Advice on treating this chicks eye

[Wyorp Rock]

How are the chicks doing?

Sounds like a good plan, I hope they are able to get back to you quickly. Please let us know what you find out.

 

[Nksg75]

Ok, just got the results back.
Negative on both tests!
So that leads me to believe that it’s fowl pox with a secondary eye infection.
The chicks are ok, still not improving as far as the eyes goes, but not getting worse either!!
Really wish they had a test for fowl pox!!
Anyway at least we were able to conclude that it wasn’t MG or IBV!
Below are the official results!!

 

[Nksg75]

How are the chicks doing?

Sounds like a good plan, I hope they are able to get back to you quickly. Please let us know what you find out.

They are ok, I called the lab and there isn’t an actual test for fowl pox, so we decided to rule out a few other illnesses it could be.
I thought it would be a simple swab test…. Oh no!!
Had to run to the vet(local vet) she so kindly pulled blood from 3 of the chicks and then used the centerfuze to get the serum.
Then had to send all 3 serums from the chicks to A&M. I posted the results from the lab.

 

[Nksg75]

Ok, after I got the results back, I have been thinking.
here it is:
1. Almost all the new chicks have this eye infection (I am talking about close to 30 chicks)
2. It’s only one eye per chick(some left side some right side)
3. If I don’t figure out a way to stop them from scratching their infected eyes, I will end up with close to 30 chicks probably blind on one side. (Not a good thing at all, yet even worse for free ranging birds)
4. vet at A&M poultry lab suggests coming up with a way to tape up feet on each chicks infected eye side to prevent them from scratching their cornea, and making the eye problem worse. (vet also thinks that it is likely this is why I haven’t seen any improvement as far as the eye is concerned)

*** has anyone done this before and have pics of it to show me?
I was thinking of take small pieces of vet wrap and putting it on the chicks foot, then using medical tape to secure it there. I didn’t want to just put tape directly on the foot.
I could also just use a bandaid on each chick foot pad.

 

[Nksg75]

Is anyone having trouble viewing the report? I just noticed that it makes me download the file before viewing it. I can screenshot it and post as a pic if needed

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Ok, just got the results back.
Negative on both tests!
So that leads me to believe that it’s fowl pox with a secondary eye infection.
The chicks are ok, still not improving as far as the eyes goes, but not getting worse either!!
Really wish they had a test for fowl pox!!
Anyway at least we were able to conclude that it wasn’t MG or IBV!
Below are the official results!!

I didn't have trouble reading the report.

It's good news that you aren't dealing with MG or IBV! But I can understand the concern about the eyes not healing.
With Fowl Pox, the less you disturb scabs usually the better. Ointment could be dabbed on but not rubbed in, let the scabs fall off on their own.

Taping the feet might be a good idea, worth a try! I agree, I'd use vet wrap and wrap like you would an injury, you may find that the whole foot, partway up the leg is the best way to get wrap to stay on.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

You may want to scout out some Youtube videos, there's a few that show how to wrap the foot, but a quick glance didn't show how to wrap toes.

I've wrapped quite a few toes, but I just sort of wing it. I don't have photos or video.
I usually cut my wrap into thinner narrow strips. For a chick/pullet, I'd start with 1/2" wide and about 3-4" long (maybe even smaller, you'll have to play with it). Have a few cut and ready to go. I'd wrap a toe, then move to the next and so forth, then come back with some longer strips to figure eight across and between the toes to secure the toe wrappings. If that can make sense. It's hard to explain LOL I've had roosters with shredded toes from kicking wire (yes, needed wrapping from nails and up!), so it's a process each time, but they are patient when being worked on and love the attention, so they will just stand there for you to work on them. A squirming chick or pullet is going to be more of a challenge.

 

[Nksg75]

Ok thanks, I was thinking since they are so young, I would just wrap/tape the entire foot as one unit

 

[Razzlefrazzle]

Is there any chance they are vitamin A deficient? It causes susceptibility to infections as well as eye issues (among other things) and I've read that chicks can become deficient in the first several weeks if they didn't get enough through their mother and/or their diet is unbalanced. Not sure how likely this is, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Ok thanks, I was thinking since they are so young, I would just wrap/tape the entire foot as one unit

Goodness Yes, if they are still young enough, yes, sandwiching the toes between tape or wrap may work better.
I have wrapped chicks before, but it's been a while, mostly adults, so I was in rooster feet wrapping mode

Like this!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-with-tape-picture-tutorial-and-video.75247/

https://www.mypetchicken.com/blogs/faqs/my-chicks-toes-are-all-curled-up-whats-wrong-with-her