Acupuncture Treatment for Lameness Unresponsive to Conventional Management in a Juvenile Indian Runner Duck: A Case Report

A 12-week-old female Indian Runner duck presented with acute, non-weight-bearing lameness of the left pelvic limb following suspected trauma. Conventional veterinary evaluation, including radiographs, revealed no significant abnormalities. Medical management with meloxicam, cage confinement, rest on an elevated soft bed, and monitored swimming sessions in a deep pool for 20–30 minutes daily, failed to produce improvement. Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) treatment, including aqua-acupuncture and electro-acupuncture, was initiated. Although the TCVM examination was limited due to the species, the pattern diagnosis was Local Qi and Blood Stagnation affecting the left leg combined with Kidney Qi and Spleen Qi Deficiencies. After three acupuncture sessions over 1 week, the duck showed significant improvement. No further treatment was provided and on recheck 2 weeks later, the duck had returned to normal ambulation and was able to walk freely with the other ducks in the field. This case highlights the potential role of acupuncture in managing suspected neurologic or soft tissue injuries in avian species, particularly when radiographic findings are unremarkable and conventional management has been unsuccessful.