Penguin seems sick

[SolarDuck]

I just went out to check on Puffin again and she is just laying in a nest without any eggs in it which is very unusual behavior. She came out and she is still eating and drinking, but her left eye was crusted shut. What could this be a symptom of?

I am bringing her in for a epsom salt bath and i will set her up inside for the night

 

[Miss Lydia]

I sure wouldn't let her drink the water she doesn't need to get dehydrated which ES can do if they drink it. Maybe just rinse her eye out with a warm salt water rinse and for go the bath. I'd def keep her in so you can make sure she is eating and drinking. How does her poop look today?

 

[Canadian Wind]

You talking to poor Penguin in that video was so heart-wrenching!

A few of things, and someone please correct me if I got the info wrong:
First, the expiration on most medication is not true. It's put there for government regulations, and is usually way before it loses any efficacy so as to get more sales.
Second: Antibiotics, from what I have heard and read several places, are one of the few medications that become stronger as they get older, so you may want to go easy on it instead of more.
Third: Also from what I've read and seen, ducks can be carriers of Bird Flu, but do not become ill to it.

If Puffin is also showing signs of something, I'm fairly sure it's some sort of virus, especially with the crusty eyes.

I'm sorry you are all going through this terrible time. Hopefully, they can figure something out for you tomorrow! Please keep giving us updates, and know that even though we aren't physically close, we are here supporting you all with our hearts! *hugs*

 

[SolarDuck]

I sure wouldn't let her drink the water she doesn't need to get dehydrated which ES can do if they drink it. Maybe just rinse her eye out with a warm salt water rinse and for go the bath. I'd def keep her in so you can make sure she is eating and drinking. How does her poop look today?

Yeah I just put her in the salt bath for a few minutes while setting up an area for her, now she's got a big bowl of plain water and she is drinking it. I saw puffin poop a somewhat unusual poop that was completely white and sort of stringy, and penguin pooped in the tub and hers was mostly brown and green with a little bit of white. Do you think it is a good idea to do the 4 month expired antibiotics Lydia??

 

[Canadian Wind]

Keep the poop and bring it in to the vet tomorrow!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Your taking them to the vet in the morning why not wait till the vet see's them because most likely they will put them on antibiotics I would think so anyway. I have expired antibiotics too and will use them if I need too. I've heard they lose some potency is all.

 

[SolarDuck]

Your taking them to the vet in the morning why not wait till the vet see's them because most likely they will put them on antibiotics

I am just so worried she will not make it to the morning. She is hanging in there now but I really don't think she can get any worse without actually dying

 

[Miss Lydia]

What is the antibiotic? If she is going downhill then go ahead and give her some. Are you putting vitamin water in with them?

 

[SolarDuck]

What is the antibiotic? If she is going downhill then go ahead and give her some. Are you putting vitamin water in with them?

Yes she has some water with nutri drench and some plain water. The antibiotic is trimethoprim it was prescribed to Pigeon before she passed but I never got a chance to use it for Pigeon. I am not sure if she can go down hill anymore she is already at the bottom of the hill she hasn't really moved since 9pm last night and she is just laying there struggling to keep her eyes open

 

[Miss Lydia]

You can try but in her state of decline how do you plan on getting it in her? You have to be so careful of aspirating.

I am so sorry this is happening I know how much you love your ducks. It's so hard to see them struggling. I say do what you can.