Swollen Hock

[aurajean515]

Well, the swelling is from something, the likely source would be some type of infection of the joint.

There is a connection of respiratory illness (Mycoplasma Gallisepticum) with another type of Mycoplasma (Synovaie) that affects the joints - usually there is fluid in the joint.

Ive felt the joint again, and I dont believe theres any fluid. The swelling is getting worse, Ive started giving him aspirin twice a day to see if it improves. Im considering bringing him to the vet if I see no change within the next couple of days

 

[Kathy Golla]

What about gout?
Do you feed him layer feed?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Ive felt the joint again, and I dont believe theres any fluid. The swelling is getting worse, Ive started giving him aspirin twice a day to see if it improves. Im considering bringing him to the vet if I see no change within the next couple of days

If you have vet care, that would be best.

 

[aurajean515]

What about gout?
Do you feed him layer feed?

Ive been feeding my chickens the same feed since I started raising them and have never had a problem. Only one of my chickens is effected, and I'm positive his injury is due to landing wrong when flying off the roosts.

 

[aurajean515]

Update: I've brought him to the vet and the confirmed there were no broken bones and didn't mention a slipped tendon. They made an educated guess that it was indeed an infection. Hes been on an antibiotic for about 12 days now and has a checkup tomorrow. Im seeing no improvement but it hasnt gotten worse either. His hock will not bend, its completely stiff and he cant move his toes on that leg.
Hes still eating and drinking normally. He was clucking and making other chicken noises with the rest of the flock which gave me hope he was feeling better.
The vet said it could take as long as 8 weeks for the antibiotic to work, luckily the medicine is only about $10.
I've been soaking a wash cloth in an epsom salt solution and wrapping that around his leg, hopefully alleviating some of the soreness and swelling.
Let me know if anyone else has any other ideas to help him. Hes the best rooster I've ever had.

 

[Eggcessive]

Glad that you could have the vet see and treat him. What is the name of the antibiotic? Hopefully, it will help. He also may develop arthritis in his joint. My older rooster seemed to suffer from that, but he would let the hens come around him instead of chasing them around.

 

[aurajean515]

I don't remember the name of the antibiotic, but unfortunately the treatment was not working. My vet is sure that he broke something and that it healed incorrectly, which is why his hock will not bend. We've decided the best thing for him is to put him down. Luckily I was able to hatch many chicks from him so I can carry on his amazing genes

 

[Eggcessive]

So sorry that he is not getting better, and that you are going to put him down. It is never easy to do what is best for the chicken, and to end any suffering. Thanks for the update.