lloyd Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Flossie our goldline, has suspected Marek's. I Mavis is not showing signs, and I need to know what to do. My wife and I don't want her to be in pain, but the last thing we want to do is PTS, if there are other options. She is still eating/drinking well, but some evenings won't put her self to bed and sit outside. She can stand, and walks with a limp. I am heart broken at the thought of the outcome. Just need some friendly advice. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 I think that PTS may be the best option. The prognosis with Mareks is very poor, sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Poor girl and poor you and your wife As you may know, its only possible to definitively diagnose mareks via a post mortem, so my first question would be why do you think it is mareks, could it be a sprain/bruised leg/foot? It is mostly likely to occur in birds up to 3-4 months old but it can happen with older stock too. Also, hybrids are usually vaccinated against mareks but its possible the vaccine 'missed' her. Mareks usually presents with a paralysed wing, leg and foot but not necessarily in that order. There is an ocular version where the pupil changes shape too. Essentially the bird loses mobility and as the tumours grow inside they also eventually lose the interest/capacity in eating/drinking. Some people have apparently had birds recover with mareks, but this is certainly not very common. Years ago I had a bird die with the disease, once I realised what was going on it was too late and she died that day, but knowing what I do now I'm afraid I would cull if I saw it again. Its a personal decision, no rights or wrongs. However, there is something you should do. Mareks is spread by feather dander so you should keep any birds living with Flossie separate from any other birds you may have, as far away as you can manage for 2-3 weeks and make sure "Ooops, word censored!"ody else is showing signs. You should also thoroughly clean and disinfect and dispose of the bedding (carefully so the dander doesn't travel). I wouldn't buy in any new stock until you are pretty sure you are clear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Sorry to hear that Marek's is one of those background conditions which affects birds with poor immune systems; it is part of the herpes virus family and even the milder, survivable version leaves lesions on the nerve endings and will eventually kill the bird. I'm afraid that I'd recommend despatching it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 Sorry to hear that Lloyd. How old is she? Like Daphne, my first thought was why do you suspect Marek's? Has the vet suggested that it might be that? If so, I'm afraid that the others are right and that you really have no option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 If your vet suspects Mareks and other conditions have been ruled out or she doesn't respond to treatment for any other condition then I'm afraid it is much kinder to euthanise humanely. I have had experience of this horrible, horrible disease and sadly there are almost no instances of hens recovering from it. So sorry to hear this. Alli x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lloyd Posted January 22, 2012 Author Share Posted January 22, 2012 The vet found she didn't respond to touch on her leg at all, and she can't stand anymore. It's so sad, because she is such a friendly and loveable girl. I just don't know what to do when I go back to the vet. I have to book in for PTS on Monday, as I can't leave her suffering, but feel worse that I have to make the decision. Lloyd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lloyd Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 Heading to the vet now. We decided to cremate Floss and put her in her favourite spot. I hope Mavis will be OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Sorry to hear that Lloyd, does that leave you with one hen? I'd advise you to get a couple more to keep her company if that's the case - they are flock animals and need others around them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 I really feel for you this morning, horrible decision to have to make, but you are doing the right thing by her. I hope your other girl if alright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lloyd Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 Vet said Mavis likley has it as it is viral. Any advice on getting a hen or two that might (can't guarantee I know) be resistant to or immunised against Marek's?? I was going to call Annie Hall in Siston near Bristol to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Most hybrids which you buy from any reputable stockist will be vaccinated; the stockist should be happy to confirm this if that is the case. Marek's is from the herpes family, so lurks in the background in most flocks, which will have an inherent immunity to it, so keeping them healthy and unstressed is the key factor. I've only had two cases in my flock over the years - they are all unvaccinated pure breeds - in both cases the birds in question were having a very heavy moult. I would buy some new stock from a vaccinated flock and observe the usual isolation and introduction rules. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lloyd Posted January 24, 2012 Author Share Posted January 24, 2012 Hi, Sorry to ask, but I'm a bit upset at the moment, and worried about Mave! What are the "usual isolation and introduction rules"? I only have 1 Eglu, and not sure where I could keep new flock other than with Mavis, is there a 1 day intro method? Also what sort of chooks are small as a breed? I only ask because Mavis isn't that big, never has been. She is a Colombian Black Tail. Thanks & Thanks for the kind words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 If you check the FAQ section, there's a thread about introductions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
