Perosis: Opposite (unslipped) leg giving out

[mblack03]

Hi everyone!!

I've recently hit a little bit of a wall here and would really like some advice.
I have a 5/6 week old mallard, Moe, that has perosis/slipped tendon in her left leg. Recently, she's been doing great! She can stand like a normal duck and, while a little goofy looking, she can get around fine. Something that's a little worrysome lately though is her right leg.

Sometimes, her right leg will just completely fail her and give out. She'll usually give a loud peep or two and immediately fall to the ground; she usually isn't able to get back up for maybe 15 - 30 seconds. She usually gets right back up after. We felt around to make sure she hasn't slipped her right tendon, and nothing felt out of place or odd. This usually has happened after a bath when she's been overworking/compensating for her left, but today after a day of complete rest, she's fallen about twice. Is she just overworking it, or does it sound like her right really is giving and going lame?

Is there anything I can do, anything I can try? I've read threads of assisted living ducks just like Moe not making it because they just can't/don't want to walk anymore, and I don't want that happening to her. I want to help but I just don't know how, any ideas?

 

[Isaac 0]

I know you spoke with a vet, so sorry if I've asked before, but what did he say, and suggest to do?

There are several conditions the can result in bowing of the hock joint in waterfowl, a niacin deficiency being one, but I do notice that she's a Mallard, a breed that is often affected by it due to there "low-ish" requirement compared to other commonly affected breeds.

If you want, I may be able to get in contact with an avian vet, send him a few pictures, and see what he thinks.

 

[Ratchnick]

Yeah, that kinda looks like niacin deficiency to me.

 

[mblack03]

I know you spoke with a vet, so sorry if I've asked before, but what did he say, and suggest to do?

There are several conditions the can result in bowing of the hock joint in waterfowl, a niacin deficiency being one, but I do notice that she's a Mallard, a breed that is often affected by it due to there "low-ish" requirement compared to other commonly affected breeds.

If you want, I may be able to get in contact with an avian vet, send him a few pictures, and see what he thinks.

That would be beyond awesome, thank you.
If you'd like more images I'd be happy to send you some

Our vet mentioned nothing about a niacin deficiency, but did recommend that we stay on the supplements.

 

[Ratchnick]

You need 1 TBS per cup of feed of yeast, or mixed at a ratio of 1:16. This is why i say yeast is bad, you need a large amount of it. Durvet b complex is much better.

 

[mblack03]

You need to think about what you want to do with a duck that cant walk. Likely wont have a full recovery.

Of course, 100%. I've already come to terms with the fact that she won't live life like a normal duck, and I'm more than happy to provide her with the care she needs to at least live happily. Tomorrow she'll be moving into her forever home, and we're gonna go over our options. If push comes to shove and we just can't care for her we're planning on contacting a rescue or sanctuary of some kind for her, but so far that isn't the case.
Thanks again for the help!

 

[mblack03]

Hi!!

Just a quick little update! Moe is now in her forever home!!
Thank you for all your help on this thread, but after having my mother feel around on the right leg (I personally can't discern a tendon, I don't know how to feel for one) we came to the conclusion that she has also slipped her right tendon as well.

Either way, it is what it is. I was actually a tad surprised it had ended up that way; after feeling it Friday it felt in place. No idea what could've caused it, but we've already prepared for a scenario like this and will do what we can to keep her comfortable and happy. She's a little grumpy from being lugged around these past few weeks, but she absolutely loves her new bin.

Thanks again for all your help in this thread even if it was a bit of a bust. I really do appreciate the people on this forum, everyone's so caring and beyond helpful. Thank you!!

 

[Isaac 0]

Thanks for the update!

 

[Ratchnick]

What are you feeding?

 

[mblack03]

DuMor Chick starter + some Durvet niacin and electrolyte supplements in her food and water. We have another Durvet liquid complex coming soon, and once it's arrived we'll start administering it.