WI have a sick duckling. Please help

[casportpony]

I took your advice and put a towel down instead of shavings. This is not her permanent home. I have her temporarily sucluded from the other ducks because I wasn't sure if what she has it contagious. This started yesterday, sunday,the 14th. I started giving her an antibacterial drinking solution and a vitamin and electrolyte mixture. Since she is having trouble drinking I am administering through a dropper. I'm hoping this works. Later this afternoon if she seems to gain any strength I will try to put her in the pond with other ducks and try to get her to eat that way. Thanks for all the advice.

I asked what antibiotics you're giving because some have drug interactions and it might not be a good idea to give them with certain vitamins. For example, tetracyclines should not be given with calcium as the calcium cam bind with it and make it less effective.

-Kathy

 

[Lacrystol]

If she is a lone, that would explain why she's not eating...

 

[casportpony]

Being alone *might* explain why she's not eating, but I suspect it's something more serious than just that. This is when one needs to look at all the reasons that might cause her to go off her feed *and* feet. Things I would look into would be injury, bumble foot, vitamin deficiencies, bacterial infection, coccidiosis, parasites and viral infection.

Thorough exam:

• check both limbs from toenail to hip for swelling, proper range of motion, reaction to pain, excessive heat, bruising, etc.
• check body for the same
• check inside of mouth
• check eyes
• smell eyes and mouth
• inspect poop
• get baseline weight
• check for mite and lice

Not drinking enough for more than a few days will kill her, so that will need to be addressed. @reefitz
can you post a picture of her poop?

-Kathy

 

[reefitz]

I have her out in the pond with the rest of the ducks right now. She seems stronger than yesterday. She was able to get out of the pond on her own and can walk. She is still weak but seems to be improving. Here is the pic of her poo you asked for.

 

[reefitz]

She is alone. Just til she gets better. I am afraid the others might be mean because she is weak.

 

[reefitz]

Kathy, I am giving her sulfamethazine sodium antibacterial drinking water solution. And durvet brand vitamins and electrolytes. According to the package it includes vitamin b-12 and niacin amongst a bunch of others. Is this combo ok? She seems to be improving.

 

[Lacrystol]

She is alone. Just til she gets better. I am afraid the others might be mean because she is weak.

Can you at least give her a stuff animal or a mirror for the time being.

 

[reefitz]

I gave her a stuffed animal last night. Don't know if it helped.

 

[Lacrystol]

I gave her a stuffed animal last night. Don't know if it helped.

Give her time to get used to it. How is she doing is she drinking yet. Have you tried to put her in a warm bath to see if that will get her to do the dunking, cleaning and possibly start drinking better??

 

[reefitz]

I am willing to try anything. I started with an antibiotic and a vitamin and electrolyte supplement. She seemed to get better but than the progress stopped. I am now giving her a b complex through a dropper. Doesn't seem to be helping but it's only been 3 days on the b complex. Does anyone know how the b complex will take to help if that is indeed what's wrong.