Hi,

I am a vet but am by no means a duck/bird expert.  I do however have access to Veterinary Information Network and this is what I found....hope that helps.  Feel free to call me at Kaibab Vet Clinic with any questions.  I'd be more than happy to try and find an answer.

Good luck,

Monet Martin

 
I just cut and pasted...hope you can deciphor....

"Eddie" is a 2-week old Pekin duck. He's housed with one other duck. The owner's had him since March 31st. About 4 days ago he had a sudden onset of this floppy-necked posture. The other duck is fine, as are the chickens that are eating the same starter formula crumble diet. No hx of metal exposure.

On exam the only problem is his floppy neck--limbs are normal. Stool sample negative for parasites and clostridial bacteria. Owner declined other diagnostics at this time. Does this still fit the pattern for botulism?

If so, is there really any treatment? He's eating and drinking well.

Thanks,

Lorelei
 

Judith Vinson on 04/11/2007 12:48:48 pm ET

>>> The other duck is fine, as are the chickens that are eating the same starter formula crumble diet. <<<

Is this a starter formula for chickens or for waterfowl? (consider nutritional concerns)

 )

Judith

Dr JP Vinson MS DVM
Pets Paw Animal Hospital, Inc.
Conroe, Texas
www.petspawtx.com

G. Lynne Luna on 04/12/2007 0:36:10 am ET

Signs are consistant w botulism, but where'd he get it? Does he have access to a pond or other area w decaying vegetation?

G. Lynne Luna, DVM, MAM, ACPV

Lorelei Cuthbert on 04/12/2007 0:58:35 am ET

That's what's weird--no such history. I've tried to get ahold of the owner to see what starter formula the duck was on but couldn't get her today.

The owner is going to try to make a neck brace out of pipe foam for him.

Any other suggestions are welcomed.

Lorelei

G. Lynne Luna on 04/13/2007 0:21:12 am ET

If it is botusilm, the only thing that helps is supportive care until the toxin wears off...

G. Lynne Luna, DVM, MAM, ACPV

Brian Speer on 04/14/2007 5:33:35 am ET

You may want to boost this chick with multivitamin B complex - just because.

Some of those chick starters have amprolium in them, which in part acts by binding B vitamins. Thiamin and possibly B6 deficiencies can result in abnormal CNS signs in young poultry..

Here, with young emu chicks, we would also supplement with Vitamin E/Selenium as well; with this type of presentation.

Brian Speer, DVM
avnvet@...
Diplomate, ABVP, ECAMS
Certified in avian practice

--