Ascites treatment?

[Three Little Bunnies]

Hi!

I have a chicken that appears to have ascites (water belly) based on her sagging belly, trouble breathing, waddling, and a little lethargy. What can be done to help relieve her of this condition?

Thank you!

 

[coach723]

Ascites is a symptom of another issue, rather than a disease on it's own. It's fluid in the abdomen often from a leaking liver. It's common with some reproductive problems like cancers and infections, it can also happen with heart failure. Some will drain the fluid, which can make them more comfortable for a time, but it will recur as the underlying issue will still be there. Draining comes with some risk, both of shock if too much is drained too quickly (which can be fatal), and of infection from the puncture. But many do it successfully. If you choose to do that, it may be need to be repeated at intervals when the fluid builds back up. Most of the underlying issues that cause ascites don't really have good treatment options, and are usually eventually fatal.
There are video's on youtube showing how to drain, I've attached one below.

 

[Three Little Bunnies]

Thank you for the info! Is there a specific size needle that should be used to drain? What would be considered too quick? Is there a maximum amount of fluid that should be drained at once? Once the chicken has been drained, should the needle’s entry point be bandaged or left open to encourage more drainage?

 

[coach723]

Usually an 18 g needle is used, many feed stores carry them. This link has some more specific instructions, scroll down to where they talk about draining. Dab/wipe the spot with an antiseptic before sticking, to help minimize chance of infection. Usually you leave the puncture open, just put some plain triple antibiotic ointment on it. It may continue to drip for a while, which is fine, it will help get rid of more of the fluid very slowly. You can keep her on puppy pads or clean towels, changing out as needed, until that stops.
https://www.chickencoopcompany.com/...Z8Eoo7KGcoWlDk9N72l4xNfutacQluXdaJhSY-ztkVdsB

 

[Eggcessive]

An 18 gauge needle is normally used for draining. Once the needle is removed many times the fluid will continue to leak out for some time, so placing them on puppy pads or a towel would be helpful. Coach just posted just before I did.

 

[Eggcessive]

I don’t usually drain my hens, and have only drained one who had labored breathing. Risk of infection, shock and death are reasons I don’t normally drain, and the one I did drain only lived another 2 weeks. Most hen with ascites get it due to reproductive infections, fatty liver disease, cancer, or heart failure. Here in post 4 of the thread below are some pictures of a hen being drained:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ascites-in-desperate-need-of-some-help-and-guidance.853726/

 

[coach723]

I also don't usually drain. Same reasons, it will eventually be fatal regardless. I leave them with the flock until they are obviously unwell, stop eating and drinking, isolate themselves, or are attacked by flockmates. Then I euthanize rather than let them suffer. I've had some live for a pretty long time, others pass very quickly. It's hard to predict since the underlying condition is usually not known for certain until necropsy. I've treated a few with Lily of the Desert Aloe Detox (https://www.walmart.com/ip/LILY-OF-...W3XihscPk4OcE3c5VGRePAB2tR_TjKR8aAlnuEALw_wcB) when it was in the very early stages, and for some birds it seemed to help for a while. That also may need to be repeated periodically. It sounds like your bird may be much more advanced and that might not be effective for this one. But it's not going to hurt anything if you wanted to try. I give 4 ml a day for 7 days, orally. It needs to be room temperature when you give it.

 

[KerriChick]

Just jumping in here to add my experience with ascites, which I will note seems to be unique for my hen. My sweet easter egger Chili (almost 4) developed ascites about a year ago. I have been draining her following the directions above when needed(anywhere from 3 weeks-2 months)for the past year and she bounces back fully each time. I believe her issue is reproductive/hormonal most likely, because I didn't have to drain her all winter when she wasn't in lay. I just drained her for the first time this year. She still seems in good health and doesn't appear to have any other issues-she isn't a super layer but does still lay pretty light olive eggs. She is feisty and sweet, and enjoys her blueberry treats during her 'spa day' draining in our bathroom. It is really obvious when she is getting full of fluid, she slows down and waddles and has the telltale squish belly. I usually don't wait until she is gasping, although I noticed it a little this morning as I was carrying her down. If you are not a fan of needles or if your hen has other health issues draining may not be for you, but it has worked very well for us.