isoquinoline poisoning from bleeding hearts

[NickeyMouse]

Looking for help, I unwittingly planted a bleeding heart in my backyard and my hens have been eating the leaves. I didn't realize it was toxic until I did some research and have since transplanted it. I have one hen who I believe is suffering from isoquinolone poisoning.

It started a week ago with a wobbly walk that I thought was an injured leg maybe, but progressed to both legs and tremors in her legs. I have been giving her Epsom salt flushes for two days now with some improvement her tremors are gone and she has been sporadically hopping and flopping around, but can't stand at all or support her weight.

One thing I can't seem to find an answer to is if my efforts are all for nothing. She is otherwise doing well, eating and drinking normally, but if she will never regain use of her legs and be able to rejoin her flock, it might be time to let her go.

Has anyone here had experience with a chicken recovering from a poisoning? Should I say goodbye to my little hen or keep trying? Any advice is so appreciated.

 

[dennisma1]

I am sorry to hear that but thank you for the valuable info. . I may have some bleeding heart at my cottage in MA I will check in am. It tends to die back once hot.
If it's only been a few days , I'd keep at it with your girl.
My chickens and I left Fl to MA for the summer, I forget other things than heat and wild animals to worry about.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Looking for help, I unwittingly planted a bleeding heart in my backyard and my hens have been eating the leaves. I didn't realize it was toxic until I did some research and have since transplanted it. I have one hen who I believe is suffering from isoquinolone poisoning.

It started a week ago with a wobbly walk that I thought was an injured leg maybe, but progressed to both legs and tremors in her legs. I have been giving her Epsom salt flushes for two days now with some improvement her tremors are gone and she has been sporadically hopping and flopping around, but can't stand at all or support her weight.

One thing I can't seem to find an answer to is if my efforts are all for nothing. She is otherwise doing well, eating and drinking normally, but if she will never regain use of her legs and be able to rejoin her flock, it might be time to let her go.

Has anyone here had experience with a chicken recovering from a poisoning? Should I say goodbye to my little hen or keep trying? Any advice is so appreciated.

I am so sorry! This is so sad....

I wish I had an answer. Do you have a vet to take her to or an avian specialist you can call?

 

[NickeyMouse]

I will try calling the vet tomorrow when they open up again, since her condition isn't worsening, I'm not panicked anymore at least. The rest of the flock aren't being aggressive with her when they're all out to free range, so I've been letting her be near them under supervision (mine or the dog's - my dog won't let any of the other hens near her). Hope she starts to turn a corner soon.

 

[Eggstatic ChickyDoo]

I haven't been able to figure out which isoquinoline alkaloid bleeding hearts contain, but from my searching it does look like most isoquinoline toxicities are reversible with treatment. How is she doing now?

 

[NickeyMouse]

I haven't been able to figure out which isoquinoline alkaloid bleeding hearts contain, but from my searching it does look like most isoquinoline toxicities are reversible with treatment. How is she doing now?

She's still not walking, but after her Epsom salt treatment yesterday she was clearly feisty, she used both her legs to flop as far from me as she could, so not a coordinated walk yet, but clearly motivated movement, I think she is improving. I will continue to monitor her.

I have read conflicting information on the Epsom salts, some say not to continue for more than 3 days other say continue until she improves, any thoughts? Thanks so much or the information so far.

 

[tripletfeb]

@Wyorp Rock @azygous

 

[azygous]

I would try a few days of activated charcoal. Get it where they sell vitamins.

 

[MeowthLover_ThatsRight]

uhhhh..............................


For someone who wants to be a vet someday.......................
Iv'e got no clue, meowthhhh.

 

[tripletfeb]

I would try a few days of activated charcoal. Get it where they sell vitamins.

Thanks for responding to the tag I sent! I figured activated charcoal was the way to go but didn't want to be wrong