I'm Attempting to Heal a Duck w/ Likely Aspergillosis

[lacychappell4]

Samson is a great name. What type of duck is he?

Magpie duck here's a picture of Samson and Delilah

 

[MamaOfDewey]

Did her float therapy with the diffuser; for the first time since this began she dipped her head in the water as deep as it could go. Still no diving or flapping of wings during bath time.

Took her outside after for her sunshine and she took at least 20 steps, tried to forage but lost interest quick, did a full standing-up-high wing flap which was great to see. Walked most of the way to the door to come in.

I'll follow vet's advice and let her continue resting for the next couple weeks, but I think she is on the mend and I am so so so very happy!

She seems to love the diffuser, she always places herself right in the vapor cloud and just takes it in. That is definitely reinforcing my thoughts that the diffused oils are helping her heal from the inside.

 

[MamaOfDewey]

Magpie duck here's a picture of Samson and Delilah

omg, best names ever! And WOW, such beauties!!!!! Truly gorgeous. Kiss and nuzzle them for me. lol

 

[MamaOfDewey]

March 31 - Still not walking, but Dewey is otherwise doing pretty fantastic. She really perks up at food now, but is very selective in what she will eat. Does not want her duck pellets, but continues to eat some cat kibble, all the mealworms I can provide, and she even snatched some bread right out of my mouth this morning. lololol It was great to see that kind of spunk again. She also wanted some of my cooked carrot from a pot roast I had made, so she happily ate a 2 inch piece of that. Her mood and overall demeanor is wonderful and happy. we are still pretty much camped out on the couch while she continues to heal.

Would any of you have any insight in how much longer it may be before she is walking? The eating issue I can work around well enough with the mealworms and other things, but I would like to see her walk more than just the few steps she takes when we go outside.

 

[MamaOfDewey]

Dewey has had a lot of mealworms, cooked carrots, cantaloupe and cantaloupe seeds, bread that she happily stole from my mouth while eating. lol

But her head is now very warm and her 'brightness' and movements are muted. I'm thinking the last couple days of 'up' may be like a lot of other experiences where they 'get better before they get worse'. I don't know what else to do at this point and don't know how to help her make a turn for the better; but if anyone has any suggestions, we are here for it.

 

[MamaOfDewey]

Also, what are thoughts on at-home euthanasia if there is suffering that reaches the point of being cruel? Is that even a thing or possible? Just want to make sure I'm prepared for it all; wasn't expecting this downturn.

 

[lacychappell4]

Also, what are thoughts on at-home euthanasia if there is suffering that reaches the point of being cruel? Is that even a thing or possible? Just want to make sure I'm prepared for it all; wasn't expecting this downturn.

I am so sorry it's hard to watch our animals go through sickness. It's even harder to decide to end suffering
i am not against it but I haven't ever done home euthanasia. I had a good friend help me with mine . Mine were mauled by dogs and I was way too emotional to do it . There are a lot of knowledgeable people here that can help you to decide when and what is the best method

 

[MamaOfDewey]

I am so sorry it's hard to watch our animals go through sickness. It's even harder to decide to end suffering
i am not against it but I haven't ever done home euthanasia. I had a good friend help me with mine . Mine were mauled by dogs and I was way too emotional to do it . There are a lot of knowledgeable people here that can help you to decide when and what is the best method

Oh my gosh Lacy; I am so so so very sorry. I can only imagine how traumatic that had to have been for you. Wish I could reach through the screen and hug you tight.

 

[lacychappell4]

Any updates I am now emotionally invested in Dewey . How is she doing now any changes . I am praying for y'all

 

[MamaOfDewey]

Any updates I am now emotionally invested in Dewey . How is she doing now any changes . I am praying for y'all

Awww, thank you! I've slept with her nuzzled up on my chest the last two nights for the 'extra' love. She had some blueberries, yay!! She is still doing some light munching on the cat kibble (maybe1/2 cup a day), probably 50+ mealworms a day, likely closer to 75. Won't touch her duck pellets - even though I store them properly and they aren't old, I'm going to throw her feed away on the off chance that it has grown unseen mold / mycoplasmas and is what caused her to get sick. I'm pretty much letting her guide me on what she will and won't eat. We're going to try some salad today. Her weight is maintaining and slightly increasing, but she's at least maintaining.

No walking yet, but she did hop from the couch down to her pallet yesterday when I was in the other room. She didn't toddle after me like she normally would, but she tried. She's wagging her tale quite a bit and does stand up quite a bit. So even without the walking, there is at least that improvement. And her poops are hearty, increasing in frequency and volume, and look more typical for her.

I did a lot of reading and researching yesterday and saw that her recuperation time could be weeks or even a couple of months. That helped me feel a bit better knowing that it isn't completely abnormal that she isn't running around after 10 days. lol Thank you so much for checking in her. <3 We appreciate you.