Injured Duck *urgent*

[zoel_222]

Something got my duck! Probably a coyote or the neighbor's dog. He got bit on the back and has a huge cut. It's mostly a minor wound except in one place there's a deep gash. I cleaned it out and put antibacterial cream on it. It's not bleeding anymore but I don't know what to do. :( Help!

[lovesfortune]

Ah! Sorry I can't help. But I hope that he heals up soon! Sounds like you did good.

[WashingtonBay]

Well, I think the big unknown is whether there are internal injuries. If he seems OK and you don't want to break the bank on him, you could take a wait and see approach, otherwise, off the the vet with him!

[zoel_222]

Do vets treat ducks?

[WashingtonBay]

Well, you'd have to call around.... some vets have rather eclectic practices with all the various pets people keep!

A wound is a wound is a wound to some extent. I mean, it's not like it's a rare duck disease that would need special knowledge of ducks. They might be able to help clean it and provide some antibiotics, if needed and assess if there is more injury than appears obvious.

[oursarge]

Poor little thing. I love ducks. I'm sure a big vet clinic like Cornel would treat him but you are probably far from there [They have Avian vets there and where we'd have to take our birds if they get sick, they are almost 3 hrs from us] I know our farrier had a chicken that was attacked by something. They put Cut Heal on it thinking that it couldn't hurt, they never expected her to make it but the Cut Heal fixed her right up. Good luck with your little guy, hope he'll be fine.

[TacheteTreasures]

These links might be of help to you if you are looking for a vet
http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/StateVets.htm
http://www.dec.state.ak.us/EH/vet/vetlist.htm

[starkitten]

I would think most vets would be fairly knowledgeable in birds - but I dunno for sure. At least a general knowledge anyway. It wouldn't hurt to call and ask. I get advice over the phone all the time from my small animal vet.

[zoel_222]

Well Duck Duck is home from the vet's office. $246 and twenty cents later things are looking up. (it was $70 for the exam and they said on the phone it shouldn't be more than $140:rolleyes:) He had stitches, and he needs to have his wounds cleaned with special antiseptic 3x daily, oral pain meds once a day and antibiotics 3x a day. He's eating and drinking okay and can walk and everything but right now he's a little wonky from the pain meds.

[WashingtonBay]

Aw geez! That's one lucky duck! Can you take some pictures of him!? :)

[TacheteTreasures]

246 for a duck?!
Heck, I love my chickens, but thats alot

[zoel_222]

Here's some pictures of him. He'll be chillin in mah room until he's ready to go back outside. Gotta warn you that the one of his wound is pretty gnarly.

[WashingtonBay]

Oh dear! Poor duck! I hope he heals up nicely from here on out!

[zoel_222]

Thanks WB :)

[half_passing_haffie]

Poor Duck Duck!! Don't spew water all over Zoe's room anymore ok? :p

[Equine_Woman]

Wow!!! Now that's a wound!! What a great Duck Mom you are!!! Glad Duck Duck is doing well!!! Sounds like he might need a duck coup or something to keep him safe!! It's very disturbing to have your animals preyed on.

[SedonaThunder]

Pooooor Duckie! You are wonderful for getting her all fixed up!

[lovnforkfull]

OWwwwch! Little sweetie's lucky what ever it was didn't get a better hold! Glad you got in to the vet; have been there with Nellie too and can empathize on the "bill". (pun intended) Be diligent about the aftercare and meds and Ducky should be alright. you'll be in my thoughts.

[zoel_222]

Thanks :) After he came out of his meds he got reaaallly thirsty and drank about 5 containers of water. Now he's all hydrated and zonked out again. He gets up every once in a while to get comfortable again. gahh my whole room smells like duck! :puke:

[JackieB]

Bless your heart, Zoe. That's a wonderful thing you did, and I'm sure Duck Duck is very grateful. Keep us posted on his recovery.

[lovnforkfull]

Was thinking about your little quacker; how's he doin'?

[zoel_222]

He's doin great. Most of the feathers have grown back. The deep cut that went into his muscle still isn't healed. The vet says he can go out supervised for a little bit when it's dry out. When it gets a nice scab over it I'll return him to his flock. I moved him to the garage because he is way too smelly for my room. I'm cleaning his wounds twice a day and he still has a couple days left of antibiotics.

[oursarge]

He's very cute, glad he's getting better. You're a good ducky mother. I hope he'll be safe when he goes outside again.