Any advice for gasping for air in ducks!

[CayugaDuckMomOfTwo]

I agree, you're not a terrible mom - you obviously love and show great care with your ducks! Despite our best efforts there are so many things that can go wrong - I've had numerous mystery illnesses and plenty of troubles with my ducks, despite the fact that I'm devoting lots of time and energy towards them and try my best to give them a great life. They're just not that hardy, in my opinion, and stuff happens. I really hope your sweet girl turns a corner and pulls through, but don't blame yourself for what's going on!

I needed to hear that, thank you. I wish she did turn a corner too. What started out as an occasional cough, turned into what it is now. She's literally gasping, making audible squeak noises as she breaths, and going into coughing fits that practically make her fall over. Her back is hunched, and tail feathers are spread. She stands to catch her breath, but I can tell she's so tired and wants to rest her eyes and body. This is torture to watch. I've been next to her for over 24hrs straight, and there's no reprieve to her symptoms. I still can't believe this is really happening to my sweetheart. She truly is a special girl, and will always have a place in my heart.

 

[CoriM]

I'm truly sorry for you both. That sounds horrific. I wouldn't be able to endure my ducks suffering through that either! It sounds like you're making a well thought out decision in her best interest.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am so sorry it is not a decision you have made lightly and we can all see the love you have for your ducks. And we have all been where you are now with having to make such a hard decision. You are making this decision out of love to not let her suffer any longer.

 

[Quatie]

So sorry your girl is not getting any better. It is always a hard decision to put an animal down, but sometimes it is the humane thing to do so they don't suffer any more. Unfortunately that doesn't make it any easier.

I also agree you are not a bad duck mom. You clearly love your animals and did everything you could to help her. Sometimes things are just out of our hands and you do the best you can.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I am so sorry for your beautiful girl. You are an amazing duckie mama. You gave done everything humanly possible to help her, and I have no doubt that you made this decision with her best interests at heart. She is loved, and I'm 100% sure she knows it.

 

[CayugaDuckMomOfTwo]

Thank you everyone. It's with a broken heart to say she ended up passing away before my sister could make to my house to put her down. It was the saddest last moments as she passed away. It looked so painful when she went. I'm tearing myself and this whole situation apart. I wish I had put her down days ago so she didn't suffer all the way until the end. She looked like she wanted to fight by continuing to try to drink and eat, so I kept trying everything I could. But now I feel like a selfish monster for letting her struggle in pain for so long. I'm beyond lost right now, and I miss her so much and wish she had a long happy life as she deserved.

 

[Miss Lydia]

It's the hardest decision ever to have to make, wanting them to keep fighting and survive and knowing when to say it's time to end the suffering.
Try and allow comfort in the fact the short time you had her she brought so much joy to you and the special relationship you had with her. Now you need to focus on her sister who is going to need you since she doesn't have her sis.
Grieving is an important part of life so don't feel guilt.
Also please feel free to share special moments and pictures with us. We are here to support.

 

[CayugaDuckMomOfTwo]

It's the hardest decision ever to have to make, wanting them to keep fighting and survive and knowing when to say it's time to end the suffering.
Try and allow comfort in the fact the short time you had her she brought so much joy to you and the special relationship you had with her. Now you need to focus on her sister who is going to need you since she doesn't have her sis.
Grieving is an important part of life so don't feel guilt.
Also please feel free to share special moments and pictures with us. We are here to support.

Thank you Lydia, it's so hard to know when to stop fighting because I wanted to try everything to give her a chance. I always would've wondered if trying the last thing, the oxine, would've worked. She went out with such a fight, and my only peace in my heart now is that her suffering is over. It's just so hard not to think I should've ended it sooner now.
I would love to share stories when I'm able. I'm worried about Frankie now. She was lost this morning without her other half. My heart is in a million pieces.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I know it's very hard to even think about right now but getting Frankie a friend might be the best thing for her.
We just went through this with our dachshund of 12 yrs. He'd been sick for over a year and the meds helped but this week he was struggling so much we had to make that heartbreaking decision too, The only thing that brings peace is knowing they are not suffering any longer.

 

[CayugaDuckMomOfTwo]

I know it's very hard to even think about right now but getting Frankie a friend might be the best thing for her.
We just went through this with our dachshund of 12 yrs. He'd been sick for over a year and the meds helped but this week he was struggling so much we had to make that heartbreaking decision too, The only thing that brings peace is knowing they are not suffering any longer.

I'm so sorry to hear that about your pup. Life can be cruel, that's for sure. I wish I could've given her that gift, but she decided she was done fighting before my sister could get there to put her down.
I've thought about what to do with Frankie if this happened, and I'm lost on that too. I don't think she'll ever be the same. She's my independent from people girl, and loved Grace more than anything. I've considered both getting her a friend and hope they bond, or giving her to a farm/rescue so she has a better chance of finding a friend amongst many. It kills me to think about losing them both though. Ultimately I'm so lost right now.