@Amiga and @Amykins, do you think putting coconut oil on the feet and ACV in the water would help at all? Amiga reminded me about coconut oil and all the amazing things it does. ACV is a natural wonder as well. Just thinking out loud.
If danfitz doesn't have a large animal vet or small animal avian vet, maybe the coconut oil and ACV might be a good place to start?
Danfitz, first let me say, when my duck was panting, I forgot everything I'm about to say. You always do when it's your own. Rest assured I'm speaking in a "duh, why didn't this occur to me(!)" tone, not schooling you.
I sold pharmaceuticals to vets for 10 years and worked for a small animal clinic while in college. One of the vets was a bird nut. He even saw patients that were referred To him from the University vet school! There were more pet cockatiels, parakeets, macaws, cockatoos, parrots.... you name it, than I ever thought possible.
The majority of the larger birds can snap things like broom handles in two when they don't want you messing with them. Unfortunately, not only do their nails continually grow, their beaks do too. Then there's the wing clipping! Eek! The smaller birds have to deal with this too and most owners like their fingers, hence frequent trips to the vet.
Since you're new to the area, you could start with a pet store that sells those types of birds, call small animal vets and ask FIRST if they deal with those birds, or can tell you who does. Don't lead off the conversation saying you have a duck, just ask about parrots, parakeets and macaws, then you have em hooked. Heh heh. If the vet deals with THEM, our duckies who don't have that type of bill strength, will be a breeze! Lol.
Lots of times, if the person answering the phone hasn't seen a duck come in, it sounds weird to them and they say no. (I say that as someone who has answered the phone, so no one take offense. None meant at all)
I called on several vet clinics that had birds in their offices. All of the vet schools have small and large animal clinics that take referrals and see regular patients. You may find a vet willing to refer you if you're close to a school or the situation gets dire. Many community colleges offer vet tech degrees and will see anything. Plus, you can always walk in and stare at the receptionist out of desperation.
People don't realize the larger birds can live to 80(!!!!) if well cared for, so you have to have someone prepared to take them after you're gone! Lots of birds get handed to vets from that fact alone. A vet won't specialize in birds without really loving them and would probably see a harmless duck as a learning opportunity. Tech programs usually want their students to see every type of animal possible.
If you have a dog that gets groomed, see if your groomer has an idea about vets to call. If you get really desperate, kennels may know.
Frankly, if some stressed out breathing from my little duckie freaked me out, I'd be a blithering idiot if their webbing started eroding! I completely feel for you!
This has been longed winded, but I just wanted to help in about the only way I can. I figured knowing some background from "behind the scenes" may be of benefit.
Always remember, they can't take your birthday away for asking. Lol
