Bumblefoot

[newbyduckmom]

Well, we are done. Thanks so much for the links folks. It was indeed a bit of a job, but she was so good. Hardly squirmed at all. She's a dog carrier in the house now and has been really quiet. Of course, she's in the house with dogs and strange environment that she has not seen since last April. I thought I had the 'cottage cheese' cleaned out at one point, but was still getting a pus discharge and found another plug type thing deeper. Husband was saying, don't go too deep. But then found another pocket of plug like stuff. It looks pretty clean now. I hope I got it all. I hope I got the neosporin in there far enough. Guess only time will tell....really appreciate the help. I can't even get shots at the doctor without passing out, so was concerned about doing this, but it went fine. Other than signs of obvious infection, is there anything else I should watch for. Other than the fact that she hasn't had food or water ....of course, so soon after I guess I wouldn't expect it.

Should I keep her in the house and kennel until it is entirely healed??? Probably best to keep her as quiet as possible and keep her off the foot.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

I'm so glad. That you did it and the duck is happy and is healthier. I'm sure it was hard to do but you did great.

 

[newbyduckmom]

Mildred post surgery! What a good duck!

 

[Amiga]

Oh, she melted my heart!

Mildred's gonna need as clean an environment as possible till that open wound heals up, and all the goodies you can get her to eat and drink, like apple cider vinegar in water, vitamins/electrolytes/probiotics, peas (if that's her treat of choice), and the usual good food you give her.

I'm not sure how long it will take for the foot to seal up well. Keep up with the neosporin for a few weeks, in any case, even after she's out of sick bay.

What are you using for bandages?

 

[newbyduckmom]

Gauze and vet wrap for bandages. I cut a small pad of gauze (several layers) just big enough to cover the area them wrapped it with the vet wrap. I will probably check it tomorrow, maybe the next day. Hate to disturb it too much. But want to keep it clean.

So I take it that means I should keep here in the dog kennel in the house for at least a week if not more?

She's eating her pellets and drinking tonight. And she's chattering at me when I talk to her. I am a little relieved as she had been so quiet today. I should have gotten some peas when I got the stuff to do the surgery. I forgot. Will have to get some tomorrow. She did eat a little lettuce with her pellets. She's pooped at me the last three times I went to check on her

I hope she's okay. I knew I needed to do something with her, but I am really going to feel bad if something happens now. Of course, based on what I found, either I did something or she would haven't been around long anyway.

Never thought I would get so attached to these silly ducks!

 

[<3 N.C Chicken Chick <3]

From what I've read birds heal fast. I would give her a week. Sounds like you did a great job. One of my biggest chickens fears is bumblefoot..

 

[newbyduckmom]

Bumblefoot, .....mating drakes, coyotes, hawks, rodents, dogs......we have a lot of predators. I can't keep them locked up all day in the most secure pen. They so like to be out foraging. I watch them, but one of these days.... Amazing how many complications to 'just getting a few ducks for eggs' there are! Well worth it, but certainly not as easy as I anticipated. Lots to learn. Lots I never imagined I would be willing to do (like surgery on a duck, cleaning up copious amounts of duck crap, collecting slugs.....), but do. But then it has now become my favorite part of my day - even at 7 am when it is 30 degrees and pouring rain with wind blowing like crazy. Out there cleaning duck pens and chattering at them......think my family thinks I have lost it. Oh well, I can think of worst way to loose it....but then again, it may be PREVENTING me from loosing it! Right?

 

[Amiga]

Quote:
This has been my experience, also - all of the above! I am blessed with the flexibility of having the time to take them on foraging walks, mostly in fenced in areas, and we have a fairly secure (I tell myself there's no such thing as predator-proof) area for when we're away during the day - but that's not useful during a nor-easter.

Bravo for your willingness to help her out!

Maybe you can take a few minutes for a cup of your favorite hot drink.

 

[newbyduckmom]

Amiga, Sat and Sun morning 'taking a cup of my favorite hot drink' constitutes going out to the let ducks out and taking my coffee with me. Drink my first cup while they wander and forage and I get "centered" for the day ahead. I find watching them to be almost as calming as the ocean. Not happening today unfortunately as I have a turkey dinner to get in the oven.

 

[newbyduckmom]

Mildred is happily chattering this morning, demolished her plate of lettuce I gave here, some of her feed, and still left me an egg. ( Am assuming she will quit laying since she is in the house under different light conditions (no supplemental light) and just a wee bit of stress?