March 22: Duck Surgery

I have a delightful update (I think/hope) to our duck's bumblefoot situation. 

First of all, on Sunday's episode of "Says You", one of the "Bluffing" rounds featured the word "Bumblefoot." Two of three contestants on one team have to come up with a fake definition for the word (while the third person has the real definition). All three definitions are read and the other team has to try to guess which definition is real. I very very rarely already know the definition of the Bluffing round word (most of them are super obscure) so it was an amazing coincidence that we not only knew the exact definition of this word, but we had an example of it in our very own backyard. 

Secondly, after our epsom salt soaking yesterday with Midna, [Warning: this part contains slightly graphic and gory descriptions] I was able to pry out the "kernel" out of the bumblefoot sore. It is basically a hardened mass of pus from the infection. It popped right out like all the videos I watched of "home duck surgery for bumblefoot", and lots of gross pus came out with it.... which is exactly what was supposed to happen. It was disgustingly delightful, and I hope that now her foot may begin to heal since so much of the infection has been removed. 

It is definitely challenging to be a duck mom, but also incredibly rewarding. I'm learning new things every day, and I try to care for them as much as I can. I like the feeling of helping my animals and being the "vet" of the household (this kind of stuff really grosses out my husband; I'm thankful he's able to tough it out and just hold her down so I can do the dirty work). I don't mind doing what I have to do; the worst part is trying not to hurt the animal I am helping. I know that sometimes pain is required for healing, but it almost kills me inside when I think another being is suffering, especially one of MY beings. 

Here's hoping that the procedure we did today is helpful for Midna, that we continue to see successful healing, and that she is back to normal (sans bandaging on her webbed foot) soon.

With delight,

♥Jamie