Sebastapol Can’t Walk

[ekofke201]

Hello, all! Help, please!

I have a 4yo sebastapol gander that is unable to walk. He has had trouble getting up and kicks his legs repeatedly but can’t get traction to stand no matter the footing. The right side looks worse as that’s the side he usually falls on. He looks completely healthy otherwise. There is no obvious sign of injury. He does look like he’s shivering (not in a behavioral way).

There has not been any improvement with two days of isolation/rest with a heat lamp. It’s been colder here (down to the single digits at night/ 20s and wet during the day).

I don’t know if he’s slipped on ice and pulled something, has an infection, or what is going on. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Full disclosure: I have wondered if he’s had a lifelong neck injury or neurological disorder as he will flip completely over backward when swimming. And will tip toward the back occasionally when drinking.

I think that’s it. Thank you so much for your help!

* I do have a video if anyone thinks that will help

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

@Goosebaby

 

[Goosebaby]

The video would be great if you could post it. Also how quickly did this issue develop?

So there could be numerous causes to this.

considering that he’s had balance issues his whole life this could be that whatever his issues have been could be worsening, he could have brain damage that’s caused a stroke. Geese can come back from this given time and care in many cases.

He could definitely have an infection, some infections can target the spine causing inflammation which manifests as temporary paralysis. He’ll need antibiotics if this is the case unless it’s viral in nature and then all you can do is try to help his through this and hope for the best, that he can beat the virus.

Clostridium, specifically botulism, can cause sudden or slow onset paraysis due to a toxin the bacteria produces.

A tumor unfortunatly is another possibility, it can press on the nerves to the legs causing sporadic or permanent paralysis.

Another possibility is poisoning, lead or zinc toxicity are primary suspects.

 

[Goosebaby]

@ekofke201

I just want to add that there’s also nutrient deficiencies that could cause neurological issues, what feed is he on?

Also if a vet is possible I would strongly suggest getting him looked at, though I understand if that isn’t possible.

 

[ekofke201]

Thank you so much! He’s on an all flock feed and in good condition. We also rotate them often to keep them on grass. As much as you can in the wet winter anyway. He’s not eating much of anything at the moment so suggestions to encourage him to eat would be great!

The symptoms came on suddenly three days ago. The first day he was walking and would suddenly fall but was able to regain his footing. After confining him to a coop (he’s alone to keep anyone else from bothering him) he hasn’t done much moving at all.

I can’t figure out how to add a video at the moment, only photos, so I’ll work on that in the morning.

Thank you so much! I’m looking forward to some additional feedback!

 

[Goosebaby]

What do his droppings look like lately? Have you noticed any change in them? Like bright green or yellow, black or red? Or if they’re suddenly foamy?

You can add a video to YouTube, instagram, or Vimeo and post the link here, that’s the only way I’ve figured out how to.

You can also try gaging his responses by seeing if he’ll pull his feet away if you touch or pitch his toes, it will show if he can feel them. If he can’t feel them then that could mean something is causing pressure on his spinal cord.

If his neurological symptoms are sudden that means either he’s been exposed to a high level of bacteria that’s overloading his system, he has ingested some sort of toxin, he’s expierienced some kind of spinal trauma in his lower vertebra or he does have some sort of brain damage from a seizure or stroke.

Another thing I thought of is mold, mold exposure can cause neurological issues, either from breathing it or ingesting it.