ruthhope
Free Ranging
Daffy, a 2 year old muscovy drake, became unwell while I was away from home nearly 6 weeks ago. I knew there was something wrong when my husband told me that Daffy was being bullied. When I got back, I found that Daffy had labored breathing -- using his abdominal muscles, with his mouth open. He would not come to me when called, would not accept petting, and was miserable. I gave him Rooster Booster Poultry Cell in his water and ordered Bayatril on line.
Daffy only had 6 days of oral Bayatril when it arrived, as he was very distressed and fought me. He is 14lbs and strong, so I called it a day after 6 doses as there was no sign of improvement. Over the next 3-4 weeks, his breathing started to improve: he stopped using his abdomen muscles but continued to mouth breathe. Then he stopped mouth breathing when resting but started again after walking. He remained "crabby" with the other drakes and would have nothing to do with me. Two weeks ago, he had recovered enough to give "don't mess with me" vibes, and the other boys ceased bullying him. For two days now, he has been biting my ankles demanding attention, coming when called, and standing on my lap while I pet him. He likes his carruncles stroked, again! Yesterday, I had to pull him off one of the other drakes, and no sooner had I pulled him off, he was out chasing a second drake. Fortunately that drake is a year younger more lythe, and can run faster! Daffy is back to being boss duck!
Does anyone have any idea what was the matter? I am thinking not bacterial infection as there was no response to Bayatril, and not fungal infection as he has got better on his own. Perhaps viral infection? He didn't have eye or nose symptoms: no discharge and no sneezing. He has in the past had chronic foamy eye but hasn't had it during this illness. He is the only
one of my muscovy boys who likes bathing (about once a week) and he has deep tubs of water available to him 24/7. His weight didn't change throughout -- he does cooperate with standing on a scale.
Any ideas?
Daffy only had 6 days of oral Bayatril when it arrived, as he was very distressed and fought me. He is 14lbs and strong, so I called it a day after 6 doses as there was no sign of improvement. Over the next 3-4 weeks, his breathing started to improve: he stopped using his abdomen muscles but continued to mouth breathe. Then he stopped mouth breathing when resting but started again after walking. He remained "crabby" with the other drakes and would have nothing to do with me. Two weeks ago, he had recovered enough to give "don't mess with me" vibes, and the other boys ceased bullying him. For two days now, he has been biting my ankles demanding attention, coming when called, and standing on my lap while I pet him. He likes his carruncles stroked, again! Yesterday, I had to pull him off one of the other drakes, and no sooner had I pulled him off, he was out chasing a second drake. Fortunately that drake is a year younger more lythe, and can run faster! Daffy is back to being boss duck!
Does anyone have any idea what was the matter? I am thinking not bacterial infection as there was no response to Bayatril, and not fungal infection as he has got better on his own. Perhaps viral infection? He didn't have eye or nose symptoms: no discharge and no sneezing. He has in the past had chronic foamy eye but hasn't had it during this illness. He is the only
Any ideas?
Thank goodness for happy ending! Happy Daffy!
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