megtree Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Poor girl hasn't been right for about 1 1/2 wks now...detriorating and I don't know what to do for the best. Her appetite is down and she spends her time just sitting now (though bless will come towards me when I go out A week ago I took her to a vet (who "doesn't do chickens") but he looked her over and I'm Flubenveting both girls in case. Have citricidal in their water and don't know what else to try. She's about 2.5 yrs old (and hybrid) so I'm realistic but I just don't want her to suffer. I considered Coccidiosis but that seems to be quite quick in claiming lives so possibly not? She looks so odd, in an upright position too. doe sthis ring any bells with anyone? Supposed to be revising but all I want to do is take her in and watch her! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 It sounds like she could have egg peritonitis. Symptoms are waddling, fluid or tightness in the abdomen, no eggs and in the later stages, breathing issues. It is not something that you can improve with nursing at home. She will need to see the vet. Treatment is sadly palliative so if it is peritonitis, her outlook is not at all good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Is there another vet you could visit? week and a half is a long time for an ailing chook. The waddling would suggest peritonitis, and antibiotics would be needed. Did he/she not suggest that. I have just made a post regarding Cocci... please give it a read. Time I feel is of the essence here now.. So my advice would be 1. Get her to an interested Vet. have you looked on the recommended list. here? The ex bats forum and Practical Poultry forum also have a recommend vets list. Also VET ON THE WEB... 2. Personally I would send a sample today 1st class to Retfords Poultry, You will have some results in 3 days if you ring them. One of my very first girls almost died with peritonitis, in fact the vet I saw did not think she would, they gave her shot of anti b. a shot of anti inflammatory and because sh was so ill what with newer knowledge I would guess was dose of Critical care solution, to feed and help start re hydrate her. She lived.. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megtree Posted June 10, 2011 Author Share Posted June 10, 2011 Is there another vet you could visit? week and a half is a long time for an ailing chook. The waddling would suggest peritonitis, and antibiotics would be needed. Did he/she not suggest that. I have just made a post regarding Cocci... please give it a read. Time I feel is of the essence here now.. So my advice would be 1. Get her to an interested Vet. have you looked on the recommended list. here? The ex bats forum and Practical Poultry forum also have a recommend vets list. Also VET ON THE WEB... 2. Personally I would send a sample today 1st class to Retfords Poultry, You will have some results in 3 days if you ring them. One of my very first girls almost died with peritonitis, in fact the vet I saw did not think she would, they gave her shot of anti b. a shot of anti inflammatory and because sh was so ill what with newer knowledge I would guess was dose of Critical care solution, to feed and help start re hydrate her. She lived.. Good luck Thank you for your quick replies I've not seen the list of chicken vets but I'll look now... She's not been ill as such for that long, you just get a feeling when they're non-specifically not right ...recent symptoms only a couple of days. ok, off to find that list and hope they're local!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 well done then for spotting it.. that is it........... that first feeling "she's not quite right". trouble with chooks is they bloomin hide ilness too well, when we notice they are often cooking something up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megtree Posted June 10, 2011 Author Share Posted June 10, 2011 well done then for spotting it.. that is it........... that first feeling "she's not quite right".trouble with chooks is they bloomin hide ilness too well, when we notice they are often cooking something up. I know, I'm the same with the children (OH does think I'm a bit nuts!) Well, after much ringing around and persuading the 4th person I spoke to to double-book an appointment I'm taking her in at 5ish today. Fingers crossed and thanks again for the support... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I hope you can get an answer, but I'm afraid it sounds very like peritonitis to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 And to me. As you say, Megtree, if it had been coccidiosis, depending on the strain, it would likely have made itself obvious by now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megtree Posted June 10, 2011 Author Share Posted June 10, 2011 Well we're back from the vets...on a positive note, she was a really lovely vet who used to keep chickens and loves them (Will update the vet list later as I would go back to her in a shot) Unfortunately my girl was pts as we shared a gut feeling that any possible treatment would just prolong her suffering. She thought that it was likely to be Marek's disease (though peritonitis was a secondary possibility) It's such a hard thing to decide but it was done gently and with dignity, by someone with a genuine fondness for chooks. My head is positive it was the right thing - emotionally I'm as bad as my 5 year old daughter! Before I had chickens I would never have understood...what is it they do to you??? Many thanks for everyone's input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I was I am sure, the right thing to do. Sorry it wasn't a positive outcome for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 So sorry to hear this sad news. Please do keep a careful eye on your other hen/s as Mareks disease is highly contagious. If they show no signs after a few weeks they may be resistant. You will also have to be careful about bringing other unvaccinated hens in as the virus can linger for months. If you/your vet was certain it was Mareks disease it is well worth reading up on it. It really is a horrible disease. Allix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Sorry to hear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 So sorry to hear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 sad,... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Sorry to hear your sad news, but the vet sounds lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megtree Posted June 10, 2011 Author Share Posted June 10, 2011 So sorry to hear this sad news. Please do keep a careful eye on your other hen/s as Mareks disease is highly contagious. If they show no signs after a few weeks they may be resistant. You will also have to be careful about bringing other unvaccinated hens in as the virus can linger for months. If you/your vet was certain it was Mareks disease it is well worth reading up on it. It really is a horrible disease. Allix Thanks sparkysmum, I'll be watching my other girl like a hawk, I'm only learning about Mareks now...the vet isn't certain but said to be back for AB's if any signs which of course i will. Very sad end to the week (my 2 human girls helped me lay her to rest in the garden) but a steep learning curve...would know what to look for earlier next time. Gutted. she was my favourite Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
