My duckling keeps throwing it’s head back so far that it falls over

[Abi184]

The vet said there should be improvement within 2-3 days :/

 

[Miss Lydia]

Keep us updated please!

 

[Isaac 0]

Yes it throws its head back like that chicken, I have a video? I don’t know how to attach it. It has been eating and drinking. It’s only about a day old. We went to the vets and the gave something that would help in regards to a thiamine deficiency.
Thank you for replying

Yes, that's known "opisthotonos" and can be caused by many things ranging from viral to neurological damage, but with a duckling that age I would suspect a thiamine deficiency as it is a quite common symptom of it. Improvement can be seen within a few hours, but if she isn't better in a few days, take her back in as it could be something neurological, bacterial, or viral.

Of course, offer her feed and water often, and make sure the brooder is padded so she doesn't injure herself.

 

[Abi184]

Hiya,
She has been eating and drinking with the other 2 ducklings, they would be a day older than her so she’s a little smaller but she’s running around and doing everything normal like the other ducklings she just seems more off balanced and throws her head back.
Thank you for your help

 

[Abi184]

*Update on the ducking*
An improvement was seen this morning, it wasn’t throwing its head back as bad. It’s still eating and drinking and running around with the other ducklings but, through the day we noticed it was dropping it’s head down and seemed like it was unable to hold its head up, it’s balance is not great either. Should we keep it on the vitamin mix the vet gave us, I’m scared of overdosing it or is this moving more towards a possible neurological issue?

Thanks

 

[Miss Lydia]

Did the vet prescribe it for everyday? If so use it as prescribed. Wet neck can cause the duckling to also put its head down between its legs I’m pretty sure @Isaac 0. https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/how-to-treat-wry-neck-in-ducklings-and-chicks.html

 

[Abi184]

This is how the ducking is acting now . It really cannot support its own head. It’s still eating and drinking. This is it’s second day on medicine.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How can it eat and drink if it can’t lift its head. Something is def wrong with this little one.

 

[Abi184]

It’s still eating and drinking. When I can I help it just to make sure it’s definitely getting water.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What is that it’s eating? And tell us again what the vet gave.