Water Belly // Ascites :: Hypodermic Needle Won't Drain Fluids

[Eggcessive]

I'm having the same issues drawing out the fluid, did you find a resolution to this or just keep sticking the chicken until successful?

If you are not getting fluid out with repeated sticks, there might not be fluid, but solid material or thick secretions from egg yolk peritonitis. Fluid should not be foul smelling unless there is infection.

 

[Chold05]

Hello all my lovely chicken folks!

I have a bit of an advanced question for y'all regarding water belly. I'm completely bewildered by this one so maybe one of you smarties could help?!

IN A NUTSHELL:

The patient is a 2 year old silver laced Wyandotte named Celosia (after the flower). She has had fluid accumulating in her abdomen for about 18 months now and I've drained her successfully with 18g x 1" hypodermic needles 5 times. I've never had a problem getting the fluid to flow out freely, but this last time, when I stuck the needle in, the plunger wouldn't draw back. I stuck her 4 different times, in slightly different locations (to the right and down from the vent) but each time I just got a vacuum and was unable to draw any fluids or even pull the plunger back.

Nevertheless, I'd still get a drip or 2 of clear liquid after withdrawing the needle, so I know it's in there. Maybe I'm just going in too deep, but she's got a big ol squishy belly, so that seems like missing the broad side of a barn to me.

Anyway, I've ordered 1/2" and 3/4" needles based on this hypothesis, but definitely curious if any of you have seen this before?



EXTRA DETAILS:

The fluid always comes out almost perfectly clear with only a faint musty odor. No yellowish hue.

I'm confident in the diagnosis based on her history and the fact that she's showing the same classic symptoms again:
*swollen & distended abdomen that is soft, squishy and feels full of liquid
*waddling when walking
*labored breathing, even at rest
*lethargy & lack of appetite
* hanging out on her own more and more



PAST RESULTS:

She's shown signs of improvement after each draining:
Her first drain released 1.2 L w 6 weeks before the next drain was needed
Her most recent drain released about 0.3L and it took 6 months to accumulate enough to need another



Ooookay, that's all I can think to include here. I'd be very grateful for any input from y'all. @azygous I know you really know your stuff... any thoughts here?

Thanks and stay safe and don't forget to share some eggs w your neighbors y'all!

- Zac

I know this thread is old- but I’m having the same issue with my hen. I’ve drained her numerous times successfully and the vet diagnosed her too. The liquid is more clear than yellow. I’d say a TINGE of yellow if any.

Today I couldn’t draw anything out but a few drops came out when I disconnected. I stuck her twice then decided to let it be.

 

[exactlyzac]

I know this thread is old- but I’m having the same issue with my hen. I’ve drained her numerous times successfully and the vet diagnosed her too. The liquid is more clear than yellow. I’d say a TINGE of yellow if any.

Today I couldn’t draw anything out but a few drops came out when I disconnected. I stuck her twice then decided to let it be.

Well hopefully this is good news!

After this incident, that was the last I saw or heard of her waterbelly problems. I didn't think the poor girl would make it to her first birthday, but she nearly made it to the age of four, which is pretty good considering all the poor girl went through.

Hoping for the best for your flock as well <3

 

[Zendaya]

@casportpony has done a lot of draining of hens abdomens. What color is the fluid that you have drained before? It should be yellow to dark amber in color. If it is clear and colorless, that can be from a cystic right oviduct, not ascites fluid.

I have only drained one small bantam hen of mine with ascites. Usually I let nature take it’s course, but this time, then hen was in severe respiratory distress and lethargic. She did improve with draining, but 4 days later, I drained her and the fluid was very thick and cloudy, and hard to get out. The next week, I could not get any out, and she died a day or two later.

Egg yolk peritonitis is one of several possible causes of ascites, and it could be the material in her belly is thick or too viscous to drain with a needle. 18 gauge needles are the largest bore needles that I can find in my feed stores. A 16 gauge mught be better, and some people have reported using a small knife or large needle. Be aware that infection or death can occur with draining a hen without a vet.

Where do I stick the needl so I get the fluid snd not just hurt her?