Do ducks have heart attacks??

[Beccazon]

I know. I imagine all living critters can. But...dang! I think one of my Pekins did!

They were all happy in the pool. Doing their normal things. I watch them close because sometimes things get kinda rough. But nothing crazy yesterday. I ushered them out so the little ducks could have their turn. Again no signs of any issue. Less than a minute later, while I was still just 6 feet away, I saw one stumble from the corner of my eye. Looked over and he tried to stand but fell the other way. Then onto his belly. I got to him as he spread his wings to balance then they slowly folded back against him and he went limp. JUST LIKE THAT! It took place in less than 30 seconds! He was gone!

I waited over an hour after I got him to the house to see if some bizarre paralyzation took place or idk...he miraculously would come to but...nope. That was terribly shocking and heartbreaking. I am pleased he did not suffer but WHAT THE HECK?!

 

[chickens really]

Yes they can have heart attacks.
Sorry that happened.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So sorry for your loss

 

[Beccazon]

Is that what it sounds like it was??

 

[chickens really]

Is that what it sounds like it was??

Well they will die that suddenly..Yes I'm thinking heart attack. I had a Hen die of a heart attack when the wind caught the tarp and scared the life out of her..

 

[Miss Lydia]

Only way to know for sure would be necropsy.

 

[Beccazon]

Well they will die that suddenly..Yes I'm thinking heart attack. I had a Hen die of a heart attack when the wind caught the tarp and scared the life out of her..

Ohmigosh!

 

[Beccazon]

Only way to know for sure would be necropsy.

Yah idk if I'm that gal yet lol. We did bury him. But what would you look for to confirm that? A heart blockage? An internal bleed?

 

[chickens really]

Yah idk if I'm that gal yet lol. We did bury him. But what would you look for to confirm that? A heart blockage? An internal bleed?

Well sorry it happened..Dead is dead though and without any illness other than quick death like that I think heart attack is a real culprit..

 

[casportpony]

So sorry for your loss,

As @Miss Lydia already said, a necropsy is the only way to know what the cause of death was. But to answer your questions, yes, ducks can have heart attacks, but there are other things that can cause sudden death too. As for what to look for, I am not sure what one would look for.

If something like this happens again, and you want to know for sure what the cause of death was, refrigerate until ready to ship, call your state lab and get instructions for getting necropsy done.

This is a list of labs by state:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf

To have a necropsy done, refrigerate until you are ready to ship or deliver. If none of the labs are close, call and ask them if you can use their FedEx account number as this will save you money. Also ask them for packing instructions.