ADDITIONAL INFO: Ugh. My Margo. Again.

[AmyJane725]

Right, but I have other much heavier breeds who might be suffering ill effects. And fatty stores can contribute to rreproductive problems.

That's a fair point. The ones more prone to putting on weight might be in worse shape.

 

[micstrachan]

But the vet said the fat didn’t contribute to her death, so I think you might be okay with the level of treats you were feeding. Some fat is necessary and healthy IMO.

And I’m very sorry about the infection and her death. You really cared for her and it’s a great kindness to share the necropsy results here so we can learn also.

I forgot to thank you for your kind words. I’m in a bit of a fog.I am absolutely happy to share so we can all learn. In reading back through, it sounds like there was some respiratory inflammation as well.

 

[micstrachan]

Going offline for a bit to take the dog for a short hike. I’m reflecting on the fact that this news is far worse than my worst suspicions. Worst news I could have received. I’m pretty bummed.

 

[aart]

Sigh...heart breaking but very informative thread..thank you for sharing all the info.
Condolences and Kudos.
Hang in there.

If needed in the future I have a good video of broomstick CD without head removal.

 

[Kathy Golla]

Well that preliminary report sure put us off guard, huh?
Guess when we get a necropsy, you get more info than you ever asked for. What is it, this is more than we ever wanted to know. I'm going to have to read that report many times.
Aren't you glad you know though.
So, remember. How many times have you read on this site about how common Marek's is in chickens? I think "endemic to the species" and "possibly present in the majority of flocks" is used quite a bit, right? And these are from people who have significantly spoken to professionals, and across the country. There's millions of people who have it in their flock and never know it.
This could be any one of us. This is no death sentence, this is accomplishable. You have everything at your disposal to handle this.
You said this is your worst nightmare. But there could be many worse things.
You know this.
That was my pep talk.
I know this is a shock. I'm really sorry, especially when the big news is completely unexpected. I really wish I was there to give you a big hug. Big <virtual> hugs.

 

[aart]

I'm going to have to read that report many times.

I read it twice, need to translate with a medical dictionary into 'laymen terms'.

 

[micstrachan]

The fibrin is likely from a septic infection, which I suspected all along. This is still not the final report, so we’ll see what else we learn.

Thanks for everyone’s support. I’m feeling a bit deflated. I do know it’s not a death sentence. I’ve always tried to give them their best possible lives with top quality feed, fresh water, lots of exercise, veterinary care... I will continue to do everything the same except treats. I always read not to give them more than they could eat in ten minutes. They never got more than they could eat in two, and only when being called in from free ranging. Margo was top hen and may have gotten more than the others. Regardless, there will be no more. And when I seed the yard, they won’t be allowed out until after everything has sprouted. My flock is out free ranging right now for two purposes:
• Slim down
• Keep the stress down

Despite all that, I think the biggest issue is Mareks, since they are immunocompromised. I wonder what the source was? Also, I can’t tell what the evidence of Mareks in the report was. I did not see that spelled out. Did anyone else?

Happy Cheeks (2 week old chick) was doing a stiff leg thing when she died three weeks before Margo. I just didn’t think if Mareks, because I thought they were too young.

They suspect infectious bronchitis, too (I already assumed my flock had that.)

Please, please, please let the chicks all be girls. Or no more than one boy, since I can’t rehome with Mareks in my flock.

 

[AmyJane725]

Please, please, please let the chicks all be girls. Or no more than one boy, since I can’t rehome with Mareks in my flock.

This is still not the final report, so we’ll see what else we learn.

I can't believe that was still preliminary. I can't imagine what else they could tell you in the final report. I guess we'll see if she comes back IB positive.

As for the source, have you acquired chicks/chickens anywhere besides hatcheries? Wild birds visit your yard, no? People can track Marek's into feed stores. Chicks in the bin can already be infected by the time you buy them. There's a million ways.

Here's hoping you get all the girls that I didn't this round. *cough*15*cough*

 

[micstrachan]

I heard back from the doctor working Margo’s case. She said, while 2 weeks is very young, Mareks is a highly likely cause for Happy Cheeks’ clinical signs.

 

[AmyJane725]

I heard back from the doctor working Margo’s case. She said, while 2 weeks is very young, Mareks is a highly likely cause for Happy Cheeks’ clinical signs.

I'm sorry