Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Sick Mute Swan
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 9 November 2012
In Response To: Sick Mute Swan (Astrid)

Hi Astrid The first indicator of something being wrong is not eating. You need to get her to an avian preferably waterfowl veterinarian immediately. A full blood chemistry panel needs to be conducted to see if she has an infection. If so the vet will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic. If there are heavy metals in your area or someone has used an insectide pesticide herbicide or fertilizer she may have been poisoned. A toxicology screen may be needed. Failure to go into water could be scared of predator or having been chased by a tertitorial swan or inability to get dry or warm. In any case she needs to be examined by a veterinarian. Appetite can be induced through tube feeding and administration of vitamin B-12 which the vet can prescribe. Tube feeding should only be done by a veterinarian as improper procedures can choke her. Failure to eat could also be caused by a throat or other obstruction. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Sick Mute Swan -- Astrid -- 9 November 2012
Re: Sick Mute Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 9 November 2012