Emergency -- big white duck attacked by raccoon, how to care for her?

[silkiechicken]

Catch her and clean the wounds out. They look very dirty so that is not a good thing. By clean, do it the same way you would if you got a big cut your arm. Get the dirt out and get a clear view of the wound and keep her contained in a warm place. If the wound is deep or there is skin tears that are large, a vet may be a good idea so she can get stiches. As for antibiotic to use, someone else will have to advise the best for that. Neosporin would work in the mean time.

 

[Farmerbetsy]

I'm suiting up to get her in a box and take her to the vet now.

 

[Lunachick]

Good luck - I found this:

Saline solution

8 ounces of tap water

1/4 to 1/2 tsp table salt (or kosher if you have it)

a pinch of baking soda

Use to flush wounds - after 24 hours if there is any left - throw it out and make a new batch.

 

[Farmerbetsy]

Thank you very much for the saline recipe. The wound is extremely matted. it's unclear whether there are rips or tears or cuts or merely plucked feathers. Her beak is also cracked.

The vet bill just to stabilize her will be $225. To fix her will be between 500-800. I'm in shock too. We think we can probably do the wound healing at home.

 

[silkiechicken]

Wow that's a lot of money... hope she makes it.

 

[Farmerbetsy]

Quote:
I don't know that we will pay for the second half. we will have her stabilized and given antibiotics, but I think we will irrigate the wound, glue her beak, and give her the rest of the antibiotics at home. Perhaps spending hours with a dirty angry duck will inspire my husband to finally build a raccoon-proof pen.

When my brother comes back from the Ukraine he's coming over with his pellet gun. Grrr. Just kidding. ha. But, all males who visit the house will be peeing outside the chicken coop from here on out.

 

[silkiechicken]

Yeah, once stabilized, you should be able to take the rest on at home. It was hard to see what was gong on in that wound, but she sure was matted down there. Just keep her clean and isolated. Best of luck!

 

[DuckLady]

If she will let you, put her in the shower with warm (just over lukewarm) water showering her. That will help get un matted and clean enough to see what is going on. It will also get any dirt off. My pekin loves the shower.

I am sure it looks worse than it is with all the blood, but it is important to keep that wound clean while it heals.

Keep the rest of your animals safe. The raccoon knows where dinner is and will be back.