runner duck - sudden onset inability to walk and neck spasms?

Teresamd · Nov 11, 2013

I am unsure of the duck's age. It is a female. She was fine yesterday. Then today she could hardly swim in the pond. Once we got all the ducks out of the pond, she could not walk up onto shore, I had to wade out and get her. She acts like her neck is spasming, she pulls it back and sometimes up, and I can feel the muscles tighten. She seems to "wince" when this happens (she closes her eyes and kind of jumps).

She has not eaten much but is drinking a ton of water. We brought her in the house as the temperature has dropped and it is snowing. Massaging seems to help her relax the neck some and stretch it out. There is a certain spot on the neck that if you "squeeze" the vertebra she relaxes and lays her head/neck fully stretched out. Her poop is green.

I have given her some vitamins and Pedialyte. We have no avian vets near us. I just want to make her comfortable, find out what is possibly wrong, and treat her until I can find somewhere to take her.

If I left any information out that y'all think is important....please ask me. I am new to ducks and new to forums but want to be a good duck mommy. Thank you in advance for your help.

Teresa

Eggcessive · Nov 11, 2013

You might look up avian botulism or limberneck on Google to read some info. Usually a molasses or epsom salt flush is done to get the toxin out of the system quickly.

Teresamd · Nov 12, 2013

I did wonder about that, but wouldn't one of the others also show symptoms? They are a flock of six. I did try to give her Epsom salt water last night and she took a little. Today she seems to be having trouble swallowing. How can I get it down her? Thank you very much for your response! It's much appreciated.

Eggcessive · Nov 12, 2013

I am a chicken person who knows nothing about ducks. Be very careful about choking her because one of the symptoms is paralysis of the breathing muscles, and although drinking the epsom salt flush is important, she may aspirate. There is a lot of info online. Some recommend antibiotics, but some sources say they don't do much. Keep posting to let us know how she is doing. Here is one source I found: http://www.avianweb.com/botulism.html

Teresamd · Nov 12, 2013

Eek. So confusing! However, the more I read about botulism...I don't think that's it, but don't know. Closest avian vet is over four hours away. I was wondering if benadryl would help? Saw on here that you can give ducks 1/2 ml every 24 hours. Honestly, if I don't try it I'm afraid she won't make it anyway... . Thank you again.

casportpony · Nov 12, 2013

You could try tube feeding her. Do a search for "go team tube feeding" that thread has two good links on how to tube. You should also look up Duck plague and wry neck, see if any of those symptoms fit.

-Kathy

Suzie · Nov 12, 2013

You can also try posting this on the "duck thread"... or maybe pm Miss Lydia... she has a wealth of knowledge on duck issues... there is also a specific "Runner Duck" thread that may be able to help you too.....

Good luck!

Eggcessive · Nov 12, 2013

How is she doing? I'm not sure about giving benadryl. The taste is kind of bad, and it might be more prone to make her choke. I also don't know why it would do any good since it is an antihistamine. It seems many can recover from botulism if they make it through the first stages of it. Here is another reference with info: http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/pou...sickness/overview_of_botulism_in_poultry.html

Teresamd · Nov 12, 2013

Well, so far Sweetpea is holding her own. She is comfortably resting on a nice bed with water and food within easy reach. Still not walking and acts like her neck is spasming. She must have gotten enough epsom salt to help as she has soaked the bed several times (I swear she grins when I have to change it). She is drinking a lot still but has eaten a bit this evening! YAY! She has been moving her right leg, although not a lot any movement is an improvement to me. I have done what I call physical therapy with her....massage, helping her stand, etc....as long as it didn't seem painful to her and she didn't cringe we did it. I am not sure what this is or how to treat it but she seems to be feeling a bit better as she has even quacked at me this evening...... So thankful for everyone's comments! I will have to get a picture of her posted, she is a gorgeous gray/white runner...We are keeping our fingers crossed and our eyes on Sweetpea.....wish us luck that she will continue to show signs of improvement. I don't know how to make the lil guys dancing and smiling on here but I would if I could as well as a heart for all of you!!! Teresa