Super swollen - egg bound chicken?

[jessica8804]

I have probed the vent with lots of ky jelly. I'm not totally sure if I feel an egg there or not? I started with the warm epsom salt bath and have been repeating. I feel like I can maybe feel something hard from the outside near inbetween her legs-probably normal anatomy? I've been getting her to drink a little calcium water here and there

For how long should I continue the epsom salt baths and between should I continue to try and lube the vent in between baths bc some feces etc did come out which I think would be good. Should I try to massage things out?

She is so swollen. And when should this hopefully end? How will I know if it's hopeless? Could there be another problem? Help and advice please

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Swollen is probably ascites, which is often from organ failure, and may have nothing to do with being egg bound. I would probably cull unless you have a vet who could give you a better diagnosis.

 

[bobbi-j]

Swollen is probably ascites, which is often from organ failure, and may have nothing to do with being egg bound. I would probably cull unless you have a vet who could give you a better diagnosis.

Agreed.

 

[jessica8804]

Cluck just passed. I tried draining the fluid, may have done too much. Was probably way too late. Pay attention to your flock and start researching as soon as you notice bizarre behavior. I could have maybe added a few months. But this prognosis is never good. RIP to the chicken who was the most fun!! Love you Cluck

 

[aart]

Cluck just passed. I tried draining the fluid, may have done too much. Was probably way too late. Pay attention to your flock and start researching as soon as you notice bizarre behavior. I could have maybe added a few months. But this prognosis is never good. RIP to the chicken who was the most fun!! Love you Cluck

Bummer, it stinks for sure.
Yeah, even a successful draining is rarely a 'cure'.
Have had a couple with ascites.
First one I tried to treat, only prolonged her misery.
Second one I euthanized as soon as I saw the ascites.
Both had irreparable/untreatable issues inside.

 

[bobbi-j]

Cluck just passed. I tried draining the fluid, may have done too much. Was probably way too late. Pay attention to your flock and start researching as soon as you notice bizarre behavior. I could have maybe added a few months. But this prognosis is never good. RIP to the chicken who was the most fun!! Love you Cluck

You could have maybe added a few months, but what would her quality of life been? Recurring discomfort? Would you have wanted that for her? I think you cared about her enough that you wouldn't have wanted that.

Bummer, it stinks for sure.
Yeah, even a successful draining is rarely a 'cure'.
Have had a couple with ascites.
First one I tried to treat, only prolonged her misery.
Second one I euthanized as soon as I saw the ascites.
Both had irreparable/untreatable issues inside. 

I put them down as soon as I see it, too. I have tried in the past to "save" a chicken, but usually ended up prolonging their suffering.