Sluggish, Possibly Bloated Duck Question

[casportpony]

Thanks again. We so appreciate any opportunity to learn!

Internal or external pimple-like bumps?

Sorry, my bad, internal.

 

[DrHawkeye07]

I think it's also good too keep in mind that this could have been just a minor, self-limiting ailment. Sometimes its easy to jump to conclude its the worst-possible problem. As the saying goes in human medicine "when you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras."

If she seems back to normal, then I would keep a close eye on her. Keep tracking food and water intake, poop color and behavior.

 

[chickens really]

I'm my opinion she might just be a little over weight..

 

[casportpony]

I think it's also good too keep in mind that this could have been just a minor, self-limiting ailment.

True, it could be.

If she seems back to normal, then I would keep a close eye on her. Keep tracking food and water intake, poop color and behavior.

Good advice, and on top of that I would still do the exam, get a baseline weight on her and send an email to the vet.

It's been my experience that hens can feel pretty crappy after laying eggs like that and some times it is just a one off thing, but sometimes it can the sign of a something serious.

 

[3bird]

Sorry, my bad, internal.

No worries! Thank you!

 

[3bird]

I think it's also good too keep in mind that this could have been just a minor, self-limiting ailment. Sometimes its easy to jump to conclude its the worst-possible problem. As the saying goes in human medicine "when you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras."

If she seems back to normal, then I would keep a close eye on her. Keep tracking food and water intake, poop color and behavior.

Of course, but here I was asking for more for the reasons stated at the outset (i.e., we're at the weekend with a snowstorm inbound, which means getting to the vet will become more difficult if the situation worsens), so I'm appreciative of any and all feedback/advice.

Big picture, and speaking for myself, I don't think knowing and considering the range of possibilities from "no big deal" to worst case scenario is ever a bad thing in any situation. As a former (people) medic, I like to go into a assessment/triage situation with as much information at my disposal and then start systematically eliminating possibilities. As such, I really appreciate @casportpony 's detailed advice here and elsewhere because she has a lot more experience and she helps me learn and become more knowledgable.

@DrHawkeye07 's advice is, of course, on point as well in terms of observation. We spend a lot of dedicated time with our birds on a daily basis, so we know them pretty well, and you can be sure we'll be keeping a close eye on Martha. We will update if the situation changes.

Thanks again to everyone for your help and well wishes!

 

[3bird]

As

I'm my opinion she might just be a little over weight..

She absolutely not an overweight bird. ;-)

 

[chickens really]

I don't think knowledge is ever "doom and gloom." I was asking for the information I received for the reasons I stated. It's how one acts on the knowledge which may be what you are getting at, and rest assured, we take a very thoughtful and pragmatic approach.

I'm only saying that in most cases it's simple and as you reported the Duck is fine or is it now suffering more?
Best of luck..

 

[onaharley]

I am not sure how much this will help you but I just back from vets. Breathing sounds are great, no mention of her retaining water, but she does have a reproduction infection and inflammation. Was given chloramphenicol pills 250mg twice a day and Rimadyl (liquid form 1.5 ml) twice a day. Both meds given for 14 days.

I need to up the protein and beta carotene in her diet. She recommends scrabble eggs(not hers but another flock members eggs) cooked in coconut oil. Carrots and sweet potatoes for the beta and lots more Vitamin A intake too.

 

[3bird]

I am not sure how much this will help you but I just back from vets. Breathing sounds are great, no mention of her retaining water, but she does have a reproduction infection and inflammation. Was given chloramphenicol pills 250mg twice a day and Rimadyl (liquid form 1.5 ml) twice a day. Both meds given for 14 days.

I need to up the protein and beta carotene in her diet. She recommends scrabble eggs(not hers but another flock members eggs) cooked in coconut oil. Carrots and sweet potatoes for the beta and lots more Vitamin A intake too.

Thank you so much for sharing. Please keep us posted. Did the vet say the infection and inflammation are related to the deficiencies in her diet?