Runt duckling with deformed leg

[jawood143]

I have a 5 day old Muscovy duckling who has a deformed knee joint on the left leg. The knee is turning outward inside of down. The foot and leg are normal and function properly otherwise. Will splinting this as it grows help turn it inward? I don't know what to do for it. I appreciate all input.

 

[Quatie]

Poor little guy. I don't know anything about this, but @Miss Lydia , @Isaac 0 will know more or be able to direct you to someone else who can help.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Please take a picture of the little cutie standing. Is the ankle joint involved? Did this happen over the last 5 days or did it hatch deformed?

Edited to add: Did you incubate this one or did it hatch under a broody?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes we need to see the leg but I am thinking possibly a slipped tendon.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...of-slipped-tendons-in-bantam-duckling.987977/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ith-a-slipped-tendon-one-chick’s-story.69353/

you'll need to fix the toes so it will be able to place the foot normally
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chick-with-curled-toes.51112/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/duckling-was-born-with-turned-in-and-curled-feet.983116/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-with-tape-picture-tutorial-and-video.75247/

This is an asap project the longer this stays like this the less of a chance to fix it.
And if you can have a vet examine that would be even better.

 

[jawood143]

This is the best that I can do, the little booger is fast. It's foot stretches out and works just fine, it's just pointed in the wrong direction from the knee joint down. The duckling was hatched in a hen then put under a brooder with 3 others after the mom was no longer interested in them. That's when I noticed the leg, at 3 days old.

 

[jawood143]

The leg, foot, toes and ankle all function normally. There is poor circulation to the lower half of the leg. The foot stays a little cooler than the other and is a little puffy. There is still blood flow to the foot though because I can see the veins in the webbing. The leg doesn't stretch out straight. It does however stretch a little further than a 90° angle.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Have you gently felt along the back of the leg comparing to the normal one to see if the tendon is out of place?
@casportpony any ideas?
@Isaac 0 ?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

It looks like a leg issue that the duckling was hatched with. The problem is that they grow so fast that it's best to fix these types of issues as soon as possible. If the duckling isn't using the foot it will have limited circulation and feel cool naturally. Movement circulates blood flow and blood flow creates heat. I would splint the leg with painters tape by laying the foot perfectly flat on the sticky side and then folding the tape over the top of the foot. For cases like this I go up the leg a little for extra stability. I also give Poultry Cell. Im a big fan of poultry cell in general because not only is it a broad spectrum supplement, but it also contains B3/Niacin which if you look at other poultry vitamin/mineral supplements a lot actually do not have the B3. For cases like this I give .25 cc in a syringe. If you are not experienced giving it orally just do single drops at a time on the edge inside the mouth to not aspirate the duckling. I would not recommend diluting a supplement in water at this point as you will not know exactly how much he is getting. Others have had success with other poultry supplements I just can only speak for Poultry cell since that's what works for me especially for hatchlings who need extra care.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

@Pyxis do you have a moment to take a look at this little ones leg?
Hopefully something can be done soon or treatment can be started soon. Time is an important factor in situations similar to this. Did you say if taking this little one to see a vet is an option or not?

 

[HeatherKellyB]

A few other friends with duckling experience that may have something to add:
@JaeG
@WVduckchick
@shawluvsbirds
@BirdsBeesTrees
@Conan
@FunnyfarmMidwest
@Overo Mare
@MGG

There are many helpful folks here on BYC that have loads of experience and knowledge. Some of them have been tagged, already shared some input, or were tagged earlier in the thread. This is not everyone but mostly those we've interacted with recently. I'm hopeful this little sweetheart will receive treatment and start its recovery soon. We're so blessed to have so many wonderful folks here that are so helpful