Are Coccidiosis & Enlarged Crop Related?

[BroodyMama2020]

Despite our best efforts, we have lost 18 out of 28 bantam chicks in the last week. I have been treating the whole 2-week old flock (and individual chicks) with Corrid as directed by a local Poultry DVM, but we can’t seem to get ahead of it. We’ve been moving chicks into newly disinfected containers everyday, and separating-out chicks who are lethargic or who have loose stool. We are not letting the chicks eat off of the floor of the container, instead using feeding trays to keep them from the infected waste. When one takes a serious turn for the worse, we pull it and give it an undiluted dose of Corrid. Sometimes they turn the corner and we are able to re-integrate into the flock a day or so later. Otherwise, we just try to keep it comfortable as it passes. It’s a horrible death to witness. We’ve noticed that the last four chicks who have passed, have also had an enlarged crop. I am writing today to ask if this is part and parcel of Coccidiosis or if we’ve missed something and should be treating for an altogether different disease?

 

[azygous]

As disease shuts down bodily functions, crop disorders can be part of it, especially when the underlying cause is parasites that can form blockages and inflammation in the intestines, slowing down movement of material through the digestive tract.

You may be losing so many chicks because with severe coccidiosis, there is often bacterial infection in the intestines called necrotic enteritis. It's caused by an overload of coccidia eating away at the intestinal lining, causing inflammation. Bacteria then colonize the gut and irreversible damage occurs when left untreated, resulting in death.

The solution is to use a sulfa antibiotic in conjunction with Corid.

 

[BroodyMama2020]

Wow, thank you. This is so informative and helpful. I am going to follow-up with your recommendation. Thank you!

 

[azygous]

Here is where I get my meds. https://www.jedds.com/shop/trimethoprinsulfa-100-g-medpet/

 

[BroodyMama2020]

I was just scouring the internet for where/how to buy it, so thank you!!!!!