Has anyone had a vet use stitches to fix a recurring or severe prolapsed vent?
Was it successful? How much did it cost?
I've been chicken-sitting for some dear friends while they are relocate locally. What we thought would be a two week favor is now about four months and counting. It's given me a crash course on the joys, challenges & obsessions that come with raising hens. Backyard Chickens has been my lifeline - thanks to all.
One of the year old hens, Edith, a beautiful Buff Orpington, developed a pretty severe prolapsed vent a couple of months ago. I followed the procedures recommended here and on other sites, and Edith's owner also popped for a vet visit. Using the salve he prescribed and antibiotic pills (another adventure), we were successful in treating the prolapse and getting it to stay in. It took a while, but Edith started laying again and all seemed well.
The vent has recently prolapsed a second time and is worse than the first time. We knew it was a possibility. I have read a few scattered comments from chicken owners who said "purse string" stitches successfully fixed the vent, though one said they had to do it twice.
Incidentally, the woman who owns Edith is firmly in the chicken-as-pet camp so don't be embarrassed to admit how much you spent on your chicken I thought it was crazy what she spent on a vet visit ($150) but have changed my mind. She's the kind of person who does so much for others, I'm confident friends and family would pitch in to save her beloved Edith... if it's a viable solution.
Thanks to all the contributors here from an appreciative former lurker.
Am keeping her in a dark crate separated from her friends and restricting diet to try to halt egg production
Edith at a happier time
Was it successful? How much did it cost?
I've been chicken-sitting for some dear friends while they are relocate locally. What we thought would be a two week favor is now about four months and counting. It's given me a crash course on the joys, challenges & obsessions that come with raising hens. Backyard Chickens has been my lifeline - thanks to all.
One of the year old hens, Edith, a beautiful Buff Orpington, developed a pretty severe prolapsed vent a couple of months ago. I followed the procedures recommended here and on other sites, and Edith's owner also popped for a vet visit. Using the salve he prescribed and antibiotic pills (another adventure), we were successful in treating the prolapse and getting it to stay in. It took a while, but Edith started laying again and all seemed well.
The vent has recently prolapsed a second time and is worse than the first time. We knew it was a possibility. I have read a few scattered comments from chicken owners who said "purse string" stitches successfully fixed the vent, though one said they had to do it twice.
Incidentally, the woman who owns Edith is firmly in the chicken-as-pet camp so don't be embarrassed to admit how much you spent on your chicken I thought it was crazy what she spent on a vet visit ($150) but have changed my mind. She's the kind of person who does so much for others, I'm confident friends and family would pitch in to save her beloved Edith... if it's a viable solution.
Thanks to all the contributors here from an appreciative former lurker.
Am keeping her in a dark crate separated from her friends and restricting diet to try to halt egg production
Edith at a happier time