Urgent - Duck with abscess

[Golden Egg]

My duck was mauled by a dog and sustained minor injuries. Now she has a green lump under her skin at the site of injury. Should I lance it at some point? If so, when? Help! She seems to be feeling okay.

 

[GranmaEm]

Abscesses need to be drained. And that means properly. If you make just a small hole with a needle, it will get plugged up again.

The time to drain is when an abscess fluctuates - wiggles. Sometimes an abscess is tense and won't. A hardish lump, with a clear border can be felt then. A cut (just through the skin - you need to be careful not to go too deep) big enough to allow you to get a gloved finger in to wiggle around will let all the pus drain properly if it's big. If smaller, a slit is better than a small round hole.

If she's not running a fever, this is usually enough. If there are other symptoms, you need to give antibiotics too.

 

[Golden Egg]

Thank you!

 

[Neffer1167]

Abscesses need to be drained. And that means properly. If you make just a small hole with a needle, it will get plugged up again.

The time to drain is when an abscess fluctuates - wiggles. Sometimes an abscess is tense and won't. A hardish lump, with a clear border can be felt then. A cut (just through the skin - you need to be careful not to go too deep) big enough to allow you to get a gloved finger in to wiggle around will let all the pus drain properly if it's big. If smaller, a slit is better than a small round hole.

If she's not running a fever, this is usually enough. If there are other symptoms, you need to give antibiotics too.

I know this is bit old but…..my ducks abscess is pretty large like baseball size. I will drain it….i work for surgeons so I do have a clue and I got antibiotics for her but I need to keep her clean right? The flies are crazy this time of year