Duck with broken leg (xray photos)

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kellydet

kellydet

In the Brooder
Jun 7, 2016
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I was given a duckling that at the time was around 5 weeks old with a broken leg. I have no idea how it happened. At the time she couldn't walk at all, but after a week of hobbling around with other ducklings, she got pretty quick! I had my vet look at it who told me there's nothing I can do for it because it's in the joint.
She is now about 13 weeks old and lives with another duck about the same age. Just 2 days ago she suddenly couldn't walk at all and was using her beak to push herself up. I did some research and started her on oxytetracycline antibiotics. I bring her out to swim twice a day and then she goes back in her hutch.
Is there a sling I can put on this type of injury? Is this even something you all think she can live with? I want to help, not harm my girl. I just read about epsom salt compresses. This is an old injury, which is working against me. Also, hock injuries seem quite difficult.
I tried to upload a photo of the bad leg. Let me know if it doesn't work.
 
Welcome to BYC!

Did the vet specialize in birds? I'm quite surprised she didn't give you any options at all.

I believe a sling would be possible to make. Is she able to move well while in water?
 
She can swim, but not quite as well. I think just getting that pressure off her leg makes her feel much better.
The vet does not specialize in birds unfortunately.
I'm not sure how to go about making a sling for that part of the leg. I imagine I'll have to tie it up to her body? If that's the case, she'll just be completely immobile for weeks! I was hoping someone else on here had dealt with that kind of break.
 
I guess nobody knows. I am getting her xrayed on Monday. I'll take it from there.
 
Got 2 xrays

The joint of the hock is dislocated, and there is a break below it.

This site was pretty useless. I was hoping someone would help.

Nothing I can do about this injury.
 
I
kellydet said:
Got 2 xrays

The joint of the hock is dislocated, and there is a break below it.

This site was pretty useless. I was hoping someone would help.

Nothing I can do about this injury.
Click to expand...


I just saw this. Sorry BYC wasn't more help. My duckling had a broken leg a few months ago, the vet splinted it, resplinted it a week later and then the splint came off and he we kept him very immobile. When he did walk, it was on a padded floor mat. We carried this duckling everywhere for three weeks - very spoiled. But now 3 months later he's walking, running, swimming, flying and obnoxiously friendly. It's a shame they couldn't splint it for you because of location, but I'd say keep him mostly immobile, small box. We didn't even let ours swim, we had him propped using a blanket. And then after a week of rest he might slowly start healing it himself, but he might have a limp if it doesn't set right. Ducks heal broken bones fast, though.

Here is our guy back in March with his splint.

400
 
Speak2Erin said:
I
I just saw this. Sorry BYC wasn't more help. My duckling had a broken leg a few months ago, the vet splinted it, resplinted it a week later and then the splint came off and he we kept him very immobile. When he did walk, it was on a padded floor mat. We carried this duckling everywhere for three weeks - very spoiled. But now 3 months later he's walking, running, swimming, flying and obnoxiously friendly. It's a shame they couldn't splint it for you because of location, but I'd say keep him mostly immobile, small box. We didn't even let ours swim, we had him propped using a blanket. And then after a week of rest he might slowly start healing it himself, but he might have a limp if it doesn't set right. Ducks heal broken bones fast, though.

Here is our guy back in March with his splint.

400
Click to expand...


Thank you so much for answering! I am trying to post photos of the xrays but it doesn't seem to work? This is an old injury. I'm not sure what the future will bring for her. She is happy and eating pooping living with a friend for now.
 
kellydet said:
Thank you so much for answering! I am trying to post photos of the xrays but it doesn't seem to work? This is an old injury. I'm not sure what the future will bring for her. She is happy and eating pooping living with a friend for now.
Click to expand...
I hope you stay and figure out how to post pictures! My first day I had trouble too. I use the mobile page though and figured it out.

We ended up getting ours a buddy too - which is why we now have Pekins. He's a Muscovy. All I can think is that the leg will heal, especially with your protection. The difference between letting it heal itself vs. a vet splinting it would be that there would be less of a chance of limping if the vet could do it. Here is a X-ray of our guys leg and we could get a splint on it.
400
 

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