Swollen Toe

[Banana1107]

Hello,
I hatched two ducklings over the summer. They seem to be a mix with Mallard. I noticed on one of them that she recently showed signs of a swollen spot on her toe. I checked for cuts and bumblefoot to no avail. She doesn’t have a sore. She isn’t limping, but the swelling seems to be staying at the size in the picture below. She’s eating, drinking, and mobile. She is quite clumsy so I’m thinking it is a fracture, but I am just not sure . She’s so skiddish and when I tried lifting her to check under her foot, she flipped out and seemed to be hurting more.
I felt underneath and didn’t feel any hard spots or sores. Here’s a picture.

Any advice is helpful.

 

[Alaskan]

If she is alert, active, eating and drinking well... and you see no outward signs of bumble... I would leave it be.

If it is a fracture, which is possible, the toe is straight, and though swollen it isn't horrid swollen.

So, best to leave it be.

I would keep a close eye on her, make sure she is eating a good feed (something made for ducks), and add some treats super high in nutrition.

Nutritional yeast would be good, maybe some kelp meal...

You might find some good treats in a pet store in the tiny dog section.

 

[Banana1107]

Thank you so much for your response! I’m going to keep monitoring it and make sure I add in some extra nutritional treats.

I was really worried about bumblefoot, but I felt the spot underneath and there aren’t any hard kernels. No signs of a cut or any open wound..::it’s just so weird.