Injured Indian Runner

[memandthebirds]

I believe my Indian Runner was attacked by an owl that tried to carry him off. He has a big patch where his feathers and some of his skin has been ripped off and he has a puncture about half the size of a pencil eraser and maybe a quarter of an inch deep right below where his wing rests on his ribcage. Really he's more of a pet and I care for him deeply and would hate to have to put him down, I just want a second opinion.

Since the attack, he's also been acting like he's dizzy and can't stand. I checked both legs and neither are broken, but he falls to the right when he stands. I'm worried he may have a spinal injury.

I want to know if I should just put him down or if I'm wrong and there's hope for him.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Ducks are tough little creatures. Give him a few days and keep the wound clean. I would spray Vetrecyn sp? On it. And wait a little while.

 

[memandthebirds]

Thank you so much.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Keep us posted on his status.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How is your Runner this morning? Have you washed the wounds good?

 

[memandthebirds]

I washed the wounds and none seem to be too deep. He's been drinking a lot of water, but won't really eat for me. He's still having trouble standing and walking, but he has gotten up to reposition and moved around a little.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Usually after an attack they are in shock hopefully that will wear off soon. if you have some poultry vitamins like Nutri drench you can add some to his water to give him a little boost while he's in recovery. Hopefully he'll soon feel like eating. Did this happen at night or during the day?

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Try cooked macaroni with a little corn oil on it. Goes down easy as a treat. Give him some time, I think he will be ok. Keep giving us status reports. I would give it 7-10 days to be close to normal.

 

[memandthebirds]

Usually after an attack they are in shock hopefully that will wear off soon. if you have some poultry vitamins like Nutri drench you can add some to his water to give him a little boost while he's in recovery. Hopefully he'll soon feel like eating. Did this happen at night or during the day?

I think the shock has mostly worn off, he's back to quacking when I walk into the room. It happened last night.

Try cooked macaroni with a little corn oil on it. Goes down easy as a treat. Give him some time, I think he will be ok. Keep giving us status reports. I would give it 7-10 days to be close to normal.

I dropped some of his food into the water and he gobbled it up. He wouldn't stop picking and plucking, so I wrapped him up with sports bandages so he can't get to it. And I've got him in a dog carrier next to my bed for the time being.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Sounds very good. Be sure to unwrap him ocaisonally to get some air to the wound so it will dry. You are doing a great job! He is lucky to have you.