Duck is going to be euthanized

[CucaFatButt]

Hi everyone. So long story short, I took my duck in for an endoscopy to remove a screw my baby girl, Cuca, ate. When they did the X-ray they found that both her legs were fractured, her femurs to be exact. The vet said that it's rare for that to happen and he said it was either cancer or some metabolic thing (I'm sorry for the overall vagueness it's hard right now). So he said that we should put her down because removing the screw isn't going to do much and there really isn't anything to do to fix her legs. Something along the lines of there isn't much they can do and making her go through multiple treatments and whatnot isn't going to solve the issue it's just going to (????), I'm sorry I can't articulate myself well, I guess the best way I can put it is just treating something you can't cure if that makes sense. He wasn't pushy on the euthanasia just gently giving a heads up for what's to come. Pretty much telling us how her quality of life isn't going to improve. I'm sorry that this post is really vague and all. Just want some advice on how any of you have dealt with euthanizing your beloved pets, how you cared for them in their last days, tips, their stories, whatnot. I don't know. Or if you're going through the same thing and want to talk about it that's welcome too. My baby is a muscovy and they live for about 20 years, but she's 4 and just a baby and she's just 4. She's just a baby. It was only yesterday that she was all yellow and fit perfectly in my hands. With her tiny little wings and silly little lighting fast run with her flippers doing little pats on the floor. She's the absolute sweetest but such a menace to society. I don't want to let her go. She's just a baby.

 

[TeresaW]

I am so sorry you are going through this. It's never easy. I've been through this with cats. Lots of hugs.

 

[Callender Girl]

Cuca is lucky to have someone who loves her enough to make tough decisions when necessary. Even when it's heartbreaking to do so.

Don't listen if anyone tries to tell you that she's "just a duck." Of course she is much more than that to you. They clearly don't understand the incredible bond between you and Cuca.

I can't think of any tips that will make this easier for you; it's going to tear you apart inside. And, the hurt won't go away for a very long time. So my only advice is to love her to pieces for whatever time she has left. Spoil her with her favorite treats. Let her feel how much you love her.

Four years is too soon to have to let her go, but try to remember four years of great memories and good times -- like when Cuca fit into your hands and her little flippers patting the floor.

When I've had to let mine go, I talk to them and tell them how much joy they've brought into my life. They don't understand the words, I guess. But I think they understand the feeling I'm trying to project, how deeply I care for them.

I have a pet cemetery for those I've lost, and I've planted wildflowers over their graves. There's also wild milkweed growing there, and I like the idea that new life is springing up there.

Take care of yourself. Post again whenever you need to.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Cuca has had a great life with a great person who loves her.

I can't add more to what @Callender Girl said above as it was very heartwarming. But, want to let you know that we are here for you and understand.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Cuca has had a great life with a great person who loves her.

I can't add more to what @Callender Girl said above as it was very heartwarming. But, want to let you know that we are here for you and understand.

Cuca is lucky to have someone who loves her enough to make tough decisions when necessary. Even when it's heartbreaking to do so.

Don't listen if anyone tries to tell you that she's "just a duck." Of course she is much more than that to you. They clearly don't understand the incredible bond between you and Cuca.

I can't think of any tips that will make this easier for you; it's going to tear you apart inside. And, the hurt won't go away for a very long time. So my only advice is to love her to pieces for whatever time she has left. Spoil her with her favorite treats. Let her feel how much you love her.

Four years is too soon to have to let her go, but try to remember four years of great memories and good times -- like when Cuca fit into your hands and her little flippers patting the floor.

When I've had to let mine go, I talk to them and tell them how much joy they've brought into my life. They don't understand the words, I guess. But I think they understand the feeling I'm trying to project, how deeply I care for them.

I have a pet cemetery for those I've lost, and I've planted wildflowers over their graves. There's also wild milkweed growing there, and I like the idea that new life is springing up there.

Take care of yourself. Post again whenever you need to.

Only thing I can add is most of us know exactly what you are going through right now. Please know that we care and tears for the losses we have all experienced, we will be here for you. Cuca is very blessed to have someone who loves her so much.

 

[ruthhope]

My duck keeper friends have given golden advice above.

I just want to add that you are lucky to have access to a caring vet. I currently have muscovy and one pekin. Last year I had different pekin that had been with two of my muscovy since they were about 6 weeks old. Making a long story short, the pekin stopped walking and 5 months later died from what turned out to be a pelvic tumor. We didn't have access to a vet as there are no vets that will see ducks in the County where I live. My pekin had a special inflatable seat to sit in, with pockets for his water jar and his food jar. Later I got him a ducky wheel chair that his legs hung down through holes in the sling bottom. Both allowed him to spend his days interacting with his friends through the mosquito screens. Despite not walking, his quality of life was good and he was a happy, well loved, duck until the end. He had swimming therapy every day, followed by "flying" so that he exercised his wings and drunk muscles (he was in my hand, not actually flying) and then lay on my lap while he had a blow dry so that he wasnt sitting on wet feathers. However, if his quality of life deteriorated (for example if he had got pressure sores) we would have had no choice about his care as we didn't have access to a vet and euthanasia. You are in the position of being able to chose to care for your muscovy but if you find her quality of life changes, for example if your muscovy suffers from pain, you can review your decision and elect for euthanasia. You will know if your duck is happy as she will eat and drink, and poop normally. My boy was eating like a horse to the very end!

Losing our ducky pets is very hard. I wept buckets when mine died. Previously, I wept buckets when my son left one of his out overnight and she was taken by a predator. Our ducks know when they are cared for. I also have a ducky burial site: in the shadow of a palm tree in a quiet corner of my back yard. My pekin was interred wrapped in a towel and we placed a heavy flattish stone over the grave. Love your muscovy and you will know when and if the time comes to take up the vet's suggestion of euthanasia.