The Dogmother Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Sorry to hear that. Did the vet tell you what might be causing the 'toxins in the liver'? Chickens are prone to liver leukosis, a sort of liver cancer, maybe that could be the cause? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted September 12, 2012 Author Share Posted September 12, 2012 We talked about lymphoid leukosis, which I assume is what you mean, and she said it is very rare, but it is certainly something I have been worrying about. She seems to think the toxins are from whatever has caused the infection which is making her temperature high so we are currently working on that basis. Blanche is making an effort to stand a bit more this morning, but her balance is still terrible, she is attempting to preen herself and is eating and drinking well so I can only hope these are all good signs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
good_egg Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 Can chickens have milk thistle? Assume so as natural. My father-in-law takes it for his bad liver function. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted September 17, 2012 Author Share Posted September 17, 2012 Blanche has had a reasonable few days, she still had problems with her legs so we were putting her to bed at night and getting her up in the morning; but during the day she carried on eating and drinking well, she chatted to the others even though she couldn't manage to get out to free range with them. She was very alert to everything going on and tucked into mealworms and any other treats on offer. However, this morning completely different, no chatting from the house when I went to get them up - I knew then there was something wrong. She wasn't opening her eyes properly so I put her in the cat box and brought her in, she didn't respond to any food or water offered. We went straight to the vets as I could see she was now suffering and she has been PTS. The vet has offered to do a small PM free of charge to try and get some idea what was wrong, although as this won't involve any lab samples I'm not sure how much it will show. RIP Blanche - I hope I did all that I could to make your short life happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 So sorry to hear about Blanche. It sounds as though you did all you could and you didn't let her suffer too long. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, they just don't get better Take comfort in knowing what great care you took of her. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted September 18, 2012 Author Share Posted September 18, 2012 Well the PM revealed very little, she seemed to have no damage to her internal organs only a slightly enlarged liver consistent to her lack of appetite earlier in the illness. There were no lesions or tumours on her organs so the vet has ruled out Leukosis and Mareks, so thinks it was something specific to Blanche and unlikely to occur in the rest of the girls. There was no real conclusion but she thinks that Blanche's brain could have been affected by her continual high temperature and poor response to anti-biotics. I was hoping to get a couple more girls as I have had so many losses this year (all to different things) but OH has been very upset by the trauma with Blanche and doesn't want to get any more . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 In my opinion, the best way to recover after losing a chicken is to get another one... or two It's harder if you have to nurse them isn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
good_egg Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 So sorry to hear about Blanche. You should be proud that you did everything for her and gave her a good innings. Hugs. My OH got very attached to Viv (there were tears) and was unsure about getting newbies, but agreed to come up and look and took a shine to Buffy - think the fact she was little and looked completely different helped. I agree that getting new ones is the best healer. Perhaps you could tempt him with a (hopefully) sturdy hybrid. Good luck persuading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
