6-wk old runners crashing :: update: necropsy results p. 3

[Inverso]

Long time lurker, first time poster, etc.... hope there's someone who might be able to help.

I have two young runners (fawn/white and penciled, from Holderread's) that were thriving and are suddenly very bad off w/suppressed appetite, mostly white diarrhea, and having difficulty standing. One became this way on Friday, the other is starting to show the same symptoms today. Doesn't seem to be respiratory. I felt like I had to try *something*, so I got some Corid, vitamins/electrolites, and some Duramycin from the local feed store to help Duck 1. She has held on since starting treatment on Friday evening. She's eating scrambled egg from my hands and drinking water when offered, but still sitting all the time and doesn't eat much on her own. Duck 2 is just starting to act tired and weak w/diarrhea.

So... any general advice? I have access to a diagnostic lab with reasonable rates - are there any specific tests people think might help me find an effective treatment? I know the forum likes pics, so here's one from happier days (just last week

):

 

[brenna]

I'm so sorry your runners are sick

I don't have any specific advice, but I know that people who do will probably want to know what kind of diet they're on, whether they have access to outside/grassy areas, etc.

I hope someone here can help you.

Good luck.

 

[Inverso]

Good point, brenna. They're on Flock Raiser with rolled oats mixed in (maybe up to 20% oatmeal) plus a few greens. The photo was from one of their few supervised excursions out back. They are otherwise still living in a big ol' plastic tub with a coated wire hardware cloth floor over horse stall pellets to keep everything dry. They've been separated since Friday by a plastic barrier that lets them see each other but not share food/water that has different meds in them.

I have 3 chickens and a mini appleyard hen that free range a few times a week in the same yard, so I hope this isn't going to put them in danger too.

 

[L0rraine]

I really have no idea. My three week old Runners just went through a bought of shakiness and toppling over, but they didn't seem to lose their appetite. I was worried they weren't getting enough fresh air and exercise (and another user also suggested greens). I threw together a pen that they would be safe in outside and luckily the weather cooperated. Don't know if it was the fresh air or not, but they did improve significantly. There also had been some strange mold in another outdoor pen I had previously used for exercise and so I stopped putting them in that.

Sounds like you are trying most everything diet and meds wise. Hope they start to improve, but keep us posted.

 

[chickboss]

I would have a fecal test done at least. I don't know about specific tests, but you could find out what bird diseases are prevelent in your area and have them tested for those first. You can contact you local extension office to find out.

If you think it at all possible, I would hold off on atibotics until you have some results. Also, coccidiosis is rarely a problem with ducks, and your conditions sound sanitary enough, I would not be using Corrid with out a diagnostic confirming that it is coccidiosis.

I wish I could be more help. It is hard when critters get sick and you have no idea what is going on. I am in Western Oregon to, BTW,

welcome to BYC, and I hope your duckies get better soon.

 

[goosedragon]

Were they on medicated feed? the timing and symptions sould like they picked up cocci (coccidiosis) from your other ducks that have built up immunity(so you don't have to worry about them) the Corid should give them a fighting chance. Corid does not kill the cocci but it stops them from reproducing and overwelming the ducks immune system. the fact that the diarrhea is white and not bloody is a good sigh. If you got any other ducklings (or get them in the future) they should get the Corid treatment or medicated feed. If these ducklings survive they will be immune to the cocci that you have on your farm. This type of thing is why I always use medicated feed for waterfowl. PS lab tests of poop samples can confirm that this is your problem if you want to spend the money to have them done. the Corid should not interfer with the test results. I see someone has posted different opinion on coccidiosis in waterfowl while I was typing. If you wait for the lab tests before treating don't bother treating by that time either your ducklings will be beyond help or well on their way to having cured themselves (many do) that is the basis of the belief that coccidiosis is not a problem in waterfowl. It either kills them as ducklings or they beat it and are then immune. Good Luck I think you will beat it.

 

[callducklover20]

other BYCers gave me these great sites to check-http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/contents.htm, http://www.acornhollowbantams.com/waterfowl_basics.cfm?id=46, http://www.duckhealth.com/duckhlth.html, http://www.xtremegamebirds.com/Dosage Chart.html-hope these may help. Mine are all happy and healthy now, so happy

 

[Inverso]

Thanks for all the advice and links.

They're hanging in still. Duck 1 (I need to find names if they make it through this) had some normal-ish droppings and is eating a little better today. Duck 2 seems less affected and has kept eating well. I don't know if it was the amprolium, antibiotic, or none of the above, but I'm feeling a little hopeful at least. If things look iffy later today, I'll take in a fecal sample to the lab.

 

[L0rraine]

Thanks for the update - we were getting worried.

 

[ParadisePoultry]

If they are not on feed specifically for ducks, they may be suffering from niacin deficiency. Mine were in with the chicks and perked right up when given niacin tabs in the drinking water.