After autopsy, found hen filled with fluid. Infection?

[Min Lille Norge]

I had noticed one of my 5 year old BO layers getting plump over the last week. Her abdomen felt 'full' but I couldn't tell if it was a solid mass or fluid. She died yesterday, so opened her up and drained about 4 cups of clear, urine colored fluid from her cavity, along with a blood clot. I found nothing abnormal with her organs, but I did find a very bumpy mass, not unlike her ovaries, but enlarged. Anyone have any idea what could have caused her malaise? In hindsight, had I realized her growth was fluid, I would have chanced to drain it. It's been a hard winter, and now within the last month, I've lot three of my hens. One to unknown causes, this one, and my broody hen (and there's much more to that subject than meets the eye as well!) Thanks for any insight!

 

[foreverlearning]

Ascities. There is no cure but there is treatment by draining. Sometimes it can take several years to come back, sometimes it can be as little as one month. It tends to show up more in broilers and in cold months. The mass you have seen that look like ovaries could have been the next several eggs in development. The pressure from the fluid can prevent an egg from coming out. Sorry about your losses!

 

[Min Lille Norge]

Thanks, foreverlearning, for your input! Yes, now researching acites, I agree that was what it was. Good to know, but still doesn't help losing one of my 'girls'. Thanks also, for your kind thoughts. I wish I had tried to drain her, but it also sounds like this would have continued.

 

[foreverlearning]

Having it happen for the first time and not knowing what it was can be very scary. The first time I had it happen to a broiler I freaked out, now I take preventive measures and treat when I can. I haven't had it happen in my laying flock but I do have very spoiled hens complete with added heat if it drops below 37F outside. I have found with broilers in the start of fluid build up if I add a heat lamp it usually resolves itself. This may work if you have a layer with a reoccurring problem. If not, feed stores always have needles and I would treat as long as they do not have it often enough to cause it to become a quality of life issue. I hope you don't have to deal with it again but now you know what to look for and how to treat if it does.

 

[casportpony]

I've had luck draining some, but not others... It really depends on what's causing it.

-Kathy

 

[Min Lille Norge]

My girls are VERY spoiled! (I now have ten, and they all have names.

) I had the heat lamp on steady for the last 4 months here in Minnesota! It was below zero for nearly record weeks. Bah! I just wonder, too, that even though they may have been 'comfortable', the long,long winter may have just stressed them out, and more for those 3 that died recently. In recent winters, there were at least some days to get out into the fresh air. I'll watch for Acites and now know what I can do to help. But yes, if it's a quality of life issue, I'm for letting them go. Your input has been very helpful, foreverlearning!! Thanks so much!

 

[casportpony]

if you decide to drain them this is how I do mine:

 

[Min Lille Norge]

Thank you, casportpony, for the great info and pictures! My girl looked just like that.

I am really wishing I had tried draining her. I just didn't know it was just fluid at the time. I hope there isn't a 'next time', but if so, I'll know and refer back to this thread!