Swollen hock and now foot

[angiert]

I have a pekin duck with a swollen hock. I noticed about a month ago he was struggling to walk so I checked him out and his left hock was swollen and hot. I checked for bumblefoot and found nothing. Now his foot is swollen as well so i tried to aspirate his joint and got quite a bit of blood but no pus. He has been on penicillin g for the last 3 days but I read 4 doses is the limit for that. I am wondering how long before I can start a second round or should I try something different?? Need some advice....i am at a total loss!

 

[Amiga]

If it is possible, a vet’s help would be best.

Sounds like a serious infection in there. Without some diagnostic help, it is hard to know if the infection is in the soft tissue or bone, and which antibiotics work best.

In the meantime, I would make mild oregano tea (1/4 teaspoon in 8 ounces water, then cooled) and add that to another cup of water for the duck to drink. Oregano has some antibiotic properties. I would get some ointment with silver in it and apply that to the area three times a day. Be sure to give nutritious food and fresh water, I would add poultry vitamins every 4 days also.

But I would find a vet.

 

[angiert]

Thank you Amiga...I can do the tea...I had him wrapped in an Epsom salt poltice.....also feeding him some chickweed for pain...the vet is gonna be tough...dh says absolutely not...and that really sucks

 

[casportpony]

If you think it's infected you could try some Baytril. It's supposed to be prescription only, but many pigeon and gamecock websites sell it. It's banned for use in poultry, so that's something to consider before buying it.

 

[angiert]

I will look for that...thank you....do you know why it's banned??

 

[casportpony]

I will look for that...thank you....do you know why it's banned??

Baytril source:

• http://www.allbirdproducts.com/newproductpages/baytril.html
• https://ladygouldianfinch.com/product_baytril.php

reason for ban:
https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/RecallsWithdrawals/ucm042004.htm