Something caught in duck's throat...?

[RebinNH]

Hi! I am concerned and wonder if it is time again for a vet visit. My muscovy drake sounds "funny". He normally hisses about his day but as of yesterday he has started to have a high pitched (if you can imagine) hiss. He goes "huss, huss, clunk". I tried to massage his throat and gave him some Nutri-drench last evening and again today. He seemed to like it and dipped his head in the cup. After seeing him today eat what ever is below some wood chips, and then cough, I'm thinking it is a piece of wood. Should I rush him in or is there something I can do first. Don't even know if they'll see him or have me wait days, as they are always so busy. Behavior, including eating and pooping so far normal.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I don't think he's choking if it's still going on today. Have you checked his throat with a flashlight though?

Sorry I'm not too familiar with duck health issues. @Miss Lydia @Quatie

 

[RebinNH]

No maybe not but he did cough when he was trying to dig with his beak for whatever is below those chips and the sound is still there. I will go out later this afternoon and check.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I don’t see how he could have anything stuck if he’s eating and drinking with out a problem. Did you notice him having difficulty swallowing

 

[RebinNH]

Yes, a bit. Today, he ate and then coughed a bit, instead of taking water before that could happen. I always have water for them very close by (2-3'). He also was nosing (beaking) around in the wood chips again and stopped and coughed. Someone was here and he noticed it as well. I tried to look down his throat but that's really hard to do, as I am behind him holding him and cannot get to his mouth to open and take a look.

 

[Quatie]

If it something like a wood chip, I would think a vet would be the best at removing. You can potentially use like a catheter tube to dislodge into it's crop, but that would likely cause more harm them good.

 

[RebinNH]

Right. I am still observing but will call the vet tomorrow and see what they say. Most likely they will say bring him in. The question is how concerned will they be. I am hesitating because it seems intermitant.

 

[Quatie]

It could now just be swelling from having something rough stuck in its throat. But if something is still stuck you will want it taken out. You may be able to feel it if you feel his throat again. If not, my guess it is just swelling at this point, but I am not a vet so I can't say for sure. You could try aspirin or ibuprofen.

Does the crop shrink over night? Impaction would be another worry if swallowed wood chunks. But if his crops is not hard and is still going down each night, that is unlikely.

 

[RebinNH]

I'll check again first thing in the AM but I think I've heard it more in the AM. I am able to feel his throat (he's got no problem with me doing that) and have not felt anything. I am not sure what the crop is. Is it the area right after the head?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Info on crop
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/duck-mouth-anatomy.1217288/#post-19444985