Update on Sashimi ~ I can't catch a break!

[lovesgliders]

Hi all,

I wanted to thank you for the advice on my little goslings that would not eat. You all may remember that Wasabi died, but Sashimi is eating (and pooping) really well!

However, now we have a new problem: he walks like a pirate (meaning kind of with a limp, kind of swinging one leg out to the side like it's a stiff peg leg). He is also very, very clumsy... moreso than I think an almost-two-week old gosling should be.

We have him on towels--always have--but there have been a few times that we have set him on the linoleum and he has gone bum over teakettle, with legs flailing. I am wondering if one of these escapades caused him to pull a tendon?

Or does this sound more like perhaps a niacin deficiency?

Any insight is much appreciated. He is keeping his legs under him well so I do not believe this is spraddle leg.

Should I give him lots of exercise (on a good surface, like grass outside)? Or none? Is there anything I or my vet can do for him?

TIA!!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

can you take a video of him to show how he is moving?

you poor thing, its one thing after another. Is he still eating well?

 

[lovesgliders]

He is eating like CRAZY, he has visibly grown, he really just seems to be thriving! This leg/limping issue only just started yesterday afternoon ~ before then, I was feeling really great about his longterm prognosis.

I can definitely get a video for you today!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

So good to hear he is doing great otherwise Will check back for that video

 

[Miss Lydia]

Are you giving him niacin? oh and great news about his progress, so happy for you!!

 

[lovesgliders]

I am, but I swear the poor little thing just had one of those niacin flushes! He was panting like crazy! (My husband gets them occasionally and he says they are just terrible, but only last for about 10-20 minutes.) Shimi seems to be fine now.

It was "slow-release, no flush" niacin, too. Maybe it was just a coincidence. I have seen adult birds pant (especially if I bring them into the house during periods of convalescence) but never a baby like this.

Here is the video. It is about a minute long and I think toward the end is where it is more easily seen what I mean when I say he hobbles/limps. As you can see, he gets around just fine... I just want to fix this if I can (or at least not make it worse). By this age (about 2 weeks), last year's gosling had mastered our linoleum flooring, but I don't dare to set Shimi on it any more because he just tumbles all over the place.

I sound like an idiot talking to him. It's my baby voice that I use with all my animals.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am, but I swear the poor little thing just had one of those niacin flushes! He was panting like crazy! (My husband gets them occasionally and he says they are just terrible, but only last for about 10-20 minutes.) Shimi seems to be fine now.

It was "slow-release, no flush" niacin, too. Maybe it was just a coincidence. I have seen adult birds pant (especially if I bring them into the house during periods of convalescence) but never a baby like this.

Here is the video. It is about a minute long and I think toward the end is where it is more easily seen what I mean when I say he hobbles/limps. As you can see, he gets around just fine... I just want to fix this if I can (or at least not make it worse). By this age (about 2 weeks), last year's gosling had mastered our linoleum flooring, but I don't dare to set Shimi on it any more because he just tumbles all over the place.

I sound like an idiot talking to him. It's my baby voice that I use with all my animals.

I've never used Niacin I used Brewers yeast, but most everyone suggests using the plain niacin not time released or flush free, he does seem to be favoring that one leg but looked to be getting around pretty good, are you giving him water therapy? I know Celtic will be able to help you more but thought I'd just throw out a few suggestions. Water therapy would be good for building strength up and also the warm water would help to relax the muscle in case he pulled something when on the Linolium. He really does look great. Are you still looking for another gosling?

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

great video. I see the slight limp, but both legs seem under him and moving true (front to back) it looks like he is limping from stiffness/soreness. I would bet if he tumbled on the slick flooring he is now sore and thats causing the limp. Good traction is a must the first few weeks to ensure they get off to a good start. Avoid the hard surface fllors like you are doing, carpet, grass and towels are good. You can get a LARGE rubber pad made for under area rugs from homedepot if you want to give him traction in the kitchen. They look like rubber shelf line, just jumbo sized package.

I didnt see a throwing of the leg to the side, it did appear to have good motion so would do lots of warm bath swims. This keeps weight off but allows working of the leg to keep it strong.

 

[lovesgliders]

Quote: I am slowly trying to introduce him to the water, he seems pretty terrified of it. He had a short bath this morning. He really does well in there so I am not sure why he is so scared.

I am still looking for a gosling! Do you have any leads for me? I have learned that my state (Maine) prohibits the selling of less than six birds if they are under 12 weeks of age. It is proving hard to find one gosling or one duckling. I was so excited about the swap meet next Sunday before someone told me about that stupid law.

I realize places will ship two but I hate to place another shipment after the nightmare I have had with these ones ~ I would rather find a healthy bird and see it myself before buying it. I'd also ideally like to get someone his size and age.

 

[lovesgliders]

great video. I see the slight limp, but both legs seem under him and moving true (front to back) it looks like he is limping from stiffness/soreness. I would bet if he tumbled on the slick flooring he is now sore and thats causing the limp. Good traction is a must the first few weeks to ensure they get off to a good start. Avoid the hard surface fllors like you are doing, carpet, grass and towels are good. You can get a LARGE rubber pad made for under area rugs from homedepot if you want to give him traction in the kitchen. They look like rubber shelf line, just jumbo sized package.

I didnt see a throwing of the leg to the side, it did appear to have good motion so would do lots of warm bath swims. This keeps weight off but allows working of the leg to keep it strong.

Thank you sooooo much, Celtic!