Duck with Broken Beak

Re: Duck with Broken Beak

Emma Purnell — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:49:25 GMT

We did, I have a lot of wine to buy - my two colleagues both stayed without being asked and we started his op at 7pm, he passed away at 11pm. They stayed the whole time and I couldn't have done it without them.

He was a very special duck, I had had him since he was 2-3 days old and he was a big character. Will be very much missed. Was all worth it to try.

Re: Duck with Broken Beak

Celine — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:11:55 GMT

Oh bless you Emma, it sounds like you guys did all and everything you could for him, when so many people would never have tried. Hugs xx

Re: Duck with Broken Beak

Emma Purnell — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:05:37 GMT

It was a single side fracture of his lower beak. I called a local exotics referral who were wonderful, we anaesthetised him and xrayed him, then one of the vets made a makeshift external fixator to hold the beak in place to hopefully give it time to heal. Unfortunately, at 11pm last night, my beloved Malcolm passed away on recovery having never really come round properly.

As gutted as I am, we have learnt so many more techniques we never would have had the chance to try, and I know we did our best.

Thank you all for your help - I know I can always rely on the VetNurse team.

Re: Duck with Broken Beak

A Little TLC — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:41:52 GMT

We have :) Like everyone said, depends where the fracture is. We have has results with all sorts, but mainly pinning. If you get pics, ping them over to us mail@sttiggywinkles.org.uk

Re: Duck with Broken Beak

Mark Hedberg — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:58:51 GMT

Check with Mark Rowland on vetsurgeon.org - he's very good at exotics and quite happy to offer advice.

Re: Duck with Broken Beak

Mark Hedberg — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:56:18 GMT

[quote user="Selena (Hypnorm) Carnell VN"]Depends if it is upper or lower, sometimes they will need wired to heal. I didn't think that a ducks beak continually grew? So the break wouldn't grow out.

[/quote]

I'm happy to be corrected - went back to my book and you are right. I apologize. All birds aren't the same! Really will depend on how the beak is broken!

Re: Duck with Broken Beak

Selena Carnell — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:34:59 GMT

Depends if it is upper or lower, sometimes they will need wired to heal. I didn't think that a ducks beak continually grew? So the break wouldn't grow out.

Re: Duck with Broken Beak

Emma Purnell — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:28:11 GMT

I know, I am having pretty major issues with that myself.

Finally getting the owner to bring the bird to me now so I can see what I am facing, I reared this boy myself from a couple of days old so he will be nursed without too much stress, I just hope it is a fracture we can at least try with.

I will try to get pictures if it is possibly managable, will let you know either way.

Thank you for trying - when it is one of my babies thinking straight is not a strong point!

Re: Duck with Broken Beak

Mark Hedberg — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:21:42 GMT

Bit difficult without a picture - that said, beaks do grow like fingernails, so if it's just cracked, might just tape it and let it grow out!

If it's broken clean through, feeding and nursing and time might be the way to go. Blood supply is something to think about as well.