2 wk old chick with possible Omphalitis

[RHF 5078]

Hello, I have a 2 week old cream legbar male chick with a swollen abdomen on the left hand side when you are holding him. The swelling is located between the Center bone and his leg and is very soft. I'm guessing it's subcutaneous fluid from omphalitis. Has anyone had any success with draining the fluid or should I just let him be? He is the same size as the other chicks and has no other obvious problems. (Pasty butt or open wounds for an infected navel). All experiences and opinions welcome on treating this condition.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Is the area leaking, or is it just soft like a hernia would feel? Here is some reading about omphalitis or mushy chick disease:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/mushy-chick-disease-yolk-sack-infection-omphalitis
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/poultry/omphalitis/overview_of_omphalitis_in_poultry.html

 

[RHF 5078]

Thank you for the welcome! No, the area is dry. Since he is past the time that chicks with this usually pass away, I'm wondering if this is a hernia and what to do about it. I will need to do more research.

 

[RHF 5078]

Also, after studying the pictures associated with the article you gave me, my chick does not have an open or scabbed navel.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you reduce the hernia by pushing the sac back inside the muscle opening? I once had a kitten with a hernia in his side. I pushed it in or reduced the hernia for 3 days in a row, and it finally stayed in on the 3rd day. He lived about 19 years, and it never came back. Most hernias need to be surgically reduced, and I'm doubtful that most would put a chick through that. The danger with letter the hernia go on is strangulation of the internal tissue, and of course injury since the area is just covered by skin. You could just watch it, and see if it improves on it's own. Here is another thread from today with a picture of something similar:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-wide-stance-water-balloon-butt#post_15549562

 

[RHF 5078]

Thank you for that. I have been pushing it back in a few times a day, but as soon as he cheeps, it pops back out. It feels like a pretty big hole so now I'm going to have to muster up the courage to cull this little guy. I appreciate all your help.

 

[Eggcessive]

So sorry that it hasn't improved, but glad that you tried to save the chick.