PLEASE READ THIS!!! help for duck with spinal injury?

[moenmitz]

We have a runner duck that was injured by a predator-not actually our duck, belongs to a friend who is on vacation, we are just caring for it. He was dragging his leg, and we thought it was broken, but when we couldnt find a break we took him to the vet. They noticed a small puncture wound on his back, took some xrays, and said he has suffered some nerve damage-how extensively they cant say. He appears to have little to no feeling in his foot, though as of today (now about 3 days since the injury) he seems to be using the leg a bit more- it is not quite as limp as it was. What is of real concern is that his bowels have been affected- no poop since we found him- and he was full of poop in the x-ray. The vet said this indicates that those nerves were damaged, obviously-but whether or not they can heal, or if they can heal before he succumbs to a horrible, painful death...they cant say. Certainly, we are not going to let him suffer...but if there is any chance that waiting a few more days might allow him to recover-I dont want to end his life. So, since the vet couldnt tell me how long a duck can live before dying of constipation-(or before experiencing signifiant pain) can any of YOU? So far, Larry does NOT act like he is hurting bad...but, could just be a duck thing. He is as active as he can be confined in a dog crate-waddling around, quacking. Enjoyed his swim in the laundry sink this morning. He has not touched his food-vet said he most liekly would not, under the circumstances. Not sure if he is drinking, or just splashing in his water dish, but I have to refill it several times a day since yesterday- first day and a half he did not touch it. Any help anyone can provide I will really appreciate!!

 

[chickenbuddy]

I'm so sorry, I do not have any advice for you but I hope it gets better.

 

[pips&peeps]

I recently hurt my sacrum and damaged nerves. Which led me to have the same symptoms as this poor little ducky.

I ended up going to the ER six times in a two week span and had to have a lower GI series done to move my bowels as my nerves were not working.

My accident was 10-03-08 and I am still not "normal".

And, unless you plan on giving this duck that type of procedure, I don't think the nerves will heal in time for him not to die a painful death.

That is just my opinion.

 

[becky3086]

My first thought was for you to kill it but then I thought about it and knew I would never do that myself. I have seen too many hurt animals heal themselves and go on to live good lives. I would leave it, unless it seems like it is really hurting and see if it recovers. Animals recover from injuries a lot better than we do.

 

[moenmitz]

We have decided to put him down. Today poor Larry appears to be in pain. He is growling and hissing at me, and has been letting out horrible loud quacks all morning. His leg does appear to be being used a bit more, but we cant let him continue in what is obviously agony on the very slim chance that he might make make it. Hubby is coming home at lunch to do the deed.

 

[pips&peeps]

Sorry.