Ascites?

[Lady Lionheart]

Hello everyone and thank you for taking the time to read this and offer advice.

I have a Cuckoo Marans pullet that I noticed was looking pretty bare on her backside, so I took a closer look. She is filled with fluid. Pretty sure that it's water belly. I did not take any pictures, but if needed I'll get some in the morning.
She hatched last Aug, so isn't very old. She has always been a very heavy lady. Just figured it was because of her breed. She is my only Cuckoo Marans. I am planning on putting her down. I am not equipped to drain her and I don't want to see her suffer. She is a well loved pet. I also would like to know why she got water belly. I thought only broilers and old hens get it? I mix a bag of 20% all flock with a 16% layer feed. I did that because I started having problems with soft shells in my flock. They do have os and toasted egg shells on the side but still had problems. Did I do wrong by mixing the feed?
Also, I'm thinking I would like to try to do a necropsy. Does anyone have any links to step by step instructions on how to do that?

Sorry for the long post but I appreciate the ones who took the time to read this.

 

[azygous]

Ascites will be between the legs and a bit to the front of them and cause the legs to spread apart, causing the chicken to waddle when she walks.

A reproductive infection can also cause swelling but it will be slightly behind the legs and won't cause much difference in stance and walk.

Neither one is limited to old hens and broilers. Ascites is a symptom of liver disease and that can be a symptom of an ongoing infection in another part of the body. Neither has a good long term outcome. If you have decided to euthanize her, it will no doubt save her a lot of suffering.

@casportpony and @Eggcessive can both help you with the necropsy. They have their bat signals activated and will come by and get you started, probably in the morning.

I'm glad you're willing to undertake this as it's very instructional. What you learn will be very helpful in caring for future sick chickens.

 

[micstrachan]

Hi there,
If you have not put her down yet, you might hold off and consider treatment. Ascites can be caused by a number of different things... laying disorders, cancer, infection... but your girl is so young. Do you know if she is still laying? She lays the dark brown eggs, right? It’s possible she just has a digestive tract (or reproductive tract) infection that could be treated with antibiotics. Also, I haven’t used it yet, but just received an aloe detox formula that is supposed to help with ascites. Would you be willing to try something like that? You would still need to try to determine the underlying cause of the ascites.

 

[azygous]

I agree with @micstrachan. Euthanasia isn't the only option at this time.

 

[micstrachan]

Sorry, did not see azygous’ post, as I was posting at the same time. I know it’s difficult when you get conflicting input. If you have already decided to put her down, follow your instincts. You are probably making the best call. Sorry if I have confused things.

 

[micstrachan]

Haha! Look at us... back and forth. Bottom line is, we’re really on the same page.

@Lady Lionheart, we are here to help and support you, whatever you decide. Only you can see your hen and know how she is behaving.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Nice to have options and other opinions (micstrachan) That's what's great about this site

 

[Lady Lionheart]

I have not put her down yet. She is still laying. Got one today. I will take pictures of her tomorrow and we'll go from there. Putting kids to bed now. Thanks everyone for the help.
I'll be back in the morning

 

[micstrachan]

Sounds good. “See” you then.

 

[micstrachan]

Can you tell us what you feed your flock including treats and anything they might have access to while free ranging? That might help narrow things down.