egg bound or Egg peritonitis?

[4everacres]

my one year old runner duck's abdomen is swollen. She's eating, drinking, etc, but for the last 2 days I have noticed this condition. I can post a picture later on. I've already tried lube in the vent just today. any other ideas suggestions?

 

[GitaBooks]

Put on a glove, lubricate your hand, and feel inside her vent. If there is no egg there, then likely egg yolk peritonitis or water belly are the causes, though it could also be your duck is just over weight. I only have chickens, so I'm not sure about ducks.

 

[Amiga]

Time floating in a tub of lukewarm water often helps, as well as extra calcium, if it's egg binding. Water time is helpful for most problems ducks have, seems to me - and mine really like tub time.

A good duck vet is best, and I understand not always an option.

Egg yolk peritonitis is, I feel, treatable. And I don't just make that up - I know of one case in particular, as harrowing as it was, in which the duck was helped through with Baytril and tube feeding, but she made it, and is fine. I know of one vet who felt there was nothing to be done. I disagree, based on others' experience. So.

If it is e.y.p., that means it is a systemic infection, and antibiotics are needed. If it is ascites, I am not sure right now what to suggest. I hope someone with more experience there can check in.

 

[Amiga]

How are things?

 

[4everacres]

I drained some straw colored, water like liquid yesterday, only a couple of tablespoons. I tried it again today, and it's thicker now. I don't think that's better, I see it as worse. I think I need a bigger needle to drain her now.

 

[Amiga]

Is she on antibiotics? I think that is what I would do.

 

[4everacres]

I don't know what kind of antibiotic to use for egg laying ducks. I sell the eggs.

 

[Amiga]

I would separate her, just have her on the antibiotics and forget selling her eggs. I think this is life-threatening. If you can get her through it, she could get back to laying after a while.

One of the antibiotics used is Baytril.

 

[4everacres]

OK, I'll give it a try, thanks! I'll let you know....

 

[Amiga]

Great! Ducks can bounce back with some help.