Thank you once again, Isaac. Apparently, all of my ducks have decided to test my medical abilities this week. As I said, there isn’t a vet around willing to see him, so it looks like I’ll be performing the amputation myself. Would you recommend numbing the area first? I have prescription lidocaine from a bad case of strep throat last fall that I can use. I just hate to cause Bumpy any unnecessary pain.
I believe lidocaine is useable in birds, but there are risks, as the drug itself can cause toxicity rather easily when used incorrectly. If you have the topical form, I would dilute it down halfway, and use a small amount if you wish to use it. Pain will be apparent afterward, but do realize the nerves in the phallus tissue have likely withered away so pain isn't as much as a consideration as with a healthy phallus.
Oh, I should have been clearer. The lidocaine was to gargle and spit out. If I were to use it on the him, it would be a topical application. I do see your point about the nerves being deadened, though. I’ll just skip the lidocaine to be safe. Should I do the amputation immediately, or wait a few days for the dying area to dry and harden a bit more? It’s still fairly soft. We have Bumpy inside, have let him swim in the bathtub for a bit, cleaned the area, and applied triple antibiotic ointment so far.
Good points. I’ll update after it’s done. Never thought I’d find myself in this situation, but thank you so much for all of your help!
