

[bigredshaverhen]

Did he stay in his egg any longer than usual? Has this all happened suddenly? Has he had a bit of a bump? One little bump might of caused him to limp and not use his leg and at his age not using his leg might of done something to his leg muscles... Does his leg look any different to the other one?

Good luck!

 

[yanakaye]

Hi, i dont know if he was in his egg longer than usual as i bought him at 9 days old. but why would that effect him now and not earlier if that was the case? yes it has happened suddenly, as far as i am aware he has not had a bump and no both legs look the same. thanks.

 

[bigredshaverhen]

He could of been born deformed, and I don't know what else...

 

[bigredshaverhen]

He could of even just pulled a muscle, or something like that...