How do you think antibiotics are best administered?

[casportpony]

Hold head like this:

 

[KaleIAm]

I am having a terrible time trying to get the medicine down her throat. I’ve never had much luck with oral meds for the ducks. It just drips down her neck. I’ve tried 3 times today and she really needs this medicine.

I’ve read several posts on how to this, avoid the trachea, etc. I’m getting really frustrated. I have no one to help me. I’m going to have to ask my vet for an injectable medicine.

Plus, we had a huge snow storm last night and it’s about 19 degrees out. all The ducks are staying in the barn today and they hate me.

I have to give medication by myself as well. I know it can be really hard until you get used to it. Sometimes I have to give oral meds and can't use my tomato method. Then I squat down, hold my duck between my knees to give myself 2 free hands, hold her head like in the photo @casportpony posted, and deliver the medication with the other hand.

If you have a head lamp like hikers use that can help you see into her throat and make you more comfortable.

If the squat hold doesn't make sense I'll take a photo of myself doing it tonight. I need to check my duck's tail anyway.

 

[casportpony]

@DucksOhio, how much do you have to give?

 

[DucksOhio]

Hold head like this:
View attachment 2496525

I’ve never thought of that before...how do you keep the beak open?

 

[DucksOhio]

I have to give medication by myself as well. I know it can be really hard until you get used to it. Sometimes I have to give oral meds and can't use my tomato method. Then I squat down, hold my duck between my knees to give myself 2 free hands, hold her head like in the photo @casportpony posted, and deliver the medication with the other hand.

If you have a head lamp like hikers use that can help you see into her throat and make you more comfortable.

If the squat hold doesn't make sense I'll take a photo of myself doing it tonight. I need to check my duck's tail anyway.

I have not tried keeping her between my knees. I do sit down with her and really try to stay calm. Do you keep her feet on the ground when doing this? I always feel that I’m fighting with flappy wings and kicking feet.

 

[KaleIAm]

I have not tried keeping her between my knees. I do sit down with her and really try to stay calm. Do you keep her feet on the ground when doing this? I always feel that I’m fighting with flappy wings and kicking feet.

I do keep her feet on the floor. I feel like this stresses them out less. My knees/thighs keep her wings closed.

My ducks don't like being wrapped in towels. Probably because it reminds them of being at the vet. Duck burritos make them anxious, but I know it works well for other people, so if you haven't tried that it might work well for you. I can grab them, stick them between my knees, and medicate them in under 2 minutes, so no towel needed.

I'm pretty flexible, so if you aren't maybe a small stepping stool would help assist.

 

[DucksOhio]

I do keep her feet on the floor. I feel like this stresses them out less. My knees/thighs keep her wings closed.

My ducks don't like being wrapped in towels. Probably because it reminds them of being at the vet. Duck burritos make them anxious, but I know it works well for other people, so if you haven't tried that it might work well for you. I can grab them, stick them between my knees, and medicate them in under 2 minutes, so no towel needed.

I'm pretty flexible, so if you aren't maybe a small stepping stool would help assist.

Thank You! That’s a perfect description of what I will try tomorrow morning! And holding the head up. I think Casportpony’s picture may had one finger in ducks mouth to keep open.

I’ll be less dispirited tomorrow. I want this sweet girl to get better and today was a bit of a crapshow.

 

[DucksOhio]

@DucksOhio, how much do you have to give?

Sorry missed your question. 2.2 ml every 12 hours.

 

[DucksOhio]

I do keep her feet on the floor. I feel like this stresses them out less. My knees/thighs keep her wings closed.

My ducks don't like being wrapped in towels. Probably because it reminds them of being at the vet. Duck burritos make them anxious, but I know it works well for other people, so if you haven't tried that it might work well for you. I can grab them, stick them between my knees, and medicate them in under 2 minutes, so no towel needed.

I'm pretty flexible, so if you aren't maybe a small stepping stool would help assist.

One more question...when you have the duck between your knees, is the duck facing you or away? Thank you!

 

[KaleIAm]

One more question...when you have the duck between your knees, is the duck facing you or away? Thank you!

Facing away. I have my own disability, however. My right wrist barely functions. You might find it easier to do it facing you, I have to do it with my ducks facing away because of the way my wrist and fingers don't bend.

As for holding my duck's mouth open, I think I do it with my thumb and index finger of my left hand. I'll check tonight, it is so automatic now I can't remember. And I need to check her tail for ingrown feathers anyway.