Suspected Ascites in duck - necropsy

designbyaleks

Chirping
Jun 2, 2019
48
61
86
Hello,

I’m wondering if I might gain some insight from those who are more familiar, as to the potential reason for the sudden death of my duck. Initial and immediate concern was for the increase in cases of Avian Flu in our region, however there is no evidence of symptoms in the remainder of the flock and my attempt at necropsy seems to align with Ascites.

Notably:
- swollen body, filled with fluid upon opening (colour of fluid unconfirmed due to poor/rushed conditions)
- swollen, liquid filled heart, appears to have exploded
- spotty, abnormal liver
- duck is of laying age, appears not to have begun laying (no developed eggs), with many dark spots and sand-like granules found in egg sac
- black/dark splotches discovered around various organs
- minimal food, empty crop, near empty gizzard and intestines despite free ranging and access to feed.

If anyone could help confirm or provide observations I would be most grateful - I’d like to learn more! Apologies for my substandard necropsy and photos - this was not completed under ideal conditions but I wanted to document none-the-less.
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@Miss Lydia and @Isaac 0 are very helpful with ducks. I know about chickens, but little about ducks. Fatty liver disease sort of comes to mind. It can cause ascites, bleeding with clots, and there is usually a lot of fat around organs. I’m sorry for your loss, and hope that you can find out what might have killed your duck. Most state vets will perform necropsies on dead fowl. There also is a duck forum under the heading forums above.
 
@Miss Lydia and @Isaac 0 are very helpful with ducks. I know about chickens, but little about ducks. Fatty liver disease sort of comes to mind. It can cause ascites, bleeding with clots, and there is usually a lot of fat around organs. I’m sorry for your loss, and hope that you can find out what might have killed your duck. Most state vets will perform necropsies on dead fowl. There also is a duck forum under the heading forums above.
Thank you! Our vets here (Canada) are so overworked, it’s hard to get seen for anything but emergencies. I’m confident it’s not Avian Flu but would just be nice to know especially if it’s preventable in the future.
 

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