Leicester_H Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 (edited) Hi A couple of weeks ago, Pippa (an ex-bat we've had for just over a year) became lethargic and was eating less than normal (she was 'ALWAYS' eating or near food previously - I think she may have had problems accessing food in the battery). Thorough exam by vet - nothing wrong except high temp. Given injections of baytril and anti-inflammatory and oral baytril for a week. After a few days off the oral baytril, she was still looking slightly unhappy in the WIR. Back to vet - same result - she thought a second lot of injections and more oral baytril might work. Again, after a few days off the oral baytril, she was looking hunched, puffed up, closing her eyes in the WIR- not wanting her to die slowly, made vets appointment expecting that she'd have to be PTS. So put her in cat box ready for vets. I watched her on a webcam (so as not to influence her behaviour) and she seemed fine - lying down, eyes open, eating, drinking! At vets, she was wandering around, bright, alert, hadn't lost weight from previous time! (same high temp though) I mentioned that she seemed happy in the cat box and the vet suggested letting her stay in there for a few days and just see how she goes. She seems to be eating (lots) and drinking. Wondering if she has eye problems ? Brian issues ? I'm happy to keep her in the cat box (or a larger dog crate if she likes it) in the utility room and take her out to free range with the others each afternoon, if that makes her happy. We talk to her every time we go by and she 'talks' back Comments, suggestions please. H PS - Have just looked up normal rectal temps for hens and I think vet may have been mistaken about Pippa (and others!!!) having a high temp as hens seems to have higher temps (40.6–43.0 C, 105.0–109.4 F) than other animals (eg. dog 37.9–39.9 C) Edited June 29, 2014 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted June 29, 2014 Author Share Posted June 29, 2014 Pippa is now looking poorly (slightly hunched and closing eyes) and not eating (is drinking a little). She won't come out of the cat box. My gut feeling is that's she's dying of old age (since vet has examined her 3 times and found nothing). So my dilemma is, do I leave her in peace to die at home or take her back to vet to be PTS ??? H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs_B Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 I can't offer a huge amount of advice, but I didn't want to leave no replies to your topic as I understand you must be feeling unsure on what to do I personally have had to separate a hen who is poorly at the moment, she was definitely depressed with the flock around her - she was top hen and now isn't, one in particular was bullying her. I popped her in with the flock a week later during treatment but in a dog crate but she quickly went downhill, but as soon as I separated her and she had her own space/food and water back in the dog crate which was kept in the shed, she perked up. I think additional stress when a hen isn't well can have a huge impact. My vet said my hen was very hot feeling but that hens do feel hot and their temp is different to other animals - she was checked and was in normal range (but I can't remember what it was I'm afraid!) Have you had a blood test or poo sample examined? The problem with my hen I found is that it's liver related (fungal infection) which is impossible to know without a blood test to check organ function. It's very hard sometimes, because my hen went downhill in an afternoon, went to the vet and was very pale. I took her home in the end as she just started the fungal meds but I think I would've had her PTS if she wasn't on anything - and at the moment she's OK and is acting normal, though sometimes you see moments when they don't seem right. If she goes back downhill again I think I will have to do the kindest thing as she would suffer with a liver issue. If you think Pippa would benefit from additional tests, maybe that's an additional option? If she isn't suffering I would spend some time with her at home personally, but if you suspect she is suffering maybe a trip to the vets might be the kindest thing to do Hugs! x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 Its a tough call H. If she was mine and I thought she was pain free I would probably let nature take its course and give myself a 'cut off' date for improvement/death and then cull her myself if there was no improvement. If I was in doubt then I would cull her/take her to the vet sooner rather than later. Personally I would not be spending more money on tests or anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted June 30, 2014 Author Share Posted June 30, 2014 We took her to the Vet at 9.30 this morning and she was PTS. Very sad decision but we're sure it was the right one. She had 13 months post battery, was 'pampered' and had fun, fun fun. She had 2 days of being really poorly (started saturday and out of hours vet doesn't know about chickens). I think we did all we could and in a timely manner ? Thanks, H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 Rest assured, you did everything just right, in fact a very caring keeper indeed No regrets. RIP Pippa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted June 30, 2014 Author Share Posted June 30, 2014 Thank you. Trouble is I care too much and get too attached. Sad today, but hopefully by next week I'll remember the good times more than the end. Sleep tight, little Pippa, H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs_B Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 I agree that you did the right thing as she sounded poorly. You gave her everything she needed to keep fighting and you gave her a chance. It's very hard when we get attached to animals as pets, we generally know what to do when we need to make the right decision, even if it's not a choice we want to make. Hope you're OK. RIP Pippa x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
