Duckling Bite - Flesh Wound

[RiceHolisticGarden]

There was a group of baby ducklings (likely around a day old) in the backyard lake and no mother in sight. When these were taken out of the water, one of them had a flesh wound, presumably from a fish bite.

Currently, there has been some herniation of internal organs/flesh (see below). We have tried reducing the wound but have been unsuccessful.

There is some but minimal bleeding, and the duckling and its siblings keep pecking at it.

The current plan is to try to cover the exposed wound, but we are unsure whether closing the wound would be beneficial. Since the duckling is so young, we are unsure how invasive the management should be and whether we should take the duckling to the vet.

 

[GodLovesU]

@Jenbirdee is good with ducks and knows others who are as well.

 

[Jenbirdee]

I would say if you can afford a Vet then go. But if you can’t, I would spray the wound with cleansing agent, such as vetericyn poultry wound spray, or a solution of 10% chlorhexidine, or povidone iodine with water, and then put a big glob of antibacterial ointment on it a gauze pad and wrap the duckling going all the way around its body with Vet wrap. And change the bandage every day try to keep the duckling clean and out of water , careful not to make the wrap too tight But like I said, if I could afford a vet, I would go. It looks like a stitch or two would close that up enough to prevent the herniation

 

[RiceHolisticGarden]

I would say if you can afford a Vet then go. But if you can’t, I would spray the wound with cleansing agent, such as vetericyn poultry wound spray, or a solution of 10% chlorhexidine, or povidone iodine with water, and then put a big glob of antibacterial ointment on it a gauze pad and wrap the duckling going all the way around its body with Vet wrap. And change the bandage every day try to keep the duckling clean and out of water , careful not to make the wrap too tight But like I said, if I could afford a vet, I would go. It looks like a stitch or two would close that up enough to prevent the herniation

I appreciate the advice and info - we have done our best to keep the wound clean and medicated with ointment. We tried wrapping and applying pressure on the wound but we were unsuccessful. Just wanted to provide a current update: this fella is doing exceedingly well! Currently, the wound has reduced itself and we can't tell it's there at first glance. The baby feathers have done a good job of covering up the wound and the wound itself seems to have mostly closed and dried (we can only tell the wound is still there when we part the feathers and palpate the belly). As of now, we're still cleaning the area with diluted iodine solution and placing ointment over it but we are surprised and glad it didn't require as significant intervention as we thought. The duckling is eating and drinking well, but we have noticed that it feels a bit smaller than the rest of its peers. Otherwise, it's as energetic as a baby duckling could be!

The biggest concerns now are the foot wounds (as large fish were trying to eat them when they were in the lake), so far we've been cleaning wounds multiple times a day and wrapping the most severe ones (one duckling lost its hind toe!). The wounds are still in the healing process and much better than before, but we're still not in the clear just yet. Overall, we are pleased at how they have progressed (they were bleeding and bruised when we first took them in but now they have settled in quite well!)

 

[Jenbirdee]

I appreciate the advice and info - we have done our best to keep the wound clean and medicated with ointment. We tried wrapping and applying pressure on the wound but we were unsuccessful. Just wanted to provide a current update: this fella is doing exceedingly well! Currently, the wound has reduced itself and we can't tell it's there at first glance. The baby feathers have done a good job of covering up the wound and the wound itself seems to have mostly closed and dried (we can only tell the wound is still there when we part the feathers and palpate the belly). As of now, we're still cleaning the area with diluted iodine solution and placing ointment over it but we are surprised and glad it didn't require as significant intervention as we thought. The duckling is eating and drinking well, but we have noticed that it feels a bit smaller than the rest of its peers. Otherwise, it's as energetic as a baby duckling could be!

The biggest concerns now are the foot wounds (as large fish were trying to eat them when they were in the lake), so far we've been cleaning wounds multiple times a day and wrapping the most severe ones (one duckling lost its hind toe!). The wounds are still in the healing process and much better than before, but we're still not in the clear just yet. Overall, we are pleased at how they have progressed (they were bleeding and bruised when we first took them in but now they have settled in quite well!)

I’m so glad to hear this news . Good job!