Ascites?

[GermanKennhuhn]

Hello,
I have an OEGB hen, probably 4 or 5, who is acting off. Still eating and drinking, but she seems a little slow, breathing seems a little bit labored, and her abdomen is swollen. It’s hard, but I could see it being fluid. She seems to be straining a little bit, which made me think she could have an egg stuck, but she’s not straining much. She’s still eating and drinking willingly.
I noticed this behavior yesterday.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Here is her posture.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

@Wyorp Rock what do you think?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Is she pooping?

I'd give her extra calcium for a few days if she seems to be having trouble laying an egg. You can find Calcium Citrate with D3 in the vitamin aisle of stores like Walmart, CVS, etc. Give 1 tablet daily, just pull down on her wattles, pop the tablet into the beak and let her swallow.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Thank you so much for the reply!
She is pooping.
I will try the calcium. Is it normal for her abdomen to be so swollen, though, if it is indeed an egg?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

There can be swelling if she's having trouble with an egg.

The symptom of fluid in the abdomen (Ascites) can accompany reproductive problems and/or organ failure. Hard to know what's going on, but giving extra calcium for a few days to see if that helps her expel an egg, lash material, etc. is a good idea.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

There can be swelling if she's having trouble with an egg.

The symptom of fluid in the abdomen (Ascites) can accompany reproductive problems and/or organ failure. Hard to know what's going on, but giving extra calcium for a few days to see if that helps her expel an egg, lash material, etc. is a good idea.

Alright, thank you for the help. I will try calcium for a few days.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

So, her stomach is still very swollen. Maybe a little less, but if so, not much. I’ve been giving the calcium daily, along with a mash, and she has access to heat, feed, and fresh water 24/7. Her posture is still weird, with her wings and tail drooping. Her breathing is still a bit labored. She doesn’t seem to be worse, but not any better.
Here is her poop from today.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She may be having some reproductive issues.

If you can, get a fecal float to rule out worms as being part of the problem.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

She may be having some reproductive issues.

If you can, get a fecal float to rule out worms as being part of the problem.

Doubtful. I don’t have a vet nearby, and I’m on a rather tight budget unfortunately.
Her stomach did feel a bit less swollen today.