Single hen

[gemschooks]

Hey guys

 

I seem to have two of my girls a little under the weather. All have been laying very little for last few weeks but wasn't too concerned. BUT - I've been worried re Carmela for a while because she's very fat compared to the others and she has a noticeable waddle. Today she has a very dark purple comb and other sites say this can be indicative of heart disease - do I need to sign her up for weight watchers ASAP??

 

Adriana (the often sickly one) is hunched and puffed up again and seems to be feeling sorry for herself. For her this is sometimes a sign of her inflammatory condition flaring up and i give her some anti-inflammatory. But it seems a little different this time, as she usually has less control of one wing. She also has very watery white/clear poo. I'm wondering if worms may be the issue?? I have given that preventative stuff but do have flubenvet in the cupboard which i could give today.

 

Any ideas what might be going on??

 

many thanks

 

x

Edited April 9, 2009 by Guest

[Egluntyne]

From your description of Carmela's symptoms, it sounds as if she has peritonitis, which causes an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, leading to the increased girth, waddling gait and 'bluing' of the comb, as there is internal pressure to the heart and the vessels leading to it.

 

She needs to see a vet, but tbh the treatment is usually just palliative and the long term outlook not fantastic.

 

I'd be inclined to worm Adriana. But as you will be taking Carmela to the vet, why not take Adriana along for the ride?

[gemschooks]

ok thanks eglutine- have managed to get them in the vets this morning - will keep you posted!

[gemschooks]

well not a lot clearer - vet thought peritonitis to begin with, but xrays suggested not and so now awaiting results of excess fluid, which coupled with yellow legs may suggest liver disease They have given baytril for both girls anyhow.

 

lets hope they pick up on baytril - it seems to do the trick for lots of girls!!

[theherd123]

Oh it does sound like you've had quite a 'full on' day!

 

One of my chooks had very yellow legs but was as fit as a flea but with other symptoms it obviuosly indicates other worries.

 

Did the vet give an injection of Baytril and then some to syringe into their mouths?

Im sure they will pick up soon, as you said lots of girls respond to Baytril.

 

Do keep us posted.

[Egluntyne]

Good luck.

[gemschooks]

oh dear. the girls don't seem to be picking up much - even on baytril. I've got addy on metacam now as well and they are all getting flubenvet. Addy is still puffed up and now seems to be off her food. Have tempted her with grapes and spaghetti which she has eaten luckily. None of them are laying and their combs look dry and flaky today. Gosh, aren't they a worry

[gemschooks]

Hi all

 

just to say thanks for all the advice and support. Sadly, despite my best efforts over the last few weeks Adriana died in my arms this morning. She had remained isolative, with tail down and over the last few days had diarrhoea and very little appetite. Took her to the vets this morn (I booked the appt at 8.30am but she died shortly afterwards), but I'm not a lot clearer.

 

Vet examined Carmella too, and doesn't think a contagious thing is likely. Looks like Adriana was just more susceptible to viruses because she was bottom of the pecking order. I really will miss her, she had such a lovely disposition and since she was often poorly, I feel I had the strongest bond with Adriana. I do hope there is a chicken heaven.

 

Thanks for all your advice and sorry there isn't more to learn from poor Adriana's illness.

 

best wishes

[moochoo]

So sorry to hear about Addy. You did absolutely everything you could for her and at least she had her freedom with you. Hope Carmella starts to improve after the Baytril as you say they are a worry.

[Egluntyne]

Sorry to hear it.

[buffie]

I am so sorry to hear your sad news. The symptoms sound like ascites, associated with heart problems. There was nothing you could have done.

 

Hugs

 

Buffie x

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Very sad to hear about Adriana . It sounds like you did everything you possibly could .

[gemschooks]

first Adriana, now Carmela. Carmela was seen by the vet yesterday and he thought she looked well, today when i got home from work i found her in the nesting box panting and straining. Brought her in and gave her baytril, water and a bath, but she deteriorated quickly and was dead within the hour. ???? peritonitis as she looked huge this afternoon, but the xray a few weeks ago suggested not.

 

This is just so so horrid. The sudden downturn in health is frightening to see, and makes you feel so helpless.

 

I just hope I did the best for her. I'm beginning to question my nursing skills somewhat.....

[Hens@HalfMoonLane]

Really sorry to hear about your 2 hens.

[Karen & co.]

I'm so sorry to hear you lost both of your girls it sounds like you did everything you could for them.

 

Karen x

[Egluntyne]

Sorry to hear about Carmela. Don't question your nursing skills, they were very ill and you did all you could.

[sandyhas3chucks]

I feel just like you, what if, etc. doubt doubt doubt.

It's awful

[Cooks]

I am so so sorry