4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Tweety]

Sadly my lovely Bluebell died this afternoon. She had been suffering from a respiratory infection, was on Baytril and had been seen twice by the vet. She was worse this morning, so I took her back to the vet this afternoon and they gave her an injection of steroids as a last resort, as apparently it can sometimes do the trick. However, she died in the car on the way home from the vet.The vet did mention that if she didn't pull through, I might like to consider the possibility of having a post mortem as her symptoms were unusual - as well as a temperature and respiratory infection, she also had a white discharge from her rear end.

 

Bluebell was one of a flock of 23, from whom she had been isolated since she became ill, and I have been watching the others very carefully for any signs of illness, but so far so good. The vet says he is not worried as the others seem to be ok at the moment, and that it is my decision. I would have to take her to Liverpool University Vet faculty for the PM, which would cost bewtween £60 and £100. I don't know what to do, and would be grateful for any advice.

 

Although I would like to know what the infection was, I'm not sure that knowing the cause of death would help if any of the others got it. The vet said that they had exhausted all possible treatments for Bluebell, and would have had to put her to sleep if today's injection didn't cure her, so I'm not sure if there is any point to a PM. My feeling at the moment is not to have a PM, and to hope and pray that none of the other hens become ill. If there were any further illness and deaths, then obviously I would reconsider.

 

A very sad Tweety.

[welsh sarah]

ah very sorry to hear about your poor bluebelle, you can be reassured that you did everything you could have.

 

i am with you and the post mortem i think it will not be a benefit for you and very costly.

 

i think you would be helping the university with their research and you picking up the tab maybe.

 

thinking of you

sarah

[Happy chickens!]

You don't say where you are, but you mention Liverpool - if near Liverpool, the vet school Leahurst is on the wirral - don't know if their students could do autopsy for you instead.

 

You sound like you've taken as many precautions as you can so hopefully you've seen the end of it whatever it was, fingers crossed for you.

[Scramble]

Sorry about Bluebell

 

When one of my Dad's friends chickens died and the vet asked to do a Post Mortem, he said he wasn't sure as he didn't want to have to pay anymore but the vet told him it would be free as they were just curious as they don't get many chickens, just cats and dogs

 

Tbh if the rest of your girls are okay, I'd spare the money!

 

Good Luck, Whatever your decision

 

((hugs))

[Seagazer]

I had a post mortem done on my cat when she died unexpectedly and to be honest I wish I hadn't. It was inconclusive so didn't prove anything and it was very costly. I think mine was a knee jerk reaction.

 

I should just keep a very close eye on your girls.

[Guest]

I agree with the concensus. If you find that (God forbid) the infection is going through your flock, then it might be worth it, but if time passes and none of the others seem affected I think you should just put it down to one-off bad luck. I do think that vets are sometimes a bit naughty about things like this. In commercial circumstances I don't think there would be any question of offering a PM for the death of just 1 bird. It is a good idea to offer the opportunity to the Vet School though.....

[MariaB]

Sorry to hear your sad news.

 

Our Daphne was sick earlier this year with breathing problems and unfortunately we lost her. We came home to find her laying in the garden gasping for breath. We have a very knowledgeable chicken man who lives down our road and he did a PM on her and she had a growth in her throat which caused the problem.

 

To be honest I don't think I would have paid for this though. None of our other girls got sick but I guess it depends what Bluebell had wrong with her. Not sure this really helps but thought I would reply

[Tweety]

Thank you for your replies everyone. I have decided not to have the PM as I just don't see that it would serve much purpose. I'm watching my other girls very carefully, and hoping that they will be ok. I can't believe how sad I feel at losing Bluell - I had no idea that hens could mean so much.