How do you think antibiotics are best administered?

[DucksOhio]

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.

Sorry about your disability. That sounds tough. I really do appreciate your help and advice. If I can get this down, life will be a little easier.

 

[KaleIAm]

Sorry about your disability. That sounds tough. I really do appreciate your help and advice. If I can get this down, life will be a little easier.

You've got this. Just like everything you have to learn how to do it.

I cried the first few times I medicated my birds. I sat right down in their poopy straw and cried. They needed their medication and they spit it out. I wasn't sure how much they had ingested. I was alone, too, and couldn't get them to take it. Now it is easy peasy.

 

[DucksOhio]

You've got this. Just like everything you have to learn how to do it.

I cried the first few times I medicated my birds. I sat right down in their poopy straw and cried. They needed their medication and they spit it out. I wasn't sure how much they had ingested. I was alone, too, and couldn't get them to take it. Now it is easy peasy.

You seem like a really remarkable person.

 

[Miss Lydia]

When I give liquid meds I use the method in @casportponys link. Wrapping like a burrito really helps to keep those wings flat against her body I done it straddling them with my knees on each side. And also wrapping and holding between my knees while sitting. That came after I got more proficient at it.

 

[DucksOhio]

When I give liquid meds I use the method in @casportponys link. Wrapping like a burrito really helps to keep those wings flat against her body I done it straddling them with my knees on each side. And also wrapping and holding between my knees while sitting. That came after I got more proficient at it.

Thank you Miss Lydia. It’s great to hear these wonderful suggestions. I always have so much appreciation for people who can share their “been their, done that“. this forum has been a life saver for me.

 

[KaleIAm]

Well my duck was very tolerant and her tail feathers are looking as good as I can hope for!

It turns out that I gently slide my left thumb between her top and bottom bill to pry it open. Then I leave my thumb on the top bill and index on the lower bill under and on the other side.

I used to work for an exotic vet - it was about 15 years ago. When handling animals he told me, "if you control the head you control the body." I often remember that. Of course emotions are involved when it is your own pet. But if you control the head the body can't leave. So gently, firmly, hold on to her head.

Also the vet often used a soft kitchen spatula for opening mouths. Like one you would use for getting sauces off a bowl. I've always been able to use my fingers for ducks, but if you are having difficulty maybe you could use one to open her mouth and then switch to your hands.

Sorry the photo is dark. Hope it clears up any further questions. Good luck for tomorrow. I know you can do it!

 

[KaleIAm]

I hope you had a better medication day today.

 

[DucksOhio]

I hope you had a better medication day today.

I am so thankful for your advice. I did exactly what you suggested, but still with some failure. Like you, I also sat in the poopy straw and cried.

She’s going in tomorrow morning to the vet. At this point I expect that she will need some surgery to remove the infection. My DH thinks she should be put down. This is not an option for me.

Liquid medicine will be in my future, as it has in my past. I will practice more.

and, as you mentioned, I’ll get better with administration of oral medicine, I’m not a quitter.

GB you, KaleIam...your experience and details are wonderful and I wish we were neighbors.

 

[KaleIAm]

I am so thankful for your advice. I did exactly what you suggested, but still with some failure. Like you, I also sat in the poopy straw and cried.

She’s going in tomorrow morning to the vet. At this point I expect that she will need some surgery to remove the infection. My DH thinks she should be put down. This is not an option for me.

Liquid medicine will be in my future, as it has in my past. I will practice more.

and, as you mentioned, I’ll get better with administration of oral medicine, I’m not a quitter.

GB you, KaleIam...your experience and details are wonderful and I wish we were neighbors.

I also give my ducks every chance at life. I'd love to be your neighbor as well.

Have you tried giving capsules/tablets orally? Even without tomatoes I find it easier/faster. I trim my index fingernail very short, open her mouth, and slide the medication down the side of her mouth and into her throat. I've even had a compounding pharmacy make capsules for me for a medication that only came in liquid because I find it so much easier. You do have to put your finger down into the ducks throat a little, but I just remind myself that they eat slugs bigger than my thumb for fun. I take a breath, do it, and it is over.

 

[DucksOhio]

That’s worth a try! Hell, they eat frogs!