Injured/Disabled Pekin?

[Rooster_Booster]

Hey all,

Looking for some advice. Have a male Pekin here, roughly 8 to 9 months old. Noticed around the first week of May that he was having problems getting out of the pond, even nose-diving out a few times. At the same time noticing one of his legs becoming slightly crossed towards the other. Around May 11th we ended up bringing him inside because he wasn't able to get around at all.

Tried adding extra vitamins to his food and water, no improvement. Finally found a vet that would see Duck's, did x-rays, no fractures found on x-rays, though the vet did note what felt like crepitus and such in the hip joint of the affected leg.

I will say I did notice in the week or two leading up to bringing him in, when I'd go out to feed everyone he was always off to himself, wouldn't come running like everyone else. He was also missing some fluff off the back of his neck and feathers slowly got worse (they're doing better now).

The other Ducks have been eating the same food, and all are healthy and acting normally with no problems.

Based on the images, video, x-rays, and physical exam, does this look like I'm dealing with an injury, vitamin deficiency, or an injury that led to a vitamin deficiency?

His current weight about 6.5 pounds. He is currently taking Meloxicam and Poultry Cell orally.

I have contemplated High Potency Vitamin B either IM or subQ, but Duck anatomy is way different than human anatomy (work in the medical field so used to giving shots), but I can't find a good resources guide on either route such as needle gauge, angle, depth of insertion.

Any help would be appreciated. He has been a real fighter and I'd love to be able to do the same for him.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/j6d3...5724.mp4?rlkey=f6jw8y5ta7y5ng80b9mytjcxh&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wwm1...ming.mp4?rlkey=sjaaon97j2knuem34vusv0lhq&dl=0

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've in the past had some troubles with fast growing male muscovy ducks having leg problems. Are you using a ration formulated for waterfowl? I saw more problems feeding regular chick feed to ducklings. I think it looks to me like a growth deficiency like perosis or rickets.

 

[Rooster_Booster]

I've in the past had some troubles with fast growing male muscovy ducks having leg problems. Are you using a ration formulated for waterfowl? I saw more problems feeding regular chick feed to ducklings. I think it looks to me like a growth deficiency like perosis or rickets.

Sorry for the late reply.

They started out on the Purina Duck brand before moving to Purina, or Dumor (Whichever was in stock) All Flock when they got older and I integrated them with the rest.

I've considered a genetic issue as all of the other Ducks have been eating the same food, even his siblings, and they're doing well.

I've begun supplementing his food with Nutritional Yeast and pouring some of the High Potency Vitamin B Complex over it. I also supplement his water with include Niacin and L-Methionine as well as 1 cc Rooster Booster once to twice a day. I haven't noticed any leg improvement, but his bite has went from a weak "Grab" to a noticeable increase in power over the past week.

He also tries to walk more, but that leg just won't straighten out so he's trying to use his wings to balance.

Overall since increasing supplementation he appears more energetic and tries to move more often. It's just that one leg. I'm not sure if splinting or anything else of that nature would help?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I had one years ago who went through a phase where he couldn't walk for a few months, and eventually he could again. The more recent ones we just put in the freezer because I did let one go and he just continued to drag himself around. I'd give it a bit and see, but have culling in mind unless you are willing to care for a disabled duck.