Drake lost his sense of balance AND voice?

[Miss Lydia]

Didn't you say you had antibiotics? tell us which ones you have at least give it a chance to try and help. If this is something respiratory. @casportpony can help with dose. Poor little one. @Alexandra33

 

[Alexandra33]

Didn't you say you had antibiotics? tell us which ones you have at least give it a chance to try and help. If this is something respiratory. @casportpony can help with dose. Poor little one. @Alexandra33

I do have antibiotics.....Duramycin, to be exact. Used it to treat an ailing chick awhile ago.

Spazz is still holding on, but we're beginning to think he may have brain damage. When I checked on him this morning, his pupils were awfully large.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So you know dose to give him? And could he have a head injury or attacked by someone?

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Alexandra33 hows Spazz?

 

[Alexandra33]

I could probably figure it out. Yes, he and the other ducks are frequently bullied by some of our chickens.... it's really quite sad. The head seems to be a prime target, and this poor little guy happens to be the smallest. Once we've moved, they'll have their own separate enclosure.

Compared to how Spazz was doing yesterday, he seems to be slightly better. He's lost significant control of his body (legs especially). Balancing on his haunches seems to be most comfortable. At this point, I'm not too sure what to do. Currently weighing my options. If he gets any worse, euthanasia might be our best bet. I hate to see the little guy immobile and miserable.

 

[Alexandra33]

To clarify, yesterday, Spazz was flopping uncontrollably.....quite seizure-like. We found him flat on his back several times.

 

[casportpony]

So many things can cause seizures. How do you feel about learning to tube feed? I think if he were mine I would tube a bunch of Pedialyte and give him some corn syrup orally since dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and low blood sugar can cause seizures.

Since he's lost his voice too, I might also give him some antibiotics.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Can you keep him away from the chickens for now?

 

[Alexandra33]

So terribly sorry for disappearing without giving any updates....I was on vacation. Spazz is doing wonderfully. He has regained full control of his body, and now feels strong enough to rejoin the duck flock. What an amazing surprise to return home to. When I left, he was soaking wet, dirty, unable to preen, walk, or function properly. My little boy proved his strength by doing a complete 180!

Spazz and I thank you all for your support during rough times. It doesn't go unnoticed.

~Alex

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

@Alexandra33 did you ever figure out what was wrong with your drake? I have a rooster with similar symptoms https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/rooster-losing-balance.1332429/.