Flossie G Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 (edited) 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 Edited October 13, 2012 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 It sounds like peritonitis I'm afraid. I would take her to the vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 I agree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flossie G Posted October 6, 2012 Author Share Posted October 6, 2012 Ah. The dreaded p word. Off to the vet then. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flossie G Posted October 13, 2012 Author Share Posted October 13, 2012 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flossie G Posted October 13, 2012 Author Share Posted October 13, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flossie G Posted October 15, 2012 Author Share Posted October 15, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 Sorry to hear that. Good luck at the vet, with both of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flossie G Posted October 15, 2012 Author Share Posted October 15, 2012 Vet took the view that Jo is just getting old, so we'll see. However, RIP Bessie Boo. Thanks for your support guys. Off to have a sherry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
good_egg Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 Sorry to hear about Bessie. Sounds like you made the right decision even if it is horrible. Hugs hx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flossie G Posted October 16, 2012 Author Share Posted October 16, 2012 Sorry to hear about Bessie. Sounds like you made the right decision even if it is horrible. Hugs hx Appreciated, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superkitty Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 So sorry to hear this well done for doing the kindest thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted November 4, 2012 Share Posted November 4, 2012 My scrumptious little Brillo died this morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zakjon-98 Posted November 4, 2012 Share Posted November 4, 2012 Sorry to hear that Rip Brillo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted November 6, 2012 Share Posted November 6, 2012 So sorry to hear about Bessie and Brillo. Had my gorgeous Angel pts yesterday with severe peritonitis and the garden's just not the same this morning, with no chatty little red hen in it Fingers crossed for a full recovery for Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
