Duck skin injury

[lmilone]

My duck (daffy) was attacked by a racoon, this morning. The racoon was only able to grab a bunch of feathers and unfortunately her skin ripped. This is about a 3 inch rip on her back. Other than being very nervous, and bleeding somewhat, she seems medically ok. I gently washed her in the tub, and she is in my sun room. I don't know if I need to put something on her wound or leave it clean and exposed. I don't have many vets that will look at a duck in my area, although I am going to try to get someone just to look at her anyway. By the way Daffy is 15 years old.

 

[Eroc1_1]

At least put on some antibiotic ointment....she my need some stitches and then wrapped up in vet wrap.

 

[lovesgliders]

I agree, any vet would be better than nothing. They don't have to be an avian specialist to help you out. If vets turn you down on the phone, ask if they have any recommendations, or call your local wildlife rehabber (they are bound to know a bird-savvy vet).

 

[lmilone]

Where would I get vet wrap. I think that she probably will pull it off. I have had her 15 years and she only had one problem. She is an amazing girl!

 

[Eroc1_1]

At a local farm store.....like Tractor Supply Co. if you have one.

 

[dumb_cluck]

Neosporin at least!

 

[Denninmi]

If its just a skin tear, and not a deep flesh wound, you can use super glue to hold it together in lieu of stitches. They sell medical grade super glue but its not really much different than the regular stuff. I hae done this on myself, and it works great, but it hurts like you know what.

 

[Amiga]

I find vet wrap at feed stores, some pet stores, I think I even found some at a drugstore once. You might (depending on the wound) be able to put some triple antibiotic on a sterile gauze pad, place that on top of the wound and then wrap the vet wrap around her middle going under the wings - like a corset, just not too tight.

Watch out for flies laying eggs at the wound site - some use powders or sprays designed to deal with that and put it on the feathers next to the wound. That's something you'll need to look into and decide on for yourself - I can see reasons to try it and reasons not to.

Pleased to read that Daffy's fifteen! Go, Daffy!!!!

I think my friend whose chicken got scuffed up by a hawk used blukote.