Uma Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 After loosing our Hazel to sour crop with possible tumour/blockage, the other two older girls are looking well and happy. Howver, they do have sterile peritonitis. They are eating, drinking, free ranging etc, but have swollen tummies. Both have been brought back from septic peritonitis a few times and another one from sour crop (I have all the luck it seems... ) They are about 3 and a half now and hybrids so I don't feel the implant is an option for them. As I say they seem to be happy enough. I wonder whether I should have them drained, but part of me feels this could induce it becoming infected... What would you do? Thanks in advance, Uma x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Sorry to hear about that Uma. As you seem to be aware, there's not a lot that can be done for peritonitis; you can have the fluid drained when it becomes so excessive that they are panting, experiencing discomfort when sitting or have blue combs, but as you've guessed the fluid will just build up again and then there's the chance of infection caused by draining. I have pure breeds so haven't had many cases over the years but I tend to leave it until they get uncomfortable or their function is hindered and then despatch the hen; it is the kindest option all round. Of course the decision is up to you but can I suggest that you give some large pure breeds a try next time around? You'll get fewer eggs but they will be healthier hens in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 I always cull mine now when they become distended a second time. Before I embark on any expensive treatment treated I ask myself 2 questions and make my choice based on these. 1. Am I doing this for the hen or for myself? ie am I putting her through a costly and ultimately futile treatment because I don't want to lose her. 2. Am I prolonging this hen's life or am I prolonging her death? Sorry to hear about your hens. If they were mine, I wouldn't have them treated again, but have them pts when it was obvious that they were no longer comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uma Posted April 26, 2012 Author Share Posted April 26, 2012 Thank you both for sharing your thoughts. Dogmother- my new girls are LF Orpingtons Egluntyne- you make a point which I have been pondering for a while-the distinction between doing something for me or for the hen. My conclusion is I will never know what the hen wants. I am a Buddhist though, so deciding to put something to sleep, essentially killing it, if there could be another way of alleviating suffering through treatment, doesn't sit very well for me. However, the girls do seem to be happy enough just now. I get the sense that they don't have years left in them, but for now are living a good quality life. I know myself that I won't go down the road of implant etc. and I suppose I really don't want to drain just now as I do worry it will actually make them suffer more. I think when they start to go downhill I will try to make them as comfortable as possible and potentially treat and see what happens. As they did have this before but recovered and were laying again for a good 4-5 months. I would just hate to make the decision to have a hen pts when she could have a good few months of happiness still... Uma x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Delvosterone injections are are reasonably cheap alternative to implants. I have several enjoying long retirements happily on it. Also know of somone giving half an ovarid pill daily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uma Posted April 28, 2012 Author Share Posted April 28, 2012 Sandy can you tell me more about the injections please-how often do they do them and rough cost? Thank you! Uma x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted April 28, 2012 Share Posted April 28, 2012 £5.33 is the cost of the injection, depends then on how your vet charges for consultations. If a lot and every time then the Superlorin implant is a cheaper option. How long seems to vary I had 2 that needed them by 9 weeks, but this spring 9 and 7 weeks is just too long. The manufacturers recommend 4 weekly, but alot depends on the particular metabolism of the particular bird. Apparently even on target species, cats. dogs. ferrets duration varies between individuals. There are signs that you can learn to judge,, like eating "LOTS" all of a sudden. Comb starting to enlarge again (can be a subtle or less than subtle change) Drinking more Becoming more vocal. And their botties starting to enlarge again I believe there is an actual measurent between the 2 bones there but knowing how it feels works for me. I have had one girl on it since May last year, she lasts the longest at 9 weeks but going Monday at 6 weeks as she is showing her signs now.(she has now been free 3 years and 5 months and simply could not cope with laying more eggs) I sadly have lost 2 due to not getting that 2nd one in soon enough for both different reasons AND damn it 2 different bank holidays. Sometimes those signs crept up on me. It has without a shadow of doubt saved their lives .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uma Posted April 29, 2012 Author Share Posted April 29, 2012 Wow thats great to know, thank you! I will discuss it with my vet tomorrow as one of mine is beginning to feel very poorly and is not eating much at all The other is fine, other than swollen at her tummy, and sitting to lay without laying lots. They are 3 and a bit though and don't think they would survive geting the implant, plus the cost and not knowing how long it will last for. Thanks so much. Uma x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted April 29, 2012 Share Posted April 29, 2012 The implants "usually last approx 6 months. many vets do with out anasthetic so should not be a problem. I have read all I can about them, and just am not happy about the way it makes "some"them feel initially, and folks force feeding for days or weeks. I have not experience this with i=the injections. Some do go into a full moult, but as ex bats some of them have not had a moult with me and it may just trigger it if it is due??? as reading here will show a moult can alone make them feel pretty grim, and I bring mine in for extra tlc whilst getting through it. also adding Critical Care formula to what ever little bits they do fancy.. ensuring they get enough nutrients whilst they are picky with their food. Have never needed to force feed. What vets charge for implants seems to be a huge variation... Just to add that one Avian specialist vet I know says that neither work.... However many others are using the implants lots. I seem to be fairly alone in the Delvosterone option, also extremely unlucky in needing them with so many. And lucky in a fab vet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted April 29, 2012 Share Posted April 29, 2012 I don't think having the implant is much more traumatic for the chicken than having an injection. One of mine had her 4th implant yesterday without anaesthetic and did not even make a sound when it went in. The hard moult that the implant can send them in to the first time round IS more of a problem and they may need to be fed critical care formula for a few days. I find they last 2-4 months. They cost from £40 upwards, I think. If they were mine, I would give the implant or injections a go but be ready to have them PTS if their quality of life did not pick up fairly quickly. I hope you find a solution that works for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovebugette Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 I am sorry to say that ALL of my hens met this fate - the first was PTS before I encountered a better vet with more knowledge. My current hen with the peritonitis had her implant a week ago and hasn't eaten since. She had 200 ml drained off, followed by 300 ml yesterday and a stay overnight plus some force-feeding. She want to live though, I know it. When I pop her in the garden to see her friends, she tries to scratch and preen so I see that as hope. It I try and fail then at least I can rest assured I did all I can. My fear is that my 7 remaining hens will all continue to fall at this hurdle at around 3 - 3 1/2 and therefore my question is this, do I admit defeat and stop rehoming (which I find SO rewarding) and move to pure breeds? Good luck one and all x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 I think that's a question which can only be answered on an individual basis - if you want to carry on re-homing and are prepared to take on the responsibility of nursing through peritonitis or culling afflicted birds, then carry on. Either that or select a flock of pure breeds which will be less likely to get peritonitis and divert your rescue needs to helping out at rescues and fund-raising. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uma Posted May 6, 2012 Author Share Posted May 6, 2012 A little update- Bramble is now much better and appetite etc all back to normal although she and Ash both still have lasrge masses in their tummies. They had the Delvosterone injections at the end of last week and so far so good, although Ash seems a little down, but still ok. Fingers crossed this will give them a break from laying internally. The vet did mention removing their ovaries but he said he hadn't done it on a chook before and to be honest I'm not too confident with the girls going under anesthetic. So far so good. Uma x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 good luck, I have pm'd you my number, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Glad to hear Bramble's doing better. It can take ages for the fluid to be reabsorbed (around a month in my case). I found it helpful to weigh mine every few days just to check that things were heading in the right direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Glad to hear Bramble's doing better. It can take ages for the fluid to be reabsorbed (around a month in my case). I found it helpful to weigh mine every few days just to check that things were heading in the right direction. yes me too ! and to pass any follicles already in the forming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 How are they doing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uma Posted May 14, 2012 Author Share Posted May 14, 2012 Have just posted in the main forum bit about Ash. She isn't eating at all. Seems a bit sleepy and no longer comes in with the others-have to round her up again like I did before she came into lay... Bramble is great, eating happily and seeming completely better. Swelling going down too. Although she is still crouching-wasn't sure if that would stop too. Not sure what to do about Ash as I feel I have covered all treatment options...kind of waiting and seeing what will happen, but she doesn't seem to be suffering too much so not keen to make a decision on her life right now. Uma x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted May 14, 2012 Share Posted May 14, 2012 Great news about Bramble! Can you feed Ash up a bit with Nutridrops and critical care formula? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uma Posted May 18, 2012 Author Share Posted May 18, 2012 Just an update to say that Bramble just passed away. She was struggling to breathe and seemed to have lungs full of fluid. Downhill really quickly and passed away here inside. Very upset. Not sure what to do about Ash now as although she is now eating and has picked up a bit I don't want her having that awful death that Bramble just had.... Uma x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 I'm so sorry - that must have been horrible. You did everything you could for her and I am sure she enjoyed a lovely life in your garden x. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
