hils78 Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 I have a slight problem. My silkie Slayer isn't well. She really can't walk too well - its like she's drunk & her legs aren't doing what they should be. I've been away over night & as they are in a 5ft x 2ft hutch she' hasn't been out to get attacked or anything. I am a vet nurse & have been in touch with my boss (who has said - well what do you think?). I've checked for a broken leg but can't find anything. Can such a young chicken have a stroke? - Help any ideas. I can get her any drugs she might need tonight just all out of ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 One of my chooks, Custard, has recently been off her legs too - started out looking drunk and then wouldnt stand at all. I took her to the vet who thought it could be Coccidia - a single cell organism that lives in the gut as this can cause them to be off their legs - she took stool samples - maybe you could do this with your chook? As it was Custard didnt have coccidia but was put on a course of Baytril and i was told to hope for the best. After a few days i saw no improvement so added two drops of Metacam to her Baytril for 4 days and she has improved no end. I dont think we will ever be sure what was wrong with her but as long as she keeps up her current improvement im happy. You could try these drugs if you think they will help. Dont over do it with the Metacam as its quite powerful and you will need to withdraw eggs too. Is Slayer eating and drinking well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted July 6, 2008 Author Share Posted July 6, 2008 Slayer is drinking & eating when the food is brought to her (she's not laying yet so no egg withdrawel needed!). i've just spoken to the person where Slayer came from & she thinks its something called 'Seahorse Condition' which is basically a trauma to the head which causes fluid on the brain. Silkies heads are dome shaped (same as Poland fowl) with little skull to protect the brain. Apparantly the tauma can have taken place weeks or months previously and onset can be any time. http://www.browneggblueegg.com/Article/HoleInHead.html I've been advised to give her 24 hours & if things don't pick up its PTS. But I am very tempted to try baytril & Metacam....thanks for the advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 Dont give up on her - what do you have to lose of you try the Baytril & Metacam? I was advised to give up on one of my chooks twice but with good nursing & TLC she is back to her usual self and enjoying chookie life to the full Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted July 6, 2008 Author Share Posted July 6, 2008 I will def give it a go = I've got Baytril in now & will give her a dose tonight. I'll have to get the metacam tomorrow, I've read vit B &E supps really help.... Watch this space.! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 will be thinking of her x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted July 6, 2008 Author Share Posted July 6, 2008 poor Slayer she's fine if her water & food is infront of her & will eat & drink by herself. I'm not going to give up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 Hope the Batryl works for Slayer. I just found this in the FAQ section which may be worth a go alongside the medication. http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19828 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 Poor girl. I hope she improves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 HenWatch - calcium deficiency is an interesting thought - can you buy limestone flour anywhere other than off the internet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 I get mine from an equestrian shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 I'll go upto the farm after I've done the school run, do you get garlic powder from there too? I now have VERY distant memories of giving my ancient horse garlic powder! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 do you get garlic powder from there too? Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 Well after a dose of baytril & the BIGGEST helping of grit Slayer appears to be less wobbly. I've got limestone flour coming on weds so I think between us we've cracked it . I am going to have to tell my boss all this (bloomin vets) and get him clued up on chooks! We're by no means out of the woods yet but def on the mend. Thank you everyone for your great help. XXX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted July 8, 2008 Author Share Posted July 8, 2008 Slayer really not too good today. I've given her all I can time & treatment I possibly could have done including being kept warm infront of the tv (other than the limestone flour which arrives tomorrow). I think I'll give her till this evening & if she has continued to downhill I think I'll have to have her PTS. Its horrible to see - even when I put my 'work head' on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Poor thing. You will know when the time is right. If she has no qualtiy of life, it might be kinder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
