MedusA Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 (edited) Hedwig, our chicken of fate has had wobbly legs since she arrived about 6 weeks ago. Two days ago they seem to have stopped working altogether. When we try to stand her up, they make horrible grating noises and she wimpers. We have an appointment with our chicken vet this evening, but am I right in thinking there is little that can be done for chicken arthritis? I don't want her to suffer in pain if there is nothing to be done. She is an older bird (at least 4 years old) and I imagine she has not been given much in the way of supplements or limestone throughout her life. Sadly, it might be the time to let her go, unless any of you can suggest anything that can be done. I feel very emotional about this as we thought she had turned the corner since she came to us. Her appetite had improved greatly and she was pottering about the garden. She had a really good day about 3-4 days ago and yet now is only able to drag herself about. It's heartbreaking. I'm giving her a day of love and treats, in case (as I suspect) it is her last. Edited May 31, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 I'm really sorry to hear this, your poor girl. I'm sorry to say I really don't know, never come across it before, and so can't offer any advice. Wishing you all the very best at the vets and please do let us know how Hedwig gets on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 well happy to say I can oblige here. One of my newer chooks, was released DEC 6th, held back cos she was off her legs, has deformity, and old injuries, hardly hobbled more than about foot or 2 before I had her (new what I was getting) Well went to see my vet on day 2, Has arthritis. Prescribed Metacam. 2 days later and oh my the improvement, she is improving day on day. Sure there is a post on her her. CUTIE. Anyway the latest is she hobbles wobbles flaps about can turn around too. She is on a reducing dose as long term it is not good for them. Also homeopathic remedies DO help too. Got another one with lots of old injuries and damaged air sacs and one broken leg fused overlapped has one leg shorter than other. Both are better on both than nothing although the warm /hot days are better than the wet ones. Do hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted May 31, 2009 Author Share Posted May 31, 2009 (edited) Thanks for the replies guys. Useful to know about Metacam for the future, Sandy, but unfortunately, not in this case. Sadly, when I took her to see Lesley, my all-knowing chook vet, she felt that Hedwig's inability to walk was related to kidney disease affecting the nerves to her legs (although there was a bit of arthritis too). She felt that this was probably just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, and at her advanced years (I finally found out from my friend that she is in fact 6, not 4 ), the kindest thing to do would be to let her go. It's taken me until now to be able to post this. Sweet chicky dreams little Hedwig. We didn't have you for long, but you will stay in our memories forever. Edited to add two pics of her: When she first arrived. On her last day with us. Edited May 31, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Sorry to hear it MedusA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 So sorry to hear it MedusA, it's always so tough losing our wee feathery ladies. RIP Hedwig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathybc Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 so sorry to hear about your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 oh dear I am very sorry... It IS just the pits, we all know how you feel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
