I have a 10 month old hen Australorp pullet who I discovered today has developed a round, clear, squishy bulge that is protruding from her backside, an inch or two beneath her vent. She has not lost weight and is not lethargic. Her crop was full with food this afternoon.
After doing an initial search, I wanted to rule out her being egg bound, so I brought her in to the house, let her soak in a warm tub of water, and then checked her vent to see if I could feel any egg pieces (feeling incredibly awkward and gaining a better appreciation for GYN doctors everywhere)! I've tentatively ruled 'egg bound' out because there seemed to be a layer of tissue between the bulge and her vent and I could not feel any egg or egg pieces. Her vent area is clean and healthy looking.
I've read through several other threads on BYC and the other issues that popped up are ascites and hernia as possibilities. I attached a photo of Stella's backside. I would appreciate any feedback and opinions on the possibility that she has either of these two conditions (or if you think it could be something else), and what the best course of action would be to treat it.
Based on the reading I've done so far, it seems that if it is ascites, it is possible to drain the bulged area in order to make her more comfortable, but my question to this is whether it is a good idea to puncture the skin (and weaken it by doing so?) if the condition is hernia.
It also seems as though with both of these conditions, they are eventually fatal, but that the bird can live for awhile in relative comfort. Again, any advice is appreciated.
Stella's backside after her bath.
After doing an initial search, I wanted to rule out her being egg bound, so I brought her in to the house, let her soak in a warm tub of water, and then checked her vent to see if I could feel any egg pieces (feeling incredibly awkward and gaining a better appreciation for GYN doctors everywhere)! I've tentatively ruled 'egg bound' out because there seemed to be a layer of tissue between the bulge and her vent and I could not feel any egg or egg pieces. Her vent area is clean and healthy looking.
I've read through several other threads on BYC and the other issues that popped up are ascites and hernia as possibilities. I attached a photo of Stella's backside. I would appreciate any feedback and opinions on the possibility that she has either of these two conditions (or if you think it could be something else), and what the best course of action would be to treat it.
Based on the reading I've done so far, it seems that if it is ascites, it is possible to drain the bulged area in order to make her more comfortable, but my question to this is whether it is a good idea to puncture the skin (and weaken it by doing so?) if the condition is hernia.
It also seems as though with both of these conditions, they are eventually fatal, but that the bird can live for awhile in relative comfort. Again, any advice is appreciated.
Stella's backside after her bath.