AUG2013_OLD MILL VET SURGERY PET OF THE MONTH
Patch gets a patch
Patch had a rough start in life! Shortly after hatching, this tiny Muscovy Duck acquired a nasty eye injury. Despite numerous attempts to treat the eye, it began swelling up with glaucoma. It was time to remove the eye as it was painful for Patch and he had also lost vision in that eye.
The owner agreed that the eye needed to come out and knew that Patch would need very special care afterwards, as he would only have half his vision.
Removing a ducks eye is very tricky surgery and only done as a last resort. The eyeball is about 5 times bigger than what it looks to be and there are risks of infection, bleeding and losing sight in the other eye as well.
Patch recovered well from the anaesthetic (which can be particularly difficult in ducks!) and the surgery, and, after a week of healing in the ‘penthouse suite’ inside the family home, he is now back with his mates in the pond.
If you have any avian friends that need the experienced care of an avian health professional, please call the Old Mill Veterinary Surgery on 3425 2222 to ask how we can help your feathered friends.
