Sudden onset lameness

[RPJ]

My 21mth old RIR cockerel has lost the use of his legs. On Tuesday he got into a scuffel with another, younger cockerel (and won) and seemed 100% afterwards. He was fine on Wednesday but yesterday (Thursday) he started to stumble a bit and sit down when he would normally be standing. By evening he could hardly walk and was the same this morning (Friday). Any ideas?

 

[RPJ]

... he has no other signs or symptoms. He is a good weight, eating and drinking well. I'm thinking stroke/neurological/Marek's? Help!

 

[chrismahon]

I'm thinking strained muscle or damaged ligament and resulting swelling causing pressure on the nervous system. He needs possibly anti-inflammatory or certainly just complete rest in my opinion RPJ. Problem is when they are fighting they release a huge amount of testosterone (?) which renders them numb to any pain during fighting, so they don't know they have damaged themselves. If you have ever smelled cockerel blood after a fight you will have noticed a very strong odour in it. They will keep going as long as they are physically able, regardless of damage.

 

[Chuck]

Being drained of energy can make them susceptible to other problems. Or it might be that he just needs time to recover.

 

[RPJ]

Very pleased to report that he has improved each day and is now standing and walking, allbeit with a bit of a wobble. At this rate he'll be 100% in a couple of days. Must have been trauma and/or inflammation. V happy!

 

[cuwiar]

Great news RPJ!