Drake with Prolapsed Phallus

[DuckDuckJuice]

Our drake, Bumpy, has a prolapsed phallus and I’m hoping someone has a suggestion for how to help him. There are no vets in our area that will treat a duck, so any approach will be undertaken by us at home. I am willing to do whatever I need to, but keep it as humane as possible. Thanks!

 

[Cazook]

I don't have much knowledge about this but I found this article - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/prolapsed-phallus-in-ducks.74465/

 

[Isaac 0]

My initial concerns is how devitalized, and swelled the tissue on the distal phallus is looking - I'm afraid repeated attempts to moisten the tissue, and push it back in will prove to be a futile task. The phallus will likley need to be surgically amputated, which could be done at home but would preferably be done at a vet office under anesthesia, and an analgesic. Please consider contacting some of the avian veterinarians referenced below.

https://www.beautyofbirds.com/recommendedbirdvetsohio.html

If you haven't, move the duck inside into a warm spot and moisten the area with KY jelly, or a water-soluble lubricant to keep the tissue moist. If a vet is not an option, amputation may be the last resort; in that scenario, I would disinfect the area with an antiseptic prior to incision and cut the phallus using a pair of sharp sterile scissors. An antibacterial ointment or lubricant can be applied after to promote the receding of the phallus back into the body. Due to the risk of infection, antibiotics may be recommended subsequent to amputation. Here is some additional information on the topic.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...uck-phallus-penis-under-construction.1293789/

https://allbirdproducts.com/products/baytril-10

 

[DuckDuckJuice]

My initial concerns is how devitalized, and swelled the tissue on the distal phallus is looking - I'm afraid repeated attempts to moisten the tissue, and push it back in will prove to be a futile task. The phallus will likley need to be surgically amputated, which could be done at home but would preferably be done at a vet office under anesthesia, and an analgesic. Please consider contacting some of the avian veterinarians referenced below.

https://www.beautyofbirds.com/recommendedbirdvetsohio.html

If you haven't, move the duck inside into a warm spot and moisten the area with KY jelly, or a water-soluble lubricant to keep the tissue moist. If a vet is not an option, amputation may be the last resort; in that scenario, I would disinfect the area with an antiseptic prior to incision and cut the phallus using a pair of sharp sterile scissors. An antibacterial ointment or lubricant can be applied after to promote the receding of the phallus back into the body. Due to the risk of infection, antibiotics may be recommended subsequent to amputation. Here is some additional information on the topic.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...uck-phallus-penis-under-construction.1293789/

https://allbirdproducts.com/products/baytril-10

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.

 

[Isaac 0]

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.



https://www.mcgill.ca/research/files/research/107-bird_analgesia-feb_2017.pdf

 

[DuckDuckJuice]

I believe lidocaine is useable in birds, but there are risks, as the drug itself can cause toxicity rather easily when used incorrectly, I would personally be hesitant to use it, especially with an oral form. Pain will be apparent afterward, but do realize the nerves in the phallus tissue have likely died away so pain isn't as much as a consideration as with a healthy phallus.

https://www.mcgill.ca/research/files/research/107-bird_analgesia-feb_2017.pdf

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.

 

[Isaac 0]

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.

I shorty realized that after I posted - I edited my original post. If he were mine, I would amputate it today, for several reasons; you don't want the tissue to get more infected than it already is. Additionally, there is currently a lot of weight/tension on the proximal end of the phallus, which presumably is causing some discomfort. My goal would be to get the tissue in as fast as possible.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Good luck! What you are doing is nothing short of heroic, in my humble opinion. I hope I can be as strong when I'm tasked with something similar.

 

[DuckDuckJuice]

I shorty realized that after I posted - I edited my original post. If he were mine, I would amputate it today, for several reasons; you don't want the tissue to get more infected than it already is. Additionally, there is currently a lot of weight/tension on the proximal end of the phallus, which presumably is causing some discomfort. My goal would be to get the tissue in as fast as possible.

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!

 

[Isaac 0]

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!

I'm sure you'll do an awesome job - make sure to post pictures afterwards!