Vet says Gout & Bumble Foot. Second Opinions?

[NickiePA]

I have NO CLUE how to post a question. I've tried in the past and it wasn't quite right... Hope someone sees this.
To keep this an "easy read" I'll keep details to the point and short. *Deep breath in, and go!*
Pekin Duck, 1/yo. * Presented with Bumblefoot and swollen leg (yes folks. ALL the way up to her body) inability to walk. .*Saw vet for confirmed case of Bumblefoot, took SMZ-TMP and Meloxicam for 2 weeks. *Returned to vet today, Bumblefoot healing, leg still very swollen, still cannot walk. *Vet drew fluid sample, results came back NOT bacteria (that's it. nothing more to that info). *Vet says she believes it to be Gout, no treatment, when did I want to bring her in to be "put to sleep"? uhhh... You can't prove it is or isn't "Gout" and yet you're asking me if I'd like to bring her in today after work? hmmm. I think I'll seek a second opinion. Alas, NO other "duck docs" anywhere near me. She's it! Does anyone have any advise? Have you dealt with Gout or a seriously inflamed leg that after TOTAL rest (kept in a tote so she couldn't move much, vet suggested) AND anti-inflammatory still didn't improve? What are your thoughts? I'd like to add here, the vet told me that she cant say "for sure" it is in fact Gout. Maybe that's why I'm not in such a hurry to make rash decisions? She shows no other signs BTW.

 

[lazy gardener]

You could pay for blood work, and I think it would be a definitive diagnosis of gout. Personally, if I had a bird that was not getting better, after extensive treatment, I'd be culling her, and I'd do so at home, not pay a vet to do it. I can provide a more merciful culling in my own yard.

 

[NickiePA]

You could pay for blood work, and I think it would be a definitive diagnosis of gout. Personally, if I had a bird that was not getting better, after extensive treatment, I'd be culling her, and I'd do so at home, not pay a vet to do it. I can provide a more merciful culling in my own yard.

What would you consider to be "extensive treatment"? Have I gone to far already? She's currently a "house duck" and seems quite happy with it. By saying that, I mean, she's not acting in anyway "abnormal" with the exception that she has to "hop and flop" to move around when she can't see me.

 

[chickens really]

What are you feeding?..Is She a Pekin Duck?

 

[lazy gardener]

lazy gardener said: ↑
You could pay for blood work, and I think it would be a definitive diagnosis of gout. Personally, if I had a bird that was not getting better, after extensive treatment, I'd be culling her, and I'd do so at home, not pay a vet to do it. I can provide a more merciful culling in my own yard.

What would you consider to be "extensive treatment"? Have I gone to far already? She's currently a "house duck" and seems quite happy with it. By saying that, I mean, she's not acting in anyway "abnormal" with the exception that she has to "hop and flop" to move around when she can't see me.

I would call "extensive treatment" that which has a huge impact on the wallet. And if I had a bird that was not able to move other than hopping and flopping around, I'd be culling. If a bird can not engage in normal bird functions of daily life, they are most likely going to continue a downward progression. But, my birds are livestock. I enjoy them, give them good care, but if a bird is suffering, she is culled. My older birds also get culled, though those are often sold if they are laying well.

Bottom line is this: Your bird, your choice. We all have to make our own animal husbandry choices in this game. My primary rule: do what is best for the animal, and the rest of the flock. Don't prolong suffering.

 

[NickiePA]

What are you feeding?..Is She a Pekin Duck?

Yes, she is a Pekin. I feed Dumor layer feed.

 

[chickens really]

Yes, she is a Pekin. I feed Dumor layer feed.

I think that's the issue...Pekin are heavy Meat Birds. Try switching to a poultry finisher feed...Feed Romain Lettuce and peas every couple of days floating in water...Provide oyster shell in a separate bowl..

 

[NickiePA]

lazy gardener said: ↑
You could pay for blood work, and I think it would be a definitive diagnosis of gout. Personally, if I had a bird that was not getting better, after extensive treatment, I'd be culling her, and I'd do so at home, not pay a vet to do it. I can provide a more merciful culling in my own yard.



I would call "extensive treatment" that which has a huge impact on the wallet. And if I had a bird that was not able to move other than hopping and flopping around, I'd be culling. If a bird can not engage in normal bird functions of daily life, they are most likely going to continue a downward progression. But, my birds are livestock. I enjoy them, give them good care, but if a bird is suffering, she is culled. My older birds also get culled, though those are often sold if they are laying well.

Bottom line is this: Your bird, your choice. We all have to make our own animal husbandry choices in this game. My primary rule: do what is best for the animal, and the rest of the flock. Don't prolong suffering.

Thank you for your response. I do agree with your way of thinking when considering a suffering animal. I’m still concerned about the “what if’s”. I think I will give this one or two more weeks to see if this leg swelling goes down before I make a final decision. She is a “pet” and I don’t want her to suffer, and I also don’t want to make an uneducated decision. Thank you very much for your opinion! I’m very grateful!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Have you tried letting her soak in warm Epsom salt water [they shouldn't drink the water ES is also a laxative] but it can help with inflammation and swelling.

 

[perchie.girl]

If I remember my Bumble foot reading its more than just an infection.... There is a hardended corn for want of a better description at the center of the sore. I have seen some extensive home surgery done to remove that corn... Then the wound is cleaned and wrapped to protect it... The "Patient" is then kept in a cage with soft bedding... Dressing changed every day or so and inspected.

The swelling goes down after the corn is removed. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/bumblefoot.1209699/#post-19233648

I am not a duck person but @Ravynscroft in the thread above Is.

deb