Swollen head

[CloneFly]

It just never stops... *sigh*

Went out this morning to find our 1yr old turkey hen with a swollen head. I tried taking pictures, but she's not exactly photogenic. She's acting normal and laid an egg yesterday, she just has that abnormal swelling.. Important notes:

- she lost her little waddle/nub when she was a couple weeks old. Doesn't seem to have affected her.
- she is the only turkey in our flock.
- she was bitten on the head by one of our dogs several months ago and was treated by a vet. The wounds weren't deep and the skull was fine.

Any advice on what could be wrong? I'd really prefer not having to go to the vet again this month for another bird, but if that's what it takes, so be it

 

[R2elk]

@casportpony

 

[CloneFly]

@casportpony

Thank you

 

[CloneFly]

@casportpony
@azygous

 

[casportpony]

Does it feel like it has air or fluid in it? Do you have a sterile needle that you could poke it with?

 

[CloneFly]

Does it feel like it has air or fluid in it? Do you have a sterile needle that you could poke it with?

Yes, I do. It's all over the face, so would I need to lance it in multiple locations or just one pinprick?

 

[azygous]

It's likely a pneumovirus that's a combination of a bacteria and respiratory illness. In spite of having a name, it has no treatment. This is a common virus that targets young turkeys.

 

[R2elk]

it's likely a pneumovirus that's a combination of a bacteria and respiratory illness. in spite of having a name, it has no treatment. this is a common for young turkeys.

I have never seen it in any of my turkeys. I would not consider it to be a common turkey ailment.

 

[CloneFly]

It's likely a pneumovirus that's a combination of a bacteria and respiratory illness. In spite of having a name, it has no treatment. This is a common virus that targets young turkeys.

Will it just run its course?

 

[azygous]

Most respiratory viruses do run their course and resolve on their own. However, the bacterial component may not resolve without help from an antibiotic such as Tylosin. If the youngster begins showing signs of upper respiratory symptoms and becomes lethargic, it may be a good idea to start Tylan. You can order it here. It's a convenient form that dissolves in the drinking water. https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=7EF2885F-8F22-495D-A6C5-12069F4B5712