HELP — Acute Duck Sickness (Lethargic, Sleepy, Separating from flock, shivering)

[Miss Lydia]

Best thing is to research so you can talk to the vet about your concerns when you go back. She didn't think you should do tube feeding even though she isn't eating much?

 

[Galaxyfalcon]

She said to keep an eye on her and start tube feeding if we notice she hasn't eaten for 24hrs. We've actually been seeing her appetite coming back a bit day by day so unless she has a relapse I think we might be okay for now on the feeding part. I just wish we had a solid diagnosis of what caused her to get so sick in the first place.

Today she scarfed down on duck pellets and peas for a bit so that's a HUGE improvement compared to just a couple of days ago.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Very encouraging. The antibiotic must be helping..

 

[KaleIAm]

I've had my ducks tested for heavy metals several times - so I know there is a blood test available to see if they are affected. My vet told me that sometimes when when metal doesn't show up on an x-ray the metal item can have dissolved in their body and harm them. If they have high levels of metal in their blood chelation therapy is recommended. My ducks came back with no metal each time, so I never treated them for it.

I'm very happy to hear that your duck is feeling better!

 

[Galaxyfalcon]

I've had my ducks tested for heavy metals several times - so I know there is a blood test available to see if they are affected. My vet told me that sometimes when when metal doesn't show up on an x-ray the metal item can have dissolved in their body and harm them. If they have high levels of metal in their blood chelation therapy is recommended. My ducks came back with no metal each time, so I never treated them for it.

I'm very happy to hear that your duck is feeling better!

I may ask her about this on our next visit just to see what our options are. She didn't do a blood test yet so that might be a good idea.

Thank you for all the support! I'm glad she's doing so much better. We kept her inside again last night with a friend and they went out early this morning and she's really happy to see the flock again. Still separated for now from the boys so she doesn't get too much "attention" from them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sounds so good to hear she is doing so well.

 

[Galaxyfalcon]

Hey all just wanted to give a (hopefully) final update. It's been a bit now and Herman is back outside full time and seems to be doing quite good. Lots of energy and a hearty appetite. I'm wondering if she had some kind of infection and the antibiotics really helped her out. She's been laying eggs and doesn't seem to be having any issues with the metal which we're thankful for. I've been keeping a pretty close eye on her and she seems to be doing well. It's a bit hard to compare her to the other girls since she's older and also a bit "unique" so she takes naps a little more frequently than her 'duckling' girls do but I might chalk it up to her just be almost 3.

The boys have been really randy, so we've been alternating who has outside time between the "adult" drakes and the "duckling" drake pair. Herman doesn't like to duckling drakes but she likes hanging out with her adult boyfriend's so she enjoys coop-days with them and they seem to like having her with them (less pacing "we want out!").

Since we had such a big scare we've been a little more protective of her. She seems to be doing quite well, loves eating peas and found a love of meal worms again. Been laying eggs for a week or two now. Hopefully no more problems!

Just wanted to update!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Great news!!