Administering Subcutaneous Fluids

[farmermama2384]

Does anyone know where on a chicken you would administer subcutaneous fluids and what volume to give? I've done it for cats before, and you inject the fluid like saddlebags over their shoulders.

I have a recent parasite issue that claimed one of my Catalana roosters. On day one, he was out in the pasture but his neck was squished down. On day two, he was out in the pasture, neck squished down, and body hunched. On day three, I called the vet and they said to give him 0.10 cc ivomec, 30 cc/day tube feeding and that's it. He died around noon on day three, after a single dose of wormer and one round of tube feeding. When I did the postmortem, he was so dehydrated that I couldn't even pinch his skin. His whole body cavity was dry and his organs were reduced, like someone stuck a blow dryer in there. He was also three pounds underweight, but the wasting happened so quickly. I check them every week or so for body condition and he was ok within a week of becoming sick. I feel confident that if I had administered subcutaneous fluids, he would still be here. Now I have a hen showing the same symptoms and I want to get her fluids ASAP.

I have raised poultry for years and never had a parasite issue. I feel so challenged in this situation because I don't have any experience addressing parasites. My NPIP guy said to give Prohibit (levamasole) wormer because it is wider spectrum and what "the industry" uses. Any additional advice for dealing with parasites is appreciated. All our birds are on pasture and rotated. We feed a non-GMO breeder feed with at least 18% protein from Hyland Naturals. Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

I have administered fluid subcutaneously on children before, and it helps to find a loose area of the skin that can be pulled up from the muscle. Lactated Ringers solution and normal saline are the usual fluids given. Vet help would be best for this. Here is a good post about giving subQ fluids (see post #90): https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/845005/need-immediate-help-to-save-juvenile-roo/80

And another link: http://www.awrc.org.au/uploads/5/8/6/6/5866843/fowler_anne_fluid_therapy.pdf

 

[farmermama2384]

Thank you! This was great information and exactly what I was looking for! I just her first dose and she is doing well. Interestingly, the same chicken was just wormed with ivomec on Friday of last week and is also in the midst of a super-late molt. Could just be coincidence that the other bird died, and this hen's symptoms may be related to the wormer.