One leg not fully functional after wound around head-neck area

[AnkaRikard]

My lovly duck sadly got attacked by a hawk yesterday. I luckily could scare him off almost instantly. The duck survived but got 2 minor wounds but is now having problems with the left leg. She can fully contract and decontract the leg muscle but cant cordinate it so she walk in”circles” I presume its some nerve damage. Is this a lost cause or is it possible for her to regain leg functionality?

Thanks

 

[AnkaRikard]

She is very tilted when laying down

 

[BelovedBirds]

My lovly duck sadly got attacked by a hawk yesterday. I luckily could scare him off almost instantly. The duck survived but got 2 minor wounds but is now having problems with the left leg. She can fully contract and decontract the leg muscle but cant cordinate it so she walk in”circles” I presume its some nerve damage. Is this a lost cause or is it possible for her to regain leg functionality?

Thanks

It's hard to say what exactly is wrong, but since it was only yesterday I think she may need more time to recover.

Walking in circles sounds more to do with head trauma than leg injuries, to me. Remember, animals can suffer concussions just like we can. But thats just my opinion. Does she seem off balance, even when sitting?

First things first, have you treated her for shock? Is she eating or drinking?
Have you had a good look over her head and neck for wounds?
Feel both legs and check for heat or swelling. Is she putting an even amount of weight on both feet, or is there a limp?

Once she has perked up (and is showing an interest in food) you could put her in a bath of water to see how she moves her legs. If she is able to paddle and stretch both a bit, I wouldn't be too worried about the extent of the leg injury at this point, I would focus on giving her time to recover.
Is a vet an option?

 

[AnkaRikard]

It's hard to say what exactly is wrong, but since it was only yesterday I think she may need more time to recover.

Walking in circles sounds more to do with head trauma than leg injuries, to me. Remember, animals can suffer concussions just like we can. But thats just my opinion. Does she seem off balance, even when sitting?

First things first, have you treated her for shock? Is she eating or drinking?
Have you had a good look over her head and neck for wounds?
Feel both legs and check for heat or swelling. Is she putting an even amount of weight on both feet, or is there a limp?

Once she has perked up (and is showing an interest in food) you could put her in a bath of water to see how she moves her legs. If she is able to paddle and stretch both a bit, I wouldn't be too worried about the extent of the leg injury at this point, I would focus on giving her time to recover.
Is a vet an option?

Her balance is fine while she is sitting and she can stand on both feet the problem is that when she tries to move she puts all weight on right foot side and she tips over to the right. I helped her take a bath earlier and she can paddle but its not a even force from both legs so she has some struggles moving around in water but its def better in water than on land

She drinks ok, she is mostly taking small sips but i have not succeded in feeding her. While she was swiming she was flexing her wings and shaking her tail so she shows some signs of wellbeing but she is also very tired presumably because she is shocked and havnt eaten.

I do understand that putting her down could be the next option but i just wanted to hear if there is anything i could do

Thanks for your advice

 

[BelovedBirds]

Her balance is fine while she is sitting and she can stand on both feet the problem is that when she tries to move she puts all weight on right foot side and she tips over to the right. I helped her take a bath earlier and she can paddle but its not a even force from both legs so she has some struggles moving around in water but its def better in water than on land

She drinks ok, she is mostly taking small sips but i have not succeded in feeding her. While she was swiming she was flexing her wings and shaking her tail so she shows some signs of wellbeing but she is also very tired presumably because she is shocked and havnt eaten.

I do understand that putting her down could be the next option but i just wanted to hear if there is anything i could do

Thanks for your advice

I don't think putting her down is something that needs to be considered at this stage- I think I can speak for the other members on this forum, that we have seen ducks recover from much worse.

I think the first step here should be getting her fed and rested. Then we can re-evaluate her symptoms.

Have you tried offering her favourite foods?
Wetting her usual feed may get her interest, you could also try scrambled egg, or peas. Anything to get her eating. You could also add some poultry vitamins to her water, to give her a little boost

 

[BelovedBirds]

Her balance is fine while she is sitting and she can stand on both feet the problem is that when she tries to move she puts all weight on right foot side and she tips over to the right. I helped her take a bath earlier and she can paddle but its not a even force from both legs so she has some struggles moving around in water but its def better in water than on land

She drinks ok, she is mostly taking small sips but i have not succeded in feeding her. While she was swiming she was flexing her wings and shaking her tail so she shows some signs of wellbeing but she is also very tired presumably because she is shocked and havnt eaten.

I do understand that putting her down could be the next option but i just wanted to hear if there is anything i could do

Thanks for your advice

I forgot to add, could you record her while she's trying to walk, so we can see?
You'd need to upload the video to YouTube or something similar, then link it here

 

[Miss Lydia]

Her balance is fine while she is sitting and she can stand on both feet the problem is that when she tries to move she puts all weight on right foot side and she tips over to the right. I helped her take a bath earlier and she can paddle but its not a even force from both legs so she has some struggles moving around in water but its def better in water than on land

She drinks ok, she is mostly taking small sips but i have not succeded in feeding her. While she was swiming she was flexing her wings and shaking her tail so she shows some signs of wellbeing but she is also very tired presumably because she is shocked and havnt eaten.

I do understand that putting her down could be the next option but i just wanted to hear if there is anything i could do

Thanks for your advice

Please give her time to recover. My Muscovy female was attacked by a hawk a couple years ago lost sight in one eye. I never even considered putting her down I gave her time to recover. And she did. They are fantastic at recovering as long as were willing to let them. My girl must have gotten hit pretty hard in the head she wasn't herself for many days after the attack but she is fine now just blind in one eye.

 

[BelovedBirds]

Please give her time to recover. My Muscovy female was attacked by a hawk a couple years ago lost sight in one eye. I never even considered putting her down I gave her time to recover. And she did. They are fantastic at recovering as long as were willing to let them. My girl must have gotten hit pretty hard in the head she wasn't herself for many days after the attack but she is fine now just blind in one eye.

It honestly surprises me what these birds can come back from, I've heard amazing recovery stories on here.
And in this situation I think there's a lot of hope, and its so soon after the incident.

 

[AnkaRikard]

I forgot to add, could you record her while she's trying to walk, so we can see?
You'd need to upload the video to YouTube or something similar, then link it here

As you can see she falls to the side when she tries to walk. And I think I found the reason she isn't eating. She seems to have a wound very close to her beak maybe it hurts when she tries to open her mouth

 

[AnkaRikard]

Please give her time to recover. My Muscovy female was attacked by a hawk a couple years ago lost sight in one eye. I never even considered putting her down I gave her time to recover. And she did. They are fantastic at recovering as long as were willing to let them. My girl must have gotten hit pretty hard in the head she wasn't herself for many days after the attack but she is fine now just blind in one eye.

Oh good to hear I am gonna give her some more time so she hopefully recovers