How long can frounce go untreated before it becomes fatal?

Frounce, caused by the protozoa Tritrichomonas gallinae, can lead to serious health issues in birds, particularly in raptors. If left untreated, it has the potential to turn fatal within a relatively short time frame. The correct answer reflects that symptoms can persist and progress over a period of about 10 days before the condition can become life-threatening. After this time, the bird's health deteriorates significantly, making timely intervention essential.

The other options suggest longer time frames, but in reality, immediate medical attention during the early stages of frounce is critical to prevent severe health consequences or death. It’s a reminder of how swiftly untreated illnesses in birds can escalate, underscoring the need for vigilant care and prompt veterinary action when symptoms arise. Understanding this helps in making informed decisions about the management and treatment of affected birds in practice.