Hi, I've had chickens for a little over a year now. In that time, I've had two Slikies. I just lost one (Pearl) yesterday to Egg Peritonitis. She first started showing symptoms back in February. My chicken vet even complimented me on how well I was doing taking care of her. Several days ago she started losing weight, and a mass was discovered in her abdomen. I asked for surgery, in an attempt to remove the mass and help her get better. Not long after opening her up, it became clear to my vet that she was not going to be able to do anything. The damage resulting from the ongoing disease was extensive. My vet asked me to come into the OR to watch if I wanted. She euthanized Pearl, and then performed a necropsy. After seeing what was removed from Pearl, I feel like crap.. That poor chicken had to have been miserable. If I ever (God forbid) have to deal with Egg Peritonitis again, I'm going to have the chicken euthanized when I confirm the disease. These are some pics I took during the surgery:
Coagulated egg yolk from in and around the oviduct
Part of the oviduct that contained a large amount of pus from the infection
One of several masses in her oviduct. This was fairly solid. This tissue wasn't tested, but the vet suspected cancer.
Full view of her oviduct
Coagulated egg yolk from in and around the oviduct
Part of the oviduct that contained a large amount of pus from the infection
One of several masses in her oviduct. This was fairly solid. This tissue wasn't tested, but the vet suspected cancer.
Full view of her oviduct
Pic was taken a couple of days before she passed
