Any ideas what this is?

[Tania Lee]

One of my isa brown rescue hens has been laying shell-less eggs. Usually I'd give her calcium but she is taking antibiotics at the moment as she's been a little flat. This morning I found a shell-less egg with this small meaty

ball in it. The ball is about 10mm x 7mm - quite small and firm. I've not come across anything like this before. Can anyone please tell me what it is and if I should be concerned? Thanks.

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

I believe it may be a lash egg, a sign of salpingitis. It is layers of pus from an internal infection and can be serious. I'm not experienced in this though so I'm not much help I'm afraid.

 

[007Sean]

Appears to be salpingitis or caseous exudate. Caused by the inflammation/infection of the oviduct by either Mycoplasma gallisepticum or Escherichia coli. Antibiotics are used to alleviate the symptoms but don't eliminate the infection. Some antibiotics commonly used are, Erythromycin, Oxytetracycline and Spectinomycin administered in either the feed or drinking water.
Hens infected will lay shell less eggs, or in your case, caseous exudate and can have pieces of egg shell mixed in the exudate. Eventually they will cease laying altogether, as the symptoms progress it can lead to death, if the hen can not get rid of the exudate, the mass in the oviduct fills up the abdominal cavity and presses on the lungs causing respiratory failure.
Soaking in a warm Epsom salts bath may help to reduce some of the discomfort experinced by the hen.
I've had this happen to several of my pheasant hens through the years.

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree that it appears to be a lash egg, not really an egg, but tissue from a salpingitis infection. It is common in laying hens. If you want to treat with antibiotics, which many people do not, you can use Baytril (enrofloxacin,) which can treat many different bacteria. That might help to prolong life, but be aware that Baytril is banned in poultry. Here is some reading about salpingitis:
http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/salpingitis
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/disorders-of-the-reproductive-system/salpingitis-in-poultry
https://the-chicken-chick.com/salpingitis-lash-eggs-in-backyard/

 

[Tania Lee]

I believe it may be a lash egg, a sign of salpingitis. It is layers of pus from an internal infection and can be serious. I'm not experienced in this though so I'm not much help I'm afraid.

Thank you for your reply. I'll keep her on the antibiotic a little longer then and if no improvement in the next day - we will see a vet.

 

[Tania Lee]

I agree that it appears to be a lash egg, not really an egg, but tissue from a salpingitis infection. It is common in laying hens. If you want to treat with antibiotics, which many people do not, you can use Baytril (enrofloxacin,) which can treat many different bacteria. That might help to prolong life, but be aware that Baytril is banned in poultry. Here is some reading about salpingitis:
http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/salpingitis
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/disorders-of-the-reproductive-system/salpingitis-in-poultry
https://the-chicken-chick.com/salpingitis-lash-eggs-in-backyard/

Thank you for that.

 

[Tania Lee]

Appears to be salpingitis or caseous exudate. Caused by the inflammation/infection of the oviduct by either Mycoplasma gallisepticum or Escherichia coli. Antibiotics are used to alleviate the symptoms but don't eliminate the infection. Some antibiotics commonly used are, Erythromycin, Oxytetracycline and Spectinomycin administered in either the feed or drinking water.
Hens infected will lay shell less eggs, or in your case, caseous exudate and can have pieces of egg shell mixed in the exudate. Eventually they will cease laying altogether, as the symptoms progress it can lead to death, if the hen can not get rid of the exudate, the mass in the oviduct fills up the abdominal cavity and presses on the lungs causing respiratory failure.
Soaking in a warm Epsom salts bath may help to reduce some of the discomfort experinced by the hen.
I've had this happen to several of my pheasant hens through the years.

Thank you for the info.

 

[007Sean]

Thank you for the info.

Your welcome. Good luck with your flock.

 

[Eggcessive]

Many people use Baytril (enrofloxacin) to treat reproductive problems, even though it is banned for chickens. Vets in other countries use it, and vets here use it for other animals, such as dogs. It is much better than something like amoxicillin since it treats E.coli, mycoplasma, and other bacteria. Here is a link where to buy the 10% enrofloxacin 100 ml, and dosage is 0.05 ml per pound twice daily for 5-6 days:
https://www.jedds.com/shop/misc/

 

[HuffleClaw]

Agreed, lash egg. Very good links & info above.