Please, need help IMMEDIATELY. (Snapper attack)

[Luminide]

This afternoon, around 4, I heard one of my ducks going nuts. Ran outside with reinforcements and found him sinking down between some cattails. Thinking it was just some pond plant around his foot, I waded out there and upon lifting him up found a massive snapper attached to his side. The thing let go immediately, but took a sizable chunk out of him, just alongside his left thigh.

Duck is a pekin, (estimated) 10 weeks old. Muscle and body cavity does NOT seem to be punctured and there was little blood, but there is absolutely no skin to stitch back over it. The wound is about the size of an average person's fist.

Five hours have passed since the attack, it is now 9:20. The wound's been soaked, slathered in storebought antibiotics and wrapped. He has lots of energy, and even tried to chase the other ducks in a panic. Drinking alright, but not eating at all (odd for any duck). He seems in extreme pain. Panting and can't get comfortable. Is there anything at all I can do for him at home? The vet is not an option tonight, they're closed. I tried looking into herbs for pain relief. Some rosemary in his water didn't seem to help too much.

Absolutely any advice would be terribly appreciated.

 

[Amiga]

I wish I could help with some kind of pain medication or herbal suggestion.

Glad you got him away from the snapper.

I reckon he is in shock, and ducks will not eat if that is the case.

I would get him into a quiet clean spot away from the others, with lots of fresh water, and some food available.

You did well to apply antibiotic. It does not have painkiller, I hope, as that is said to be toxic to ducks.

See if the information in this thread helps you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...llet-attacked-by-a-raccoon-and-in-need-of-aid

 

[Luminide]

After reading your post, I rushed to go read the label. Luckily, no, it has no pain reliever. It's just general topical triple antibiotic, though Basically off-brand neosporin...for future reference, is that toxic even if only applied to the skin?

Shock is definitely a strong possibility.

My mother, a nurse, just took a look at him. Apparently some certain lining has been cut...she can see his liver or something. Working toward convincing me he needs to be put down now...With his energy level, i'm not entirely sure if that's necessary or not.

Thank you for your post and link.

 

[Amiga]

Ducks have remarkable ability to recover. That is not a promise or a guarantee, but I would give him a chance. I am not a nurse.

Go with what you feel is right, but do consider giving him a try at recovery.

I found this link referring to pain management and ducks http://www.duckrescuenetwork.org/DRNBoard/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=54&t=168

And I would start considering an oral antibiotic to head off systemic infection from the wound.

Keep him away from flies, whatever you do.

 

[Miss Lydia]

And get rid of those snappers, I sure hope the lil one makes it. There is a product called Veterycin it comes in a spray used to treat wounds and infections. Really great stuff, like Amiga said keeping him quiet and where flies can't get to the wound is best for now.

 

[Nebraskagirl]

Yeah Vetercyn is great! My uncles uses it on everything from cattle, horses to their dog. How is the little one doing? Can you post some pictures? (I know, it would be graphic, but it would give us a better understanding of what is going on.)

 

[Luminide]

The wound was too deep. He was struggling to get comfortable and ripped the last bit of skin holding him together. Had to be put down that night.

thank you for your help and concern, though. hopefully I can use this information if a more shallow bite ever occurs.

 

[Miss Lydia]

The wound was too deep. He was struggling to get comfortable and ripped the last bit of skin holding him together. Had to be put down that night.

thank you for your help and concern, though. hopefully I can use this information if a more shallow bite ever occurs.

So sorry

but I hope your working on getting rid of those snappers.

 

[Deleted member 94844]

This afternoon, around 4, I heard one of my ducks going nuts. Ran outside with reinforcements and found him sinking down between some cattails. Thinking it was just some pond plant around his foot, I waded out there and upon lifting him up found a massive snapper attached to his side. The thing let go immediately, but took a sizable chunk out of him, just alongside his left thigh.

Duck is a pekin, (estimated) 10 weeks old. Muscle and body cavity does NOT seem to be punctured and there was little blood, but there is absolutely no skin to stitch back over it. The wound is about the size of an average person's fist.

Five hours have passed since the attack, it is now 9:20. The wound's been soaked, slathered in storebought antibiotics and wrapped. He has lots of energy, and even tried to chase the other ducks in a panic. Drinking alright, but not eating at all (odd for any duck). He seems in extreme pain. Panting and can't get comfortable. Is there anything at all I can do for him at home? The vet is not an option tonight, they're closed. I tried looking into herbs for pain relief. Some rosemary in his water didn't seem to help too much.

Absolutely any advice would be terribly appreciated.

Didn't read to the end of the thread... I'm so sorry. RIP.

The Pekin we saw with the top of her head ripped off... the vet cleaned the wound and dressed it with medicinal honey. Not regular honey, it is highly bioactive and better than some antibiotics. Vet said they would just keep the honey on it until the skin grew back. You could literally see her entire skull.