Duck Antibiotic Advice Needed

[Duckbuddy]

My pet duck is 12 years old. Very old for a duck. My pet pig who is also very old snapped at the ducks leg. The pig has no teeth left, so there is no open wound. But, I am pretty sure the pig caused some damage under the skin. It has been a few weeks and the duck limps a bit, is not eating much and is not nearly as active. I don't really want to take the duck to the vet, as I fear the stress of the trip my kill him. Can anyone suggest an antibiotic I can buy online or at a feed store that may help?

 

[Miss Lydia]

My pet duck is 12 years old. Very old for a duck. My pet pig who is also very old snapped at the ducks leg. The pig has no teeth left, so there is no open wound. But, I am pretty sure the pig caused some damage under the skin. It has been a few weeks and the duck limps a bit, is not eating much and is not nearly as active. I don't really want to take the duck to the vet, as I fear the stress of the trip my kill him. Can anyone suggest an antibiotic I can buy online or at a feed store that may help?

I'm not sure at his age I'd use an antibiotic unless absolutely sure he needs one. Is the leg bruised and swollen? maybe just some warm water soaks in Epsom salt water will do the trick. When I have to soak a leg or foot I use a bucket put the warm water and ES in make sure dissolved them put both feet in the bucket [just easier that way] hold onto the duck or goose to make sure they don't try to get out and let them soak for at least 10 min. Epsom salt water is good for sprains and swelling. Unless you know what the damage is I don't see how we'd know what antibiotic to prescribe. maybe add some vitamins to his drinking water for a while might help give him so energy. How about when he is swimming can he use his leg then?

 

[Duckbuddy]

I will try some vitamins in his water over the long weekend. If that does not help I will risk the trip to the vet. And no it does not seem to bother him when he swims. But I have to coax him into the water and out of his hen house everyday. (He has free range to a very large area 16 hours everyday and is only put in the hen house at night) Ware as prior to the nipping he was very active in spite of his age. Could not wait to hit his pond everyday. Just suddenly very lethargic. Thank you for your time and advise. Most everything posted is about young ducks, not senior citizens ducks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I will try some vitamins in his water over the long weekend. If that does not help I will risk the trip to the vet. And no it does not seem to bother him when he swims. But I have to coax him into the water and out of his hen house everyday. (He has free range to a very large area 16 hours everyday and is only put in the hen house at night) Ware as prior to the nipping he was very active in spite of his age. Could not wait to hit his pond everyday. Just suddenly very lethargic. Thank you for your time and advise. Most everything posted is about young ducks, not senior citizens ducks.

I have a big Muscovy drake he is going on 10 and doesn't walk very well anymore, I have been giving him Brewers yeast in his food for about 6 months, some days he walks better than other days. I think your duck getting hurt has been a set back for him and hopefully some vitamin therapy and extra TLC will bring him around. Swimming is good therapy too. as long as he doesn't have to jump in and out of the pool. you didn't say can you see bruising or swelling?

 

[Duckbuddy]

No, I do not see any swelling. It was bruised for a few days. He has limped ever since, on that leg. Drinks and eats very little. And is lethargic. I feel pretty lucky that he has been healthy and happy for this many years and I would think it was just his time, had it not corresponded perfectly with the nipping. Which is why I thought he may have an internal infection going on.

 

[Miss Lydia]

No, I do not see any swelling. It was bruised for a few days. He has limped ever since, on that leg. Drinks and eats very little. And is lethargic. I feel pretty lucky that he has been healthy and happy for this many years and I would think it was just his time, had it not corresponded perfectly with the nipping. Which is why I thought he may have an internal infection going on.

I have a medicine comparison chart from Twin City Poultry Supplies and Have been looking at the antibiotics and what they are for, there are 2 that stand out one is for Penicillin which it says is for blood born infections from cuts and scrapes.. you can mix in water or give injection can be bought at feed stores. and the only other one I see is Aureomycin which says is for bacteria infections. probably need a vet for that one. All the rest they have listed are for respiratory and pneumonia, kidney infections etc. so honestly a vet would be the best way to go so you get a clear diagnosis. Once you start him on an antibiotic you really need to follow up with a probiotic because the antibiotics kill off good and bad bacteria and his gut will need to be replenished with good bacteria. Please keep us updated on how he is doing and if you take him to the vet what he says. Thanks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How's you duck doing today?