worried about BOTULISM: Duck swam in Dirty Water (with dead animals). Help

[graypes]

SO my pool cover partially blew off ( I guess today) and I came out around 4 to my female ducks alarm quacks. Sure enough her boo, the drake, was down in the 4" of nasty nasty water. There were live toads and what looked like bug larvae (the red kind) and then... DEAD DECOMPOSING MOLES..... I hopped underneath the pool cover and grabbed him (while stepping on the dry steps so myself didn't have to wade in it). I have no idea how long he was down there but knowing ducks, he undoubtedly drank that water.

I am concerned about him getting Botulism or leptospirosis. I now have him quarantined from his GF and the babies but I don't know what I can do to prevent anything. I already hosed him off... Should I call the vet and see if they'll write me a preventative course of antibiotics??? I hate to say I have a favorite, but he's it and I just can't bear to lose him (he isn't even a year old)

please if anyone has advice I'd love to hear it!!!!

 

[graypes]

should I call in the vet for an emergency tomorrow (they're closed on Sundays) and maybe bring a water sample? I'm worried about botulinum but also is coccidia a concern? leptospirosis?????

 

[Peas4Ducks]

What’s the temperature where you are? If it’s still chilly out, I wouldn’t be too concerned.

But if you want to be proactive, you could purchase some activated charcoal if you don’t already have some. You can get it at Walmart or a drugstore. If you end up not needing it, it’s still a great thing to have on hand.

 

[Peas4Ducks]

I also don’t think separating him is necessary, unless it makes you feel better to be able to keep a close eye on him throughout the night—I would probably do the same.

 

[graypes]

how much activated charcoal should I give?

It was only cold today (50ish) but its been 70-80 all week

 

[Peas4Ducks]

Here’s a link for the dosage for charcoal flushes, in addition to other kinds of flushes. I found that in this thread, which you might find helpful.

I will say—if I were in your position, I would probably wait before administering charcoal or doing anything else. There is still a good chance that your duck is and will be fine. How many hours ago did this happen? How’s he looking now?

 

[HeatherKellyB]

@Miss Lydia @Isaac 0 @KaleIAm @CoriM @WVduckchick @shawluvsbirds

 

[CoriM]

I'm sorry - that is stressful! How many dead moles? My ducks have a little pool in their enclosure, much deeper water, but occasionally a mouse gets in there and drowns and I don't find it for a day or so. They drink that water and I've never had an issue. I'm not a good resource on the activated charcoal, but I would think it's fine not to separate him - it might cause extra stress for him.

 

[graypes]

@CoriM I'd say 2-3 but they were bloated and had like a "blurry" area around them (soft tissue decomposition?) so must have been a while

 

[graypes]

Here’s a link for the dosage for charcoal flushes, in addition to other kinds of flushes. I found that in this thread, which you might find helpful.

I will say—if I were in your position, I would probably wait before administering charcoal or doing anything else. There is still a good chance that your duck is and will be fine. How many hours ago did this happen? How’s he looking now?

He seems fine but it JUST happened like 3-4 hours ago so idk how long bacteria or toxins need to start affecting?