What Now? Limping Chick. Please Help >_<

[Eggcessive]

Thanks for the update and glad you have a plan.

 

[AmyJane725]

Thanks for the update and glad you have a plan.

Yep. I'll keep this updated if there are any major developments one way or another.

 

[AmyJane725]

Update: Well, I've got some hopeful news and some bad news.

On the positive side, Limpy seems to be slowly improving with the hobble. I've changed it a couple of times since the vet put it on and while her walking is definitely not normal, her leg doesn't splay out nearly as much as it did before. I'm hoping time and continued physical therapy will help.

Now for the bad news. One of the other BLRW chicks, whom I have dubbed Limpy Jr., is now starting to act like Limpy did back before her condition got really severe. It's the right leg again, and I feel like there's actually a pocket of fluid on the joint. It squishes around if I palpate it. I feel like she's in pain. Doesn't want to use the leg and seems tired and winces when attempting to use it. I don't want it to get as bad as Limpy, so I'm trying to be proactive here.

What should I do at this point? I want to drain the fluid but I feel like that would be a bad idea to introduce bacteria into the area. I'm thinking of just doing a compression bandage/hobble with vet wrap and hope she doesn't deteriorate.

Also, since I've now got two chicks with joint inflammation I'm wondering if there's any kind of NSAID that is safe for chicks? Or even any naturally occurring substance that could help? I took the jar of turmeric out of my spice cupboard because I read that it has good anti-inflammatory properties. I've read that humans with joints that are inflamed should ice them and elevate them. Does this also apply to chicks? I don't want them to get too cold/hurt the skin. I could wrap an ice pack in a washcloth and hold it on the knees for a while. Would that do anything? I don't think elevating is really an option since I'd have to hold them upside down for extended periods of time. I'm really desperate for treatment options here.

Any help is much appreciated. @Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock @casportpony @DobieLover @azygous @Texas Kiki

 

[Eggcessive]

I have no experience with leg issues like you are seeing. But as an RN, I know that introducing needles into joints to withdraw fluid should be left to a vet because bone infection or osteomyelitis is a very serious possibility. If you do attempt it, be sure to use betadine and sterile technique with a sterile needle. The fluid may not be causing the problem, and I would be inclined to leave it. If the joints are blistering from pressure on the joints, padding might be helpful.

 

[AmyJane725]

I have no experience with leg issues like you are seeing. But as an RN, I know that introducing needles into joints to withdraw fluid should be left to a vet because bone infection or osteomyelitis is a very serious possibility. If you do attempt it, be sure to use betadine and sterile technique with a sterile needle. The fluid may not be causing the problem, and I would be inclined to leave it. If the joints are blistering from pressure on the joints, padding might be helpful.

I don't think the fluid is causing the problem. I think it's a symptom of the issue for sure. And I have no intention of trying to drain it. I was just mentioning that it was my gut reaction. I'm going to do a compression bandage and a hobble if nobody thinks there's a better option.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

One of the other BLRW chicks, whom I have dubbed Limpy Jr., is now starting to act like Limpy did back before her condition got really severe. It's the right leg again, and I feel like there's actually a pocket of fluid on the joint. It squishes around if I palpate it.

Doesn't want to use the leg and seems tired and winces when attempting to use it. I don't want it to get as bad as Limpy, so I'm trying to be proactive here.

What should I do at this point? I want to drain the fluid but I feel like that would be a bad idea to introduce bacteria into the area. I'm thinking of just doing a compression bandage/hobble with vet wrap and hope she doesn't deteriorate.

Also, since I've now got two chicks with joint inflammation I'm wondering if there's any kind of NSAID that is safe for chicks?

I'm sorry that you have another one showing similar symptoms.
Do you have photos of the joint where we can see what that looks like?

Fluid in the joint makes me think Mycoplasma Synovaie, but it could be infection from something else.
Was there fluid in the other chick's joint too? Since you already have vet care, you may want to call and ask how to proceed. A lot depends on the cause, if it's infection and not MS, then you may be able to drain it, but I agree, it could be risky and you have a good chance of introducing bacteria.

As for pain relief, ask your vet about their thoughts of giving you something Meloxicam.

 

[AmyJane725]

I can get a picture. Just a minute.

If it is mycoplasma synoviae she would have had to have gotten it via transovarian transmission I'm assuming? Limpy and Limpy Jr. both still live in my bedroom and have never been outside/in contact with other birds (and none of my older chooks have any issues anyway). I definitely think their poor momma was malnourished (or sick) when she laid them, because these chicks in particular have had a horrendous mortality rate, and two of the survivors now have issues that could be attributed to malnourished/ill mothers. I'm just surprised these things didn't show up earlier. Limpy Jr. is almost a month old now.

No, Limpy doesn't appear to have any fluid. Just inflammation/swelling (it's bigger/more pigmented than her left knee, but all hard. No squishyness).

I asked her about some Meloxicam when I took Limpy in but she was concerned it would do more harm than good since she's so little still. Bad for either the liver or kidneys. I can't remember.

I do plan to email my vet as well. She'll write me back tomorrow.

 

[Eggcessive]

Meloxicam is used quite a bit by vets in chickens, but when I was checking into it for my cat, it was not safe to use. Even in my limping dog, the dosage was only given a short time. So with a little chick, it might be good to avoid it. Aspirin might be a better choice for an anti-inflammatory. I don’t think that I would use compression on the legs since that might interrupt circulation. Vet wrap has been known to slip. Just check circulation often.

 

[AmyJane725]

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Both joints are swollen?

I would ask your vet if she can do some testing for you to find out what that is.