need help my duck has a broken leg

[Brandy Basinger]

here's my duck's hurt leg it's the left leg it's a little bit bent in to the right his right leg is straight...

 

[lovemyducks]

Hi, Just want you to know that I had the same thing happen to one of my ducks. Her foot was bent completely backwards when she walked. I called the vet and he said for me to bring it in and have it euthanized. Now this may not seem like the most humane thing but we got some cardboard and duct taped that sucker up. After about a week I cut it off and she has walked just fine ever since. Hope all turns out okay for ya'll!

 

[Amiga]

Looks like there may have been an injury or infection, hope others will share their thoughts. I still recommend the Epsom salts compresses. See how that goes, and I would keep in the back of my mind there might be an infection and consider applying topical antibiotic.

 

[Brandy Basinger]

how do you know if he has infection in his leg? (i'm just saying) and if he did have one he will not be able to walk on his leg!? and i will go down and get some of the Epsom salts compresses and try it out

 

[Amiga]

I don't know for sure, but the reason I would keep that in mind is the swelling, and that infections can cause swelling. I have read that infections can contribute to arthritis in ducks' legs. Perhaps someone else can confirm that.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Looks like he could have a break and or infection, I'm thinking possibly the epsom salt compresses and rest along with some kind of antibiotic in his drinking water. If infection and no open wound then thats most likely the only way to get rid of it. according to Twin City Poultry supplies med chart Penicillin is the best antibiotic to give for blood born infection. Pen powder .5 to 1 tea. to 1 gallon of water for 8-10 days I don't like giving antibiotics but I'm not sure if this isn't the best course for your duck since it's been on going for a while now. or vet care.

 

[Amiga]

Brandy Basinger,

could you tell us what you are doing for your duck and how he has responded?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Brandy, I just scanned over everything in your thread, I think this qualified as an Emergency for sure! How upsetting for us when we see our ducks in trouble!

My $0.02:

Epsom Salts are cheap cheap cheap therapy for a bunch of different problems, infections, swellings, bruising all included. Why not? Personally, I had a duck with a limp, swelling and Bumblefoot, I was not able to manage the compresses and keeping the leg clean (due to mud!) and *Eposom Salt Soaks cleaned up the problem quickly!* 2 days, to be precise. My personal theory is (for ducks, fish, dogs, cats, humans, you get my point): Why resort to antibiotics if unnecessary? Get your duck some spinach from the grocery, add some water soluable vitamins from your LFS (I use MannaPro), provide duck with calm care and it may just surprise you and spring back. If not, well then you will need to make a decision on the most humane way to deal with the situation. The advice you have been given by previous posters is very good advice, and I sincerely hope and pray that your duck feels better!

 

[blondiebee181]

I agree with Holly and everybody, especially Amiga, she is like my duck mentor on here! She has a lot of experiences with ducks and is always quick at responding to ducks in trouble, I would take her advice. Care for his leg with the salts and allow him to swim, but keep him in a seperate area that is clean and quiet and he will not be disturbed by others. Monitor him carefully for any changes in his normal behavior like if he discontinues to eat or drink or swim. Poultry water soluble vitamins will definately give him a good lift, I would see if you can get a hold of those. Watch that leg and if the swelling does not go down, Miss Lydia may be right and there is an internal infection caused by some kind of trauma....even a hairline fracture can cause infection and those are reeeaally hard to diagnose because they are so small. I would be on the phone with either your agriculture extension office or a vet and try to figure out if you can get him in if he doesn't seem to get any better after 2 days of treatment.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

I forgot to add that I have read, but do not know the truth behind this, that if you can feel extreme heat (above whatever would be "normal") from the area under the wings, then that can indicate fever, which could be caused from infection. I'm not against antibiotics at all, when necessary, but my feeling is that if duck is improving then you might not need them. But that is just some guess from a person who did not see your duck. Amiga knows her stuff.