Swollen hock

[all4truth31]

My rooster has had a limp for several weeks and I didn't feel anything that felt like a break and was advised to just keep a watch on it. It did seem to be getting better and then the last few days he started getting worse after letting him out to free range. I felt at his upper leg knee area at the joint is very swollen. When he runs, he hops so not sure if it's the hip. He does walk, eat and drink fine. I have seperated him to a small area that he can rest more and applied natural pain cream and gave a half aspirin diluted in his water. What else can I do or is it to late to be repaired because of me letting him walk on it for weeks I am so sad, he is my first nice rooster He has been holding his foot up a lot so I know it must hurt When he runs the leg doesn't bend and he hops. His foot goes inward also when he walks. I did have some antibiotics to give him just Incase it's an infection. I have wrapped leg with vet wrap not to tight, no splint. I'm just afraid that I didn't treat soon enough as it is going on 4 weeks because I was advised to do that from someone I trusted knew...

 

[azygous]

There are lots of possible causes of a swollen hock. If it's due to an injury, you should see light green bruising on that leg.

Other causes are more sinister. Avian viruses can cause this, namely tumors on joints. It's not possible to know for sure until a chicken dies and you get a necropsy.

For now, I suggest you keep giving him aspirin, one whole 81 grain chewable aspirin twice a day for inflammation and pain.

 

[Eggcessive]

I probably would not splint the leg since that can cause more swelling. But I would confine him to a large wire dog crate with food and water, to force him to rest his leg. Take it week by week, and re-evaluate his leg. Keep him with his flock to help him not feel alone, but if he seems to be upset and fights the crate, try something else.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you post some photos?

 

[all4truth31]

There are lots of possible causes of a swollen hock. If it's due to an injury, you should see light green bruising on that leg.

Other causes are more sinister. Avian viruses can cause this, namely tumors on joints. It's not possible to know for sure until a chicken dies and you get a necropsy.

For now, I suggest you keep giving him aspirin, one whole 81 grain chewable aspirin twice a day for inflammation and pain.

What about if I got an X-ray?

 

[azygous]

If your budget permits, that would be a splendid idea. I wouldn't try to discourage it.