Pekin with swollen hocks

[Hayleyf126]

Hi everyone, hoping for some suggestions. I have a 2 year old female Pekin with swollen and warm hocks on both legs. She has a limp and definitely favors one leg. Before the vet appointment I had her on turmeric and milk thistle and have been applying arnica topically. She seemed to inprove some but I discontinued the herbs after the vet appointment and within a few days it worsened. Could be a coincidence and it is just progressing. The vet did an xray and did not find signs of infection. She had her on Amtyl for 2 weeks, but her hocks are still warm and swollen. She said we could do another week but I'm hesitant. Any recommendations on what to do from here? I do have several other antibiotics on hand if needed.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So is there fluid in the swelling? Seems the vet would have wanted to draw some out to see what bacteria is in there.

 

[Hayleyf126]

So is there fluid in the swelling? Seems the vet would have wanted to draw some out to see what bacteria is in there.

She was hesitant to draw fluid for risk of introducing an infection and wanted to try the antibiotics first. I can get her into another vet for a second opinion in a week and a half. Any thoughts on how to support her until then? I typically use baytril as a go to but in this case I didn't want to start another antibiotic unless necessary. I know she's uncomfortable when she's walking but in good spirits otherwise; eating and drinking and still social.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Are you keeping her from overdoing walking too much which might make it worse? Water therapy can help it takes the pressure off the legs. Try what you were doing before the vet visit if you saw some improvement. I’d give her a probiotic now that she is off the antibiotic and in case you have to start with another.

 

[Hayleyf126]

Are you keeping her from overdoing walking too much which might make it worse? Water therapy can help it takes the pressure off the legs. Try what you were doing before the vet visit if you saw some improvement. I’d give her a probiotic now that she is off the antibiotic and in case you have to start with another.

Thank you! I do have her inside in a small pen to rest. I'll start water therapy tonight.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I read not long ago about using Greek Oregano for ascites and I have a Runner female with it. It is a natural antibiotic might not hurt to try your duck with it . I put the dried into their feed daily. There is no cure for ascites but my Runner hasn't gotten any worse still runs with the flock. I also wonder is you did Epsom salt wraps on her hocks take Epsom salt and nice warm water put cloths [wash cloths] would work wring out so they aren't drippy and wrap her hocks leave on till the cloths are cool.

 

[Hayleyf126]

I read not long ago about using Greek Oregano for ascites and I have a Runner female with it. It is a natural antibiotic might not hurt to try your duck with it . I put the dried into their feed daily. There is no cure for ascites but my Runner hasn't gotten any worse still runs with the flock. I also wonder is you did Epsom salt wraps on her hocks take Epsom salt and nice warm water put cloths [wash cloths] would work wring out so they aren't drippy and wrap her hocks leave on till the cloths are

 

[Hayleyf126]

Thank you, I'll give that a try! I added a vitamin water with oregano and fresh herbs; rosemary, chamomile, lavender, sage and basil. That's my usual duck soup mix when someone isn't feeling well.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I just received this https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/herbs-and-spices-a-sustainable-alternative-to-antibiotics.
Did your duck have any bumbles that may have started this?

 

[Hayleyf126]

I just received this https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/herbs-and-spices-a-sustainable-alternative-to-antibiotics.
Did your duck have any bumbles that may have started this?

That's an amazing resource. Her feet look great, no bumps or dark spots. I noticed her suddenly laying down more, after a few days I saw her beginning to limp and brought her in. Some have mentioned gout but she doesn't seem to have other symptoms. Others have told me that their pekins get inflammation flares. Always so many possibilities. Her only medical history is she came to us as a duckling on baytril with a respiratory infection. We rescue waterfowl and usually rehome but she became part of our flock.