Possible gapeworm/parasite/paranoid mom?

hschisel

Chirping
Dec 30, 2019
30
163
99
Boise Idaho
So our newest addition, Gertrude, might possibly have gapeworm, or some sort of parasite. I also could just be totally paranoid. Both of our ducks sleep indoors. Ferdinand is a diaper duck, but Gertrude is still young and small and doesn't fit into the diapers very well yet, plus she is still growing her feathers, so it's probably super sensitive and I don't want to hurt or stress her out. For now she has a pee pad down, with that natural almost like shredded paper towel kind of bedding used for hamsters or whatever. It does a really good job at absorbing anything that she rockets out at night, and keeps the smell from taking over! I digress..

A few weeks ago she was in for the night, and she was coughing a little. It sounded like she had a dry throat, or maybe even a piece of the bedding in there that she was trying to get out. I gave her some water and she seemed ok for a while. Later on that night she did it a few more times. She hasn't been coughing as of lately, but when she comes in at night and is relaxing, she looks as though she is outstretched and panting like she was super hot and tired (see attached picture). It's definitely not the case with the current weather tho. Her poo has also made me a bit nervous. It's either like the picture that I attached, or it's 'the 7th poo' that is loose and smelly enough to peel paint off the walls!

I need some advice. Does anything look worrisome in any of these pictures? I have diatomaceous earth that is spread everywhere, so they eat it when they forage and whatnot. I was thinking of getting a wormer liquid, but I don't want to give them anything like that if it's not totally necessary. What are your thoughts?

UPDATE: shortly after getting them to bed this evening, she started coughing a bunch! It sounds like she's coughing up a loogie 😝 before she went to her bed, she was at the neater feeder grabbing a few bites of their pellet food and some water. I saw her shake her head and neck like she had something stuck in it. I'm almost positive now that she's got the gape 🥺

We are going to take her and one of her poos in to be checked this morning. I didn't sleep a wink last night. I was like a new mom listening to her baby breathing all night!
 

Attachments

  • 20210508_212640.jpg
    20210508_212640.jpg
    403 KB · Views: 27
  • 20210508_211524_HDR.jpg
    20210508_211524_HDR.jpg
    303.6 KB · Views: 11
  • 20210508_211545_HDR.jpg
    20210508_211545_HDR.jpg
    303 KB · Views: 9
  • 20210508_205757_HDR.jpg
    20210508_205757_HDR.jpg
    248.9 KB · Views: 6
  • 20210508_211628_HDR.jpg
    20210508_211628_HDR.jpg
    262.6 KB · Views: 15
Last edited:
I asked for this to be moved to the "ducks" section just because you're likely to receive more help. A staff member will probably move it for you. I'll tag some members that will have some information for you. I wish you the best.

Your duck is beautiful!!!
 
I asked for this to be moved to the "ducks" section just because you're likely to receive more help. A staff member will probably move it for you. I'll tag some members that will have some information for you. I wish you the best.

Your duck is beautiful!!!
Oops not sure what I did wrong. I thought I posted it under the duck section 🤷🏻‍♀️ thank you!
 
Oops not sure what I did wrong. I thought I posted it under the duck section 🤷🏻‍♀️ thank you!
I believe it was posted under one of the sections, "other....." At least that's what caught my eye and I was hoping to get someone that will be able to offer you some help. Hopefully some of the duck experts will be along in the morning. I know you're worried as I would be the same.

I know this was posted on a chicken thread, but I found this regarding gapeworm
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/help-gasping-hen.328429/post-4013168

Post #7 by Chris09
 
I also think it is a good idea to take her in. to see a vet. I thought my duck had gapeworm once and she had aspergillosis.

Regarding intestinal parasites, I don't recommend treating for them without a confirmed diagnosis via stool test. I asked my vet about that before, and they told me it contributed to parasites becoming immune to antiparasite medication. That's definitely not what we want!

Please let us know how your appointment goes. 💖
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom