What should I do with this Goose foot?

Re: What should I do with this Goose foot?

Gillian Mostyn — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:52:39 GMT

It sounds like you are doing all you can, but I find a good starting point in cases like this is to think 'what would I do if it were a dog/cat?' It often puts things in perspective, especially when giving options to owners. Owners often, and sometimes understandably, don't want to spend a lot on 'exotics' but in these cases sometimes the only options are either 'proper care' or euthanasia. Most vets would be unhappy to allow an owner with a chronically 10/10 lame dog with a hot, swollen joint to avoid taking an xray simply on the basis of cost.

It is always difficult to sort out these types of cases though - good luck!

Re: What should I do with this Goose foot?

Charlotte Marshall — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:46:36 GMT

Thanks folks. The goose is more comfortable with the nsaid and has been put on a nice thick straw bed. O' has declined Xray for now and just seeing if continues to improve! I should be getting another report Monday.

Re: What should I do with this Goose foot?

Lindsay Sissons — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:48:17 GMT

I agree with the septic arhritis - x ray will confirm. The heavy duck that I saw recently with septic arthritis responded nicely to clindamycin - the dose is huge and the cost is too, but the joint fused and at least he got some use back.

Re: What should I do with this Goose foot?

CatherineThomas — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:41:27 GMT

I treated one like this a few years ago, we didn't x-ray it but we used synulox and metacam for quite a while. The owner also applied thick padded bandages to the foot every day and was keeping her on a deep straw bed. It did clear up eventually, but I think it had at least a month of antibiotics. I remember the dose of synulox seeming really high but can't remember what I used as it was at my previous practice.

Re: What should I do with this Goose foot?

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:37:56 GMT

Sadly I agree with Mark it is likely there is septic arthritis and on X-ray you may find there is dramatic destruction of the joint, if that is the case I would euthanase now. If the bird goes sound with antibiotics and the joint doesn't look too bad on X-ray, you would be well advised to keep it on them for 6 weeks or more but euthanasia may still be the final outcome.

Re: What should I do with this Goose foot?

Mark Rowland — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:02:52 GMT

Hi Charlotte,

The marbocyl dose is correct, Radiography would be a good next step.

It is likley this goose has septic arthritis and the prognosis is poor. Some joint flushes may help but if there are radiographic changes indicative of sepsis, euthanasia may be indicated

Sorry

Mark