richardrichard Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Hi there I have been asked to look at a hen that is unwell to pick her up she feels VERY heavy like the weight of 3 hens combined she walks improperly her legs are splayed the comb has developed black spots today her lower half seems swollen thought she was eggbound daily hot baths have not been helping what can I do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Is she eating? How're her poos? Sadly, it sounds like a possible peritonitis case - I think you'll need to take her to the vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardrichard Posted April 26, 2011 Author Share Posted April 26, 2011 thankyou for your reply you are very kind what is peritonitis? the others seem ok & protective of her is she going to die? feels like she has like 10 eggs inside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardrichard Posted April 26, 2011 Author Share Posted April 26, 2011 sorry to answer your questions she eats a bit but not much at all which is odd as she seems very fat she will not scratch but watches the others sits down a lot tail down she went for a poo earlier and it seemed normal, as normal as it may ever be to watch a chickens backside closely & intently.. whatever is wrong with her it seems to hurt her to breath I have no idea the costs involved in helping her ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 I don't know how much it will cost, but she sounds very poorly and I really think she needs to see a vet. It does sound like possible peritonitis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Not good news Peritonitis is a collection of fluid in the abdomen. Often it's caused by eggs being layed internally or it can be from a tumour or liver disease. The vet can drain some fluid off which makes the hen more comfortable but unless you can remove the cause the outlook is bleak. If they are laying internally then an expensive hormone injection can prevent ovulation and lasts about 8 months. You really need a vet's advice about whether she is suffering and if anything can relieve symptoms. Sorry Costs: consultation is about £12 - £25. Antibiotics about £12. Draining - no idea. Hormone injection - £50? maybe Euthanasia at vet has cost me £0 - £26 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 My costs are similar to those Plum quoted. When we took our boss hen, Kiki to the vet with suspected peritonitis, we had an additional gut infection to deal with. The reason I asked about the poo incidentally is that frequently the poo with peritonitis can be squitty and very smelly (and goes all over the hen's backside). Our local vet charged: £12.50 per consultation, £30 to drain the fluid, £55 for the hormone and fitting. If your girl gets antibiotics, they'll cost about £8 for a week's worth. We had Kiki put to sleep (PTS) after exhausting all available options (draining x 3, multiple antibiotics) - it seemed to work for a while but she suddenly took a turn for the worse while the hormone implant was on order. In her last day she struggled to move, and spent half of her time with her eyes closed, every now and then she was flinching. We were gutted to have to do it, but she was in pain and I couldn't let her suffer. What I'd do if I were you is take your girl to the vet and ask if he thinks she can be helped - it may well be that draining her, giving her appropriate antibiotics and anti-inflammatories (metacam?) may help her feel much better; as Plum says though, it can and usually does come back - realistically you'll still need the hormone injection for her. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
