How to debride

[Redbirdacres]

Good morning.

I have a pekin duck with a severe case of fly strike under the wings (all across her back). It seems maybe she got a wound or scratch that the flies got into and has spread. Unfortunately I havent been around as my father was in the hospital, then me, then dad again and then he passed.

I have her isolated and have (mostly) a plan to take care of her today but I don't know how to debride that necrotic tissue. Is there a guide? We do not have waterfowl vets in the area.

 

[DemeterAD9]

I would probably hold her in the sink or shower and use the spray function and warm water to gently remove as much as you can, gently rubbing with a soft cloth. Use a bit of baby shampoo or similar gentle soap if you must. Be sure to let it dry before applying wound spray (blu kote or similar).

If it is a gooey wet mess then you need to try and keep it dry to prevent more maggots. Good luck and sorry for your loss.

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you have any pictures? Have you gotten all of the maggots off? Saline (2 tsp of salt per quart of warm water) can be used to soak off the maggots. You can use a large syringe or a turkey/meat baster to flush the wound. Then apply plain neosporin to the wound. If maggots are still present you may want to spray her area with permethrin spray or apply SWAT for horses. If she is really suffering, it might be best to put her down.

 

[Redbirdacres]

Thanks for the replies. She passed in my arms after doing her first soak and getting the maggots off.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Maggots and flystrike are deadly. They take advantage of soiled vents and wounds in hot weather. Fly control and picking up droppings, as well as keeping bedding dry and fresh as possible are helpful.