Wood Duck head and eye injuries

[jadasmith99]

Okay, so my two females completely beat up their male. He has lost many of his helmet feathers, one ear is exposed, and both eyes have suffered damage. The left eye isn't as bad as the right...the nictitating membrane appears to work and his pupil dilates and contracts. The right eye, however, is completely covered over and the flesh all around the eye has been damaged and feels hard to the touch. Feels scabby. I don't feel any noticable heat anywhere. He cannot see anything on the right side as the eye is completely closed and covered over with something...infection perhaps? I don't have any experience with this kind of injury and I'm really nervous about treating his eyes.

He has been separated from the girls. He's kenneled and in the house removed from all activity to help him stay calm. He's not tame and gets pretty jumpy when nervous. He's drinking and eating so far so I don't think we're beyond hope. I would love to see him recover, at least with vision from one side. I'm prepared to put him down but only if it becomes absolutely beyond a doubt necessary.

So, I made a mild saline solution to use to clean him up a bit but honestly, I was scared to death to touch his eyes. I did rinse him off and applied a little triple antibiotic ointment around his injuries. I'm not the least bit sure what to do next! That's where you come in...any direction will be genuinely appreciated.

I was able to get a pretty decent photo...now i just have to figure out how to post it! I'll work on that awhile.

 

[jadasmith99]

Looks like this....

i'm so tired and not sure if i'm doing this right! crossing my fingers.

 

[kimb]

I'd do what your doing (with the saline & Triple Antiobiotic in areas that aren't going to drip down into the eyes) and treat with oral antibiotic for 7-10 days in case there is infection &/preventative for infection...

There might be something better for eyes that the vet might recommend, but I'd probably wait to see if what your doing is working - but if he does get worse - I'd call the vet and at least ask if they have any suggestions.

Poor little guy he must've said something pretty rude

... no need to PTS unless you feel he is suffering ... give him the benefit of the doubt - wood ducks are hearty little things! ... ... lots of TLC will go a long way

 

[jadasmith99]

what kind of antibiotic do you think i should look for? so, since he's been cleaned up a bit, would you put the triple antibiotic ointment over the infection? it doesn't really make sense to flush and use ointment...i haven't wiped b/c i thought it would be too incredibly painful and might cause even greater damage.

you're right about the last resort..i'm just trying to come to grips with the possibility. i've never done it and i hope to never have to do it!