Pekin Duck | slipped tendon or niacin deficiency? Need Help!

[ArtsyDucks]

Hello everyone! Today I found my 3 year old Pekin Duck struggling to walk and when he does, he is walking with his hocks scratching the bare floor.

I got super worried cause he was perfectly fine yesterday, so I took him inside for a warm bath and so he can clean himself up as he looked like he got into a scuffle with another male duck I have with my flock.

I can’t tell if this a niacin deficiency, slipped tendons, or just sprains?

I now have him separated from his flock with food and water to suffice the night. Anyone have any idea what I can do? Here are some photos of how he looks when standing and subsequently walking!

 

[Jenbirdee]

He’s very handsome. Slipped tendons possible but usually happens in tiny ducklings. Pekins are prone to leg problems because of their fast growth and heavy weight. Giving the bath was a good thing . You can give Epsom salt water soaks too but don’t let him drink any.
Have you had him all his life? What has his diet been? Have you ever supplemented with niacin before it could be niacin deficiency yes or possibly a sprain or strain from a fight but either way it will not hurt to supplement with extra niacin. While he’s in this condition, I would keep him on a soft surface, like some towels or thick bedding, changed frequently.
Swimming in water deep enough that he can’t stand will strengthen his legs. Have you felt carefully up and down both legs for any thing out of place or lumps or any hot areas? Have you looked at the bottom of his feet for Bumblefoot as well? You might make him a sling to get him off the legs for a while. Some people use a baby bouncer from a yard sale. Perhaps for you can make one. You can use a laundry basket and attach a towel across it with holes in it for his legs, put his food and water on the stand right in front of it. @ruthhope has experience with making and using these.
Here is the niacin I recommend and how to give it orally. This liquid bcomplex says it is injectable, but he is given oral to ducks and it contains 100 mg of niacinamide per one ML. You can squirt one ML per day over a small dish of a treat like mealworms if he will eat it all otherwise give directly https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...dications-to-all-poultry-and-waterfowl.73335/