Duck emergencies???

[Goatgirl12]

My duck had been making the weirdest noise for the past two days. She opens and closes her bill constantly while making a very sad sounding quack. It has gotten much worse now and her quack sounds weak and hoarse. Does anyone know what to do in this situation? I’ve never seen anything like it.

 

[Goatgirl12]

My duck had been making the weirdest noise for the past two days. She opens and closes her bill constantly while making a very sad sounding quack. It has gotten much worse now and her quack sounds weak and hoarse. Does anyone know what to do in this situation? I’ve never seen anything like it.

 

[Isaac 0]

Could you take a video of her doing the noise, upload it to a video platform such as youtube or Vimeo, and copy/paste the link here?

 

[qwackers9]

Maybe a respiratory infection. You can get doxycycline online without prescription. Sold under brand name Bird Biotic. You can get it in 100mg water-soluble packets which is very convenient. When I have to use it, I just dissolve it in a couple teaspoons of water, add some mealworms & let him/her drink it up. Usually need to add a few more mealworms a couple of times before they get most of it down. As per directions, you can also just mix it in 8oz of drinking water, but if you have more than one bird, you would need to isolate from the others.

 

[qwackers9]

By the way, dose is 25mg/kg. Depending on your duck's weight, may not need the whole packet.

 

[Isaac 0]

Maybe a respiratory infection. You can get doxycycline online without prescription.

I worry about giving antibiotics on a conjectured basis, as other problems, more commonly found in ducks such as an aspergillus, can be greatly worsened when antibiotics are given by eliminating any good bacteria, allowing fungi to colonize at a faster rate.

Respiratory distress in waterfowl is predominantly related to tracheal obstruction, which can be due to fungal spores, tramua, granulomas, seeds, or other matter. Conditions such as EYP, or salpingitis that cause increased pressure on the lungs can result in dyspnea. However, determining which one might be the cause is hard over the internet, but nearly impossible without a video, or further clarification on the birds past history, and symptoms.

 

[Goatgirl12]

Hopefully this link works.

 

[Isaac 0]

@Goatgirl12 , is there any chance you can have her checked out by a vet?

If not, could do a thorough examination of the duck, check inside her mouth with a flashlight for any lesions, plaques, or blockages of the choanal slit? Palpate along her neck for any obstructions, then move to the lower end of her body, and palpate her abdominal area - note whether the area feels distended, hard, soft, etc. If needed, you can use a similar sized duck to distinguish any anatomical abnormalities.

Ensure she has access to head deep water so she can lavage out any debris that may be stuck in her nares.

 

[qwackers9]

I worry about giving antibiotics on a conjectured basis, as other problems, more commonly found in ducks such as an aspergillus, can be greatly worsened when antibiotics are given by eliminating any good bacteria, allowing fungi to colonize at a faster rate.

Respiratory distress in waterfowl is predominantly related to tracheal obstruction, which can be due to fungal spores, tramua, granulomas, seeds, or other matter. Conditions such as EYP, or salpingitis that cause increased pressure on the lungs can result in dyspnea. However, determining which one might be the cause is hard over the internet, but nearly impossible without a video, or further clarification on the birds past history, and symptoms.

Great info! Always looking to learn more. As you said, diagnosing online is difficult. A vet is usually the best option if you have someone local & can afford it.