Help. Duck Wound

[Theocfarmgirl]

Hi there. I have a Pekin duck that I discovered has a pretty significant wound on his back. He walks with a limp so I'm thinking maybe a pressure sore which has gotten worse. I work in a small animal clinic as a veterinary assistant so currently have him on amoxiclav and meloxicam until I can really figure out whats going on. Would love to hear thoughts on what ya'll think I should do next.

*Warning Pretty graphic!*

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to our community!

Could you trim some of the feathers around the wound, and post some more pictures? I'd start off by flushing the area with some chlorhexidine, or diluted down betadine, once some of the debris and gunk has been washed off, apply a generous coating of an antibacterial ointment. I prefer Preparation H ointment as it increases the respiration content in the epithelium promoting fibroblasts growth.

I'd also do a thorough check on the rest of her body for signs of injuries, bruising, etc.

Is the duck eating or drinking? If not, do you have SQ supplies and fluids, or puppy stomach feeding supplies?

Ducks don't do well on metal, could you lay some towels down for her? A heated pad underneath the towel would likely be beneficial.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Make sure you keep it clean and keep him inside. Ducks are resilient

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Welcome to our community!

Could you trim some of the feathers around the wound, and post some more pictures? I'd start off by flushing the area with some chlorhexidine, or diluted down betadine, once some of the debris and gunk has been washed off, apply a generous coating of an antibacterial ointment. I prefer Preparation H ointment as it increases the respiration content in the epithelium promoting fibroblasts growth.

I'd also do a thorough check on the rest of her body for signs of injuries, bruising, etc.

Is the duck eating or drinking? If not, do you have SQ supplies and fluids, or puppy stomach feeding supplies?

Ducks don't do well on metal, could you lay some towels down for her? A heated pad underneath the towel would likely be beneficial.

Very good advice

 

[Theocfarmgirl]

Thank you! Yes we are eating and drinking. We started a clip and clean this AM but we were getting rather stressed so left him for the afternoon. I was kinda thinking along the lines of a wet bandage. The wound seems to be drying up pretty quickly? Will definitely post some clearer pictures. My biggest concern is that I think the tissue is necrotic...

 

[Theocfarmgirl]

Thank you! Yes we are eating and drinking. We started a clip and clean this AM but we were getting rather stressed so left him for the afternoon. I was kinda thinking along the lines of a wet bandage. The wound seems to be drying up pretty quickly? Will definitely post some clearer pictures. My biggest concern is that I think the tissue is necrotic...

He does also have blankets in the kennel but keeps dragging them around the place

 

[Isaac 0]

Thank you! Yes we are eating and drinking. We started a clip and clean this AM but we were getting rather stressed so left him for the afternoon. I was kinda thinking along the lines of a wet bandage. The wound seems to be drying up pretty quickly? Will definitely post some clearer pictures. My biggest concern is that I think the tissue is necrotic...

That's great that he eating and drinking, but what I'm concerned about, is if its enough. To be sure, I'd start weighing him on a gram scale to track his weight, and if he loses around 5% after that time, he should have some sort of supplemental feeding done.

Any necrotic tissue, I would try to remove with a scalpel and scissors as best as I could until I reach healthy tissue. You may wait to do this once she's stabilized more.

If you apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound, that *should* keep it moist enough, there are several reasons we tend not to use bandages in birds. They can restrict oxygen flow to the wound affecting the fibroblasts, they can create a environment for flies to lay there eggs, and lastly if applied incorrecting it can cause tissue edema, and irritation.

They can be beneficial in some cases though.

 

[Theocfarmgirl]

That's great that he eating and drinking, but what I'm concerned about, is if its enough. To be sure, I'd start weighing him on a gram scale to track his weight, and if he loses around 5% after that time, he should have some sort of supplemental feeding done.

Any necrotic tissue, I would try to remove with a scalpel and scissors as best as I could until I reach healthy tissue. You may wait to do this once she's stabilized more.

If you apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound, that *should* keep it moist enough, there are several reasons we tend not to use bandages in birds. They can restrict oxygen flow to the wound affecting the fibroblasts, they can create a environment for flies to lay there eggs, and lastly if applied incorrecting it can cause tissue edema, and irritation.

They can be beneficial in some cases though.

Thank you so much for all the advice! it is greatly appreciated! I will definitely keep you updated on progress!

 

[Isaac 0]

Thank you so much for all the advice! it is greatly appreciated! I will definitely keep you updated on progress!

Please do!

 

[Isaac 0]

How is she doing?