Lame duck

[Cheviot]

Hi,
I have a Cayuga duck, she was hatched last year, so will be approx 1 year old.
About 2 weeks ago she laid her 1st egg, followed by another egg the next day, the day after that she couldn't walk and could only get about by using her wings, I caught her up and couldn't find anything obvious causing the problem, so I moved her and the drake ( I only have a pair of Cayugas ) into a small enclosure and wormed them with flubevet, after three days she appeared to be recovering, the next day she laid an egg and from then on she has been reluctant to use one leg, I left her a few days to see if it would improve after being wormed, but it hasn't, I did take the drake out, but the duck didn't settle and kept hobbling around the edge of the pen trying to get out, so I put the drake back, he dosen't seem to be treading her, and she is happier he is back in.
I caught her up today she has a slightly warm hock joint, but no swelling and she has lost a lot of muscle from that leg, I feel I should give her an antibiotic injection, but I only have the stuff we use for the sheep, which is penicillin, would this be OK, if it is, where do I inject it, as it has to be injected into the muscle.
Regards
Sue

 

[foxy]

Hi I imagine will need an antibiotic designed to tackle soft tissue infections and to cover the most common type of bacteria that would infect her joint.
It might be best to seek a vets advice as leg infections in ducks are usually quite persistant. She may need an anti-inflammatory injection as well to help with the discomfort. Typically prescribed by vets is Baytril inj.
In the meantime could be bring her in somewhere with a soft floor? Like a stable or shed?
Good luck with her!

 

[Cheviot]

Hi Foxy,
Thanks for the reply, I have given her a shot of antibiotic, and put them both indoors, I have to inject her for the next two days, so will see how she is after that.
Thanks
Sue