piglet Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 My 3 year old rhode island red has been diagnosed with egg peritonitus...they drained over 500ml of fluid off her tummy but after this the vet could feel lumps, we've been told it could just be side effects from the peritonitus or they could be the cause, my concern is if left untreated what are the chances of peritonitus reocurring? She hasn't laid in 2 years away but this is the first time she has been unwell in that time. They have suggested the hormone implant to prevent her laying eggs but this seems costly & if she wasn't producing eggs up until now would it be a waste of money. I love her to bits but at a cost of £40-£70 every 3 months it's just not an option in my financial situation. Is it definite that the peritonitus will reoccur & if so how quickly? Any help or advise will be gratefully received Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 The fluid will build up again. I had one that took 4-6 months to build up again but she had no lumps. I think your options are to wait for it to build up again and then consider whether to drain or cull, or whether to pay for the implant. It is not proven or licensed for this purpose. We do however have forum members that are using it for their hens . Whilst I had one that we drained, I now choose to cull them when they get it. I have a horrible feeling that one of my favourite older hens may succumb soon but she has had a grand life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 I always cull now, when it is obvious that the disease is there to stay. Hens have a limited life expectantly anyway, and in my view, it is not good practice to prolonge their death with hormones, which often have a dramatic and deleterious effect on the hen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piglet Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 Sorry to sound stupid but would the fluid to keep reocurring if no egg is being produced? as I say she hasn't laid in 2 years would this mean it may not reoccur straightaway? Thank you for relying I really appreciate it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 I always cull now, when it is obvious that the disease is there to stay. Hens have a limited life expectantly anyway, and in my view, it is not good practice to prolonge their death with hormones, which often have a dramatic and deleterious effect on the hen. but sometimes have no effect except stopping eggs. (A friend has one, I see her regularly and is very normal.....although I also agree some of the reports of having to force feed etc, are not good. I wonder if there are different circumstances which effect the tolerance and outcome, for instance Audrey had not become ill. but was heading down that road with no intevention, she is only 2 years old.. but from coming ointo lay had rarely if ever had a day off laying..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piglet Posted July 21, 2012 Author Share Posted July 21, 2012 (edited) I have previously posted about my poorly hen Dotty who has been diagnosed with egg peritonitus, the vet has prescribed metacam...I just wondered if anyone else has used this & if so whether they've noticed any side effects? Her poo seems very smelly (more than normal), green & quite watery I wasn't sure if this was a sign she was getting worse or just a result of the meds. In her self she has improved lots eating more, preening & dust bathing again but she is still very thin. Any thoughts would be gratefully received Edited July 22, 2012 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted July 22, 2012 Share Posted July 22, 2012 They do pass very green smelly poo with egg peritonitis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted July 22, 2012 Share Posted July 22, 2012 but not due to metacam, I have had an old girl on it for years, course there can be side effects. mainly in dogs cats to do with renal failure. I was surprised at one year henniversary never mind 3 so never thought i would be long term. I think I read somewhere it can stop them drinking??? but it never has her,, HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 I have had 2 hens with peritonitis and I culled them both, it does seem to recur and their long term prognosis is not good. they also can get picked on by the others when they are quiet and off colour and I feel that it is more humane in the long run not to prolong their life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 I have been using hormone implants and am very happy with them but my hens were much younger (2 years) when they started treatment. 3 years is getting towards the end of a RIR's lifespan anyhow, I think. How about seeing if the peritonitis recurs (it doesn't always although it usually does) and if so culling then? I am sure she has had a great life till now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
