Duck pain meds?

[Crayonsmom]

So, you know my duckling that wouldn't put much weight on one leg? Well (I feel terrible because I could have prevented this!

) she had another fall, due to poor balance because of her lameness. Now I'm a wreck because I don't know what's wrong. She won't move either leg and seems very ouchy around the tail area. Possibly swollen around there as well, but it's hard to tell because of her feathers and fluffies. For now I just put positioned her comfortably in a rubbermaid box and put food and water directly in front of her. Hopefully we can get her to a bird vet very soon, but I fear the worst. I'm actually most worried about the fact that I don't think she's pooped in about 4 hours!

but temporarily, is there anything safe I can give her to take away some of the pain? I also plan on adding some more Niacin to her diet in case, although I'm still worried about the poo issue. I let her float around in the tub earlier and no poop then either. Help?

 

[Crayonsmom]

Quote:
That makes sense. That's why I don't bute my horse if she's lame. Although, what about if she's sometimes uncomfortable just sitting there? Although... then it would be hard to see if she's improving at all. If the duck were still standing and just limping, I'd never think of giving her anything for pain. But now she won't even stand and I'm worried about possible internal injury (although now she's been swimming in the tub with her good leg, just not standing). As long as she's comfortable when she's just sitting still, I won't give her any pain killer.

Another thing we were considering is, could it be a bacterial problem? I noticed that she does have very slight "bedsores" on her knees (or whatever those are called on ducks). We picked up some Tetracycline Hydrochloride today. Would it hurt her to give it just in case and see if it helps? Also, on the package it says for poultry, but only gives feeding instructions for chickens and turkeys. How could I measure the proper ammount for a 5 week old duck? Should I use the chicken dosage and cut it half or something?

you might want to look tetracycline up befor giving it to your duck, waterfowl are very sensitive to meds. and I'm not sure this one is safe to use. Have you tried soaking her leg in some warm epson salt water[don't let her drink it]

I've been trying to research it, but without much luck. If I can't find anything that I can rely on, I'll just return it to stay on the safe side. I can mix up a warm epsom salt solution later. (we always have that on hand for the horse!

) How can I keep her from drinking it though? Maybe I'll offer a bunch of tomatoes or peaches or something nearby.

As an update, her general demeanor seems to have improved, and she seems a bit more comfortable than she was. BUT she keeps her hurt leg out straight behind her and doesn't like it to be bent at all. I'm not sure if that can help with a diagnosis or not. I've also been looking for a vet in the area that treats ducks, but am worried that we'll spend a few hundred dollars to tell us something like "just don't let her move the leg" or something like that...

 

[al6517]

Save the $$$$$ on the med's and the vet bill and do the right thing and process it, but somehow I think your of the mind to spend a few hundred to have a vet tell you it needs to be put down. wish you luck.

 

[Crayonsmom]

Thanks. I agree I'd rather spend the money just to take her right to the vet as soon as possible. I'm hoping for the best but prepared for the worst. But honestly, if she's still obviously in qutie a bit of pain tomorrow, the best decision amy be to have somebody cull her... I hate the idea, but as long as it's quick, it might be the most humane option.

Poor little duckie. I don't think I'll ever get over this, especially because I was stupid to allow her to move around as much as I was when she was limping. I do hope she somehow miraculously improves though. Thanks for the luck.

 

[easttxchick]

Is it eating? If not, that's why it's not pooping. Could be internal blockage, too.
How old is the duckling?

 

[Snipes]

I'm not sure if it is against the rules to ask about this, but does marijuana help birds? I am not promoting or insinuating to illegally go get some, though in some states some people can legally possess it for their own medical purposes. I am just wondering if anyone knows of any studies on this, because I cannot see any. Or what about any type of human over the counter pain relief? Do we know of any of those to work?

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
Sheer speculation on my part, but I would imagine heck no! Are you talking about feeding it to them?
I don't want it in my system so I surely would force it into theirs. Sorry, I just don't want ANYONE getting any ideas about this.
http://www.drugwatch.org/Cannabis Hemp THC.htm

 

[Crayonsmom]

Ok, this morning it's clear that she just sat still all night, but she ate a bunch of food and drank all her water and was happy to see me. And she pooped as well, so it's at least good to know that there aren't any blockages! She can move her legs, but it hurts her to do so. For now I'm just trying to move her as little as possible.

 

[Kmoreau]

Let her float in a warm Bath with Epsom salts, just don't let her drink the water. It helped my duckie so much, I thought she had a broken foot however a few nights of that she was running around and everything she has been without problems since.

 

[veronicasmom]

Have used metacam for my duck when she had bumble foot for pain relief. It helped her alot. Maybe you can get some for your duckie.