Help! Duckling with lump on neck

[HollowOfWisps]

I'm using pine flakes at the moment. It's definitely possible she ate some. They are pretty fine (not the big chunks I use for my hens)

I wonder if its an abscess. Animals can get them in their throat and cheeks when they eat things that are hard/fibrous that splinter off internally.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That's what I am wondering if it's an abscess?

 

[hannanah]

Is there anything I can do at home for an abscess? My sister is staying with me and she's a nurse. Maybe she can drain and bandage it? I don't want to cause undue suffering to my poor gal, but I'm still waiting to hear back from vets.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If she can truly verify this is an abscess then She may be able to take care of it.

 

[WVduckchick]

So many possibilities. Being so young, I assume it’s gotten bigger over the past few days? Did you hatch the duckling, or did she come from somewhere else? The pics look like she is in a brooder inside? Have you had her outside where she could have gotten into anything, or the bee sting possibility, etc?

I had one with a similar lump around her eye. The most likely theory I came up with was a straw sliver from some bedding that the momma duck pulled into the nest. Maybe your sister can tell if it could be drained, or if it would need to be surgically excised?

 

[hannanah]

So many possibilities. Being so young, I assume it’s gotten bigger over the past few days? Did you hatch the duckling, or did she come from somewhere else? The pics look like she is in a brooder inside? Have you had her outside where she could have gotten into anything, or the bee sting possibility, etc?

I had one with a similar lump around her eye. The most likely theory I came up with was a straw sliver from some bedding that the momma duck pulled into the nest. Maybe your sister can tell if it could be drained, or if it would need to be surgically excised?

She came from McMurray hatchery via USPS. So far all my duckies have been in a brooder in my shed. Weather has not been good enough to let them outside. So it's been a controlled environment. Unfortunately I can't say for sure if she came with the lump or acquired it later, but it is certainly bigger now than it was a few days ago I'll see if my sis has any thoughts.

 

[WVduckchick]

She came from McMurray hatchery via USPS. So far all my duckies have been in a brooder in my shed. Weather has not been good enough to let them outside. So it's been a controlled environment. Unfortunately I can't say for sure if she came with the lump or acquired it later, but it is certainly bigger now than it was a few days ago I'll see if my sis has any thoughts.

Hmmm that adds another level of “who knows” possibilities.
Maybe go back thru pictures, if you can, to rule out something that happened at your place.

I would guess if it isn’t better by tomorrow, then it will likely continue to get worse, without draining or excising it.

 

[hannanah]

Update: I lanced the lump with a 20 gauge needle and clear goo started draining immediately! I massaged the rest out and the lump has shrunk a lot. It went better than I expected. Got some Tylan 200. Any advice on dosing?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I think @casportpony would be the one to ask Tylan 200 dosage for a duckling.

 

[ruthhope]

I think your duck had a congenital cyst if clear goo came out.

You did well to excise it -- keep it clean and dry now

It may well fill up again -- and you can't put a compression bandage on there.

Good luck!