EMERGENCY HELP FOR DUCK!

[HaileyRegelmann]

Hi, I have 7 Pecan ducks which I bought last March so they’re all a year old. Recently, I noticed one of my Pecan ducks was limping so I separated him from the rest of the flock. It got progressively worse, fast. The foot swelled up so big he was having trouble walking (I’ll post a photo down below). I ended up taking him to the vet and they soaked, cleaned and removed a thorn that had gotten stuck in there. They wanted to lance it to let it drain and they requested $75.00. Then, they informed me that because of extra charges it would come up to almost $400. After the surgery, a recheck was required and then they wanted to perform a fusion surgery to redirect blood vessels, veins etc. which was almost $600 or a little over. I paid for the removal of the thorn and cleaning, got pain medications and an antibiotic which was all $200. Even though the thorn was removed, it did not drain at all. I’ve done the epsom salt baths, the regular soaks, I’ve tried draining it myself. All in all, I’ve already spent almost $500 for my duck and I’m stumped on what else to do other than continuing trying to drain it myself. Now he has bumblefoot in the other foot which I’m managing just fine with, that is not getting any worse. I’ve done a lot of research on how to control that. Any advice on lancing ducks feet at home? Where I could drain it myself at in the foot? Anything would be much appreciated. Cluts is a very good boy who lets me do anything, I think he knows I’m trying to help him. I should mention that now it’s been a few weeks of trying different things, this is my last resort. I don’t know what else to do. Thank you.
This photo was from the original swelling, it still looks the same size.

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC. Did the vet perform fine-needle aspiration on the swelling to determine if there is a present infection underneath? What antibiotic was the bird started on, and for how long?

Unfortunately, draining abscess is harder in birds than dogs, and cats, as in birds the material underneath the swelling tends to be hard, unlike in dogs/cats where we might be able to make a small incision and squeeze loose fluids out. Being that the swelling is so large, making such a large incision would be dangerous without proper materials, and possibly inhumane for the bird.

 

[HaileyRegelmann]

Welcome to BYC. Did the vet perform fine-needle aspiration on the swelling to determine if there is a present infection underneath? What antibiotic was the bird started on, and for how long?

Unfortunately, draining abscess is harder in birds than dogs, and cats, as in birds the material underneath the swelling tends to be hard, unlike in dogs/cats where we might be able to make a small incision and squeeze loose fluids out. Being that the swelling is so large, making such a large incision would be dangerous without proper materials, and possibly inhumane for the bird.

Thank you! I do not believe that he performed that fine-needle aspiration task. I’ve had Cluts on 6.7ml SMX oral, given every 12 hours for about 3 weeks. I also have him on 3.3ml Meloxicam for pain. The swelling is quite hard, I have realized that as well. Cluts is acting fine and he does walk from time to time. He still enjoys swimming or soaking in the Epsom salt but even getting the swelling down a little bit would help immensely.

 

[Isaac 0]

Thank you! I do not believe that he performed that fine-needle aspiration task. I’ve had Cluts on 6.7ml SMX oral, given every 12 hours for about 3 weeks. I also have him on 3.3ml Meloxicam for pain. The swelling is quite hard, I have realized that as well. Cluts is acting fine and he does walk from time to time. He still enjoys swimming or soaking in the Epsom salt but even getting the swelling down a little bit would help immensely.

I understand your past problems with veterinarians, but is there any chance you might have another one near that may be able to see your bird? I think the best prognosis for the bird would be first determining the underlying cause of the swelling (whether infection, granuloma, etc), and having a C&S done on the fluid sample to narrow down the bacteria type, and which antibiotic would be most effective.

Starting the bird on antibiotics, but not thoroughly cleaning/lancing the infection out of the swelling would likely prove ineffective. For an abscess, both would be done in conjunction.

 

[Mother-Hen-Michele]

you poor dear, I have no advice, but you have my most sincere prayers in your difficult time.

much love to you both