smartrus Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 Hi all, need urgent advice please. We have a hen who is unable to walk on one of her legs which she is holding up akwardly. She hasn't been injured to our knowledge and is not the first to display these symptoms. She is also panting and lying down with closed eyes and has a very dirty bum. She will eat and drink if it is taken to her. This began a couple of weeks ago with a slight limp, but today her comb has flopped and she has green poop. I don't think it looks good. Fed her the rickets diet for a few days which normaly does the trick. Very worried, adivce welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 Hi there I don't want to be the harbinger of bad news but that sounds like a very poorly hen you have. We can all give advice but i personally think she needs a trip to the vets quick smart or if your up to it dispatch her....sorry but if its been getting progressively worse over the last few weeks then i cant see a good outcome and to leave her as i am sure you realise would be unfair. inability to move her leg/wing could be Merak's....the panting when sitting could be EP....but i would go the the vets and see what they think....soz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 Has the patient seen a vet? You should consider making an appointment if you are so worried. How old is the patient? When was she last wormed and what with? Personally, I like to start any chicken treatment with a nice warm Epsom salt soak - the magnesium absorbs through the skin and is good for joints and digestive tract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smartrus Posted April 9, 2015 Author Share Posted April 9, 2015 Hi, thanks for replying so quickly. Can i ask what EP is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 sorry...Egg peritonitis...how old is she? Is she laying? does her tummy feel swollen or fluid filled, and whats her vent like? paula...patient... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 Egg-yolk peritonitis. When a yolk is released from the ovary but misses the tube and drops into the peritoneal cavity (the 'bag' that keeps the organs together inside the abdomen) it attracts fluid which builds up and causes peritonitis and squashes other organs - like the lungs, hence breathing problems. Rather common in hybrid chickens that have been bred to lays lots of eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 sorry...Egg peritonitis...how old is she? Is she laying? does her tummy feel swollen or fluid filled, and whats her vent like? paula...patient... We keep answering at the same time! And yes, Anything sick is a patient to me - human, chicken, ferret, plant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 sorry...Egg peritonitis...how old is she? Is she laying? does her tummy feel swollen or fluid filled, and whats her vent like? paula...patient... We keep answering at the same time! And yes, Anything sick is a patient to me - human, chicken, ferret, plant. Always the medic paula!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smartrus Posted April 9, 2015 Author Share Posted April 9, 2015 She is only a year, we have had her from a fluffy chick so very special to us! We are just giving her a warm bath so will have a closer look at her. Would this explain the limping too? She was laying but now stopped. We have had hens for 2 years now and never seen this problem. Thanks to you both for helping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 At Lisa: 'Fraid so, nearly 2 years since I left and my shoulder's nearly better! I do find it interesting what's similar and what's different between animal and human - I only recently found out that birds (or chickens at least) don't have a diaphragm - which means that peritonitis in humans just squashes the abdomen out, in chickens it squashes the air sacks/lungs. Sorry to hijack the thread, I'll shut up now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 How is she? I have been keeping an eye out for an update Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
