Rooster Limping

[Mebrou]

Good morning, all. I’m in desperate need of advice as my favorite boy (5 months old) isn’t doing well! He started limping a couple days ago and it’s getting worse. It happened so fast. It doesn’t look like bumble, mites, or obvious injury. The only difference in legs is today it seems a tad bit more red near the foot area. And he’s starting to sit more as it gets worse. I will note that he has been needy and very clingy to his mother since the day he was hatched. And before the limp I started to suspect he had balancing issues while roosting. However vision always seemed fine to me. Will try some topical ivermectin as last ditch effort then a vet visit for X-rays if no improvement. He’s more than livestock to me and the SWEETEST boy so I’d like to do what I can to get him healed up. Thank you so much in advance!

Update- it appears the hock is slightly larger and warmer than the other leg and the limp is getting worse. He’s not getting up much today. Starting up on Nutri-Drench then then going from there.

Also want to note that he is on organic non-GMO layer feed and grains but they all get BSF larvae regularly, sunflower seeds, and many other sources of protein. Additionally, they’re free range so he forages all day. We’re switching to all flock as soon as the remaining feed is gone. Not sure if gout would cause this.

Lastly, for the first time ever we’re dealing with sickness. Pox, MG, and other respiratory issues. Lost two of our hens. So much going on but not sure if his leg is a result of anything else as he has no other symptoms.

Your input is greatly appreciated!

 

[Eggcessive]

I’m not seeing much that looks abnormal. He could have sprained his leg or injured it jumping. With mycoplasma, he could be showing early signs of MS. Mareks symptoms can also show up at his age. So, I would keep an eye on him, and try to limit his activity with no jumping or running, mounting, etc. A dog crate with food and water in the coop may be good for that. Make sure that he can reach the food/water if he goes down. Human B complex tablets have all of the b vitamins and can be good for leg issues, 1/4 tablet daily crushed in food.

 

[Mebrou]

There’s been a tad more swelling as of today and a noticeable little bump that wasn’t visible before. From what I read this could be indicative of a break or fracture. Any feedback on this update? I’m getting X-rays tomorrow so I hope to have definitive answers. Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree that looks more swollen. Is he walking on it, and if so, does it seem to bend there? Let us know what the X-ray shows.

 

[Mebrou]

I agree that looks more swollen. Is he walking on it, and if so, does it seem to bend there? Let us know what the X-ray shows.

No, he can’t walk on it, it’s a pretty bad limp/hop. I’ve had him in a crate since Saturday. I let him out a bit ago for sun and grass and supported that side so he could graze comfortably. He seems to want to stay in my arms at all times so I’m guessing even laying in the crate is painful. I’ve given him some aspirin but will ask the vet for a meloxicam prescription. Will definitely keep you posted on X-rays!
Have you ever dealt with a broken/fractured leg? If so, what was your experience in treating it, assuming you did?

 

[Mebrou]

Update from the vet visit today: no breaks, fractures, or dislocations. Apparently he’s got soft tissue swelling where I’ve circled in the X-rays. I’m guessing it’s due to a bad landing off the roost. Vet prescribed Rimadyl and instructed we keep him in the crate for 10-14 days. Praying it’s that simple. Will keep you posted!

 

[Eggcessive]

Rimadyl is very good for animals, and it might take a couple of days to notice improvement. Glad that you got the X-rays. Let us know how he gets along. Resting his leg inside a dog crate with food and water, but trying to keep him with the flock, would help him.

 

[Mebrou]

Rimadyl is very good for animals, and it might take a couple of days to notice improvement. Glad that you got the X-rays. Let us know how he gets along. Resting his leg inside a dog crate with food and water, but trying to keep him with the flock, would help him.

He’s already much livelier. I truly hope he remains on this path! I’ll definitely keep you updated. Thank you!

 

[orelsi]

He is handsome! I hope it turns out well. Sounds like he messed up a jump, it happens.

Also, you are so lucky, you have vets that take in chickens and even do x-rays on them. Use that resource fully in the future. I got laughed at by a vet one time when I wanted some x-rays done on a sick hen.

 

[Mebrou]

He is handsome! I hope it turns out well. Sounds like he messed up a jump, it happens.

Also, you are so lucky, you have vets that take in chickens and even do x-rays on them. Use that resource fully in the future. I got laughed at by a vet one time when I wanted some x-rays done on a sick hen.

Oh my goodness that’s terrible! I’d stay far away from that vet. Clearly doesn’t have a heart for animals (shouldn’t matter the species). I’m incredibly blessed to have this vet 20 minutes away and they were absolutely wonderful. Genuinely caring and very knowledgeable when it comes to poultry. I’ll keep this thread updated with my boy’s progress.