A duck that can't float?

[MightyDucksVT]

Has anyone heard of a duck that can't float? For instance a duck sits on the water but then rolls to its back....he can't stay upright. Is that ever caused by a disease, or something else?

 

[jenniemig]

Has anyone heard of a duck that can't float?  For instance a duck sits on the water but then rolls to its back....he can't stay upright. Is that ever caused by a disease, or something else?

how old is he?

 

[MightyDucksVT]

6 months...

 

[jenniemig]

6 months...

I'm no expert, I'm sure some of the seasoned duck owners will chime in soon. A few questions though...
Does he get around well on land?
Does he have any other balance issues?
Was this happening before, or was this his first time in the water?

 

[MightyDucksVT]

He is currently on major supportive care. I'm talking about 100cc of fluids injected via subq and tube feeding into his crop 2x a day. He has experienced paralysis in both of his legs on land, yet could still swim two days ago...I fear if he cannot float he cannot swim, and build strength in his legs. Therefore, his chance of recovery drops significantly...

 

[jenniemig]

He is currently on major supportive care. I'm talking about 100cc of fluids injected via subq and tube feeding into his crop 2x a day. He has experienced paralysis in both of his legs on land, yet could still swim two days ago...I fear if he cannot float he cannot swim, and build strength in his legs. Therefore, his chance of recovery drops significantly...

Awww, poor guy! What is causing all of this? Is he vitamin deficient?

Question...why inject fluids subq? Do you mean injecting meds?

 

[MightyDucksVT]

No, he is extremely thin and needs the fluids for support. He should actually be getting 157cc of fluids but I know he gets 50cc of water with every tube feeding. If the mouth works your suppose to use it but he just isn't eating or drinking enough it gain any weight.

 

[jenniemig]

Ok, I give myself subq shots which is just under the skin. Didn't know you could hydrate them that way. Sorry your duckling is so sick. Good luck with him.

 

[MightyDucksVT]

Unfortunately, the beautiful Cayuga drake that is in my picture is now deceased. Mr.Pickles started having seizures after I posted this...at least one an hour. And at 9:50 EST he had his last one which sent him into cardiac arrest.

He had been seen by a Vet and we tried our best but he didn't make it...RIP Mr.Pickles.

 

[Amiga]

Can you send his body for a necropsy to find out what happened?