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Flossie G

Fat hen - peritonitis diagnosis

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Hello,

 

I returned from a week's holiday last Saturday and noticed that one of my girls, Bessie, had a runny bottom. My initial thought was to treat all of the girls for worms.

 

However, I have noticed that Bessie is looking fat and appears to be waddling slightly, a bit like a sumo wrestler. Unsually, I was able to pick her up easily (she's normally quick on her feet) and she feels heavy too. She seems to be eating and drinking normally and is not obviously in distress. She is about 3 and a half year's old and gave up laying early this year.

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

FG

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I took Bessie to the vet last Sunday and she was given Baytril.

 

She is still drinking and eating (protein, she's not interested in carbs), her comb is red, her eyes are bright. However, she is still swollen and drooped and the Baytril is nearly finished. I will take her to the vet again, but I am just wondering if anyone has had success with treating peritonitis. Is there anything else I could be doing?

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Have a look in the FAQs in the Poultry Health section of the Chicken Clinic - there is a very good post about peritonitis and its possible treatments.

There are other treatments, including draining the fluid and hormonal implants - I guess it's a question of how far you want to go with it.

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Thanks for that. I've had a look at the FAQs but am coming to the conclusion that I don't want to go very far with it. If she hasn't improved by the time the Baytril has gone I think I'll ask the vet to have her PTS. It seems hard hearted, I know, but I've been doing a lot of research and believe that Peritonitis is not something that is successfull treated very often. I don't want Bessie to suffer and I think she will if I persist. Very sad.

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If she hasn't responded to the antibiotics then she will need more invasive treatment such as draining or an implant. Personally I don't treat my hens when they get it and have them PTS instead. The antibiotics will treat any infection but it wont deal with the build up of fluid in her abdomen. Sorry I can't be more positive.

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The antibiotics will treat any infection but it wont deal with the build up of fluid in her abdomen.

 

She's going back to the vet this afternoon as she is more swollen than ever this morning - though her comb is red and she is alert and still interested in food. I am pretty resigned to the fact that I won't be bringing her home. However, I am also taking her oldest companion, Jo, who has suddenly gone a bit quiet. I am now worrying whether Bessie has something infectious. Hopefully, it's just worry overdrive.

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Oh dear I was reading this looking for some hope as my lovely little Brillo is as you say looking plump and being rather quiet. She's in the indoor cage in the lounge but hasn't moved to eat or drink. Got some tylan in her don't have any baytrill in the house. Being optamistic and hoping for a softy egg or something.

 

Sorry about your little lady Bessie.

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