Duck issue please help

[casportpony]

ivermectin pour-on in a plastic baggie with a spoonful of Vaseline

Vaseline to soften and smother anything living on her head.

Instead of Vaseline, may I suggest something like Neosporin instead? As I said earlier, a coating of Vaseline will trap bacteria and fungi, and since secondary bacterial infections can happen with this type of mite infestation, I don't think I'd want a coating of goo trapping the bacteria in place.

 

[WVduckchick]

Instead of Vaseline, may I suggest something like Neosporin instead? As I said earlier, a coating of Vaseline will trap bacteria and fungi, and since secondary bacterial infections can happen with this type of mite infestation, I don't think I'd want a coating of goo trapping the bacteria in place.

That makes sense too, I agree. I guess with mites, it’s helpful to trap them, but you wouldn’t want that with a fungus.

 

[casportpony]

That makes sense too, I agree. I guess with mites, it’s helpful to trap them, but you wouldn’t want that with a fungus.

The ivermectin, whether given by injection, topically, or orally will treat them, it doesn't need to touch them. I can't say for sure, but there are parts on the duck that look infected. I know lots of people like to just smother them, but they really can be treated with just ivermectin.

 

[casportpony]

Here is another good link:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vm022
Knemidokiptic Mange in Pet Birds: Scaly Face and Scaly Leg Disease1
Gary D. Butcher and Curtis Beck2

Scaly face and scaly leg are common skin diseases of caged birds. The causative agent of the disease was thought to be a fungus for many years by avian fanciers due to the appearance of the lesions. In 1951, investigators described and characterized the lesions and identified the sarcoptid mite responsible for the disease. In subsequent years, the life cycle, effective means of treatment, and various factors which determine the frequencies and distributions of the disease have been debated.

Confusion exists over which species of scaly face and scaly leg mite infect the various species of birds. The morphologic distinctions between different species of mites are very small and difficult to detect. Table 1 illustrates the species of birds affected by specific mites.

The life cycle of Knemidocoptes pilae is not completely understood. Mites invade the feather follicles and epidermis of the face, cere, and limbs. The mites apparently spend their entire life cycle on the host. The mites burrow and feed on keratin of the cornified epithelium and form pouch-like cavities. The method of transmission of the mite is not known, but prolonged contact appears to be necessary. One theory on transmission of the mite suggests that they can be transmitted only in the nest to the featherless offspring. Another theory suggests that susceptibility is a genetically linked, immune related condition. Some investigators believe multiple predisposing factors are necessary for expression of the disease and that clinical disease may occur later in life, long after exposure. Cases have been documented where highly infected parakeets did not transmit the disease to their cage mates, even after long exposure. There are also reports where birds isolated for many years suddenly develop characteristic lesions.

Early lesions, if recognized, include inflammation of the skin and a fine, white, crusty coating or film starting at the cere or the angle of the mouth. As the disease progresses, lesions may be found on the beak, eyelids, throat, vent, legs and toes. In chronic cases, overgrowth and deformity of the beak are common. Horny appendages may grow from facial lesions. Lesions of the legs progress by thickening of the skin covering the legs. This proliferation of skin may interfere with movement of the hocks and toes. In neglected cases, birds may develop gangrene of the leg due to pressure from the leg band. Feet and toes can become severely altered.

The definitive diagnosis of scaly face and leg disease can be made by observing clinical signs and lesions, and by identifying the small round mites in skin scrapings. Mites, if present, are easily observable microscopically when a skin scraping is placed in 5-10% potassium hydroxide.

Many treatments are described in the literature (see Table 2). All are directed toward killing the mites. In cases of long duration, response to treatment may be slow or unsatisfactory due to relatively permanent alterations which occurred prior to treatment. One should take precautions when treating scaly face lesions. Treatment of valuable birds should be done only under the direct supervision of a veterinarian as several of the drugs commonly used may cause irritation and damage to the eyes and may be toxic if ingested.

 

[blackandtan]

Wow that looks just like mange, another mite. Are there any signs on any other birds? Also I’d be wearing gloves just in case...

 

[casportpony]

Wow that looks just like mange, another mite. Are there any signs on any other birds? Also I’d be wearing gloves just in case...

As far as I know, birds only get one type of mange, Knemidokoptic Mange or Scaly Leg and Face Disease
here is another link:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/knemidokoptic-mange-or-scaly-leg-and-face-disease-in-birds

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"Taxonomically, knemidocoptic dermatitis in birds can be compared to sarcoptic dermatitis (mange) in mammals, but most birds lack the classic intense pruritus seen in animals with scabies."
source: http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/knemidocoptiasis-birds

 

[blackandtan]

It’s maybe a long shot, but is there a college or university in your area? Even a good high school biology department? It’s not too hard to take a skin scraping, and it won’t hurt her, if it is a mite they’re pretty easy to see in a decent microscope. Or even if your vet won’t see birds they might be willing to do this diagnostic test..it might give you some guidance for treatment, I feel so bad for the poor little thing I can’t believe all that happened in two weeks!!

 

[Raenh]

Yay! I may be late to the party but at least I came even if I double posted please keep us updated

 

[Miss Lydia]

I think she has an excellent chance of recovery now that you know how to treat. Looking forward to updates too

 

[yumachick2015]

Ok here is what I’m starting. I bought the ivermectin sheep drench at 0.08% and the microcynAH for poultry. I have diluted 8 cc with 2 cc of the microcycnah. The hard part was catching her. I looked very carefully under her wings and vent for any sign of anything I can see with the naked eye. All that looked good but she does have slight blood around the nostrils and today she looked more irritated. I was able to use a syringe and got all the areas. Tonight I will catch her and make sure I’m not doing more harm than good. She is eating good, drinking and out ran me. Good signs so far