Audrey Update: she's not dead yet!

[Renee]

I re-read your post, chickiemama, and I see what you are saying. I must have gotten it backward.

I am surprised that any vet would let someone carry on with a chicken that was infected with staph. Hmm.

I'm off to read dosing instructions for Terramycin. I assume I should be treating all of the chickens. I'll be prepared for that in the AM.

Thanks to all.

 

[Renee]

Whew! You can learn so much from Wikipedia!

Gram is a guy who figured out how to stain bacteria. If it's gram negative, it means it doesn't stain purple, but it will stain red. If it's positive, it will stain purple. Different kinds of bugs stain up differently. Then the bugs can be further broken down into shapes: rods or cocci (roundish).

So... what Audrey has is gram positive rods, and there are two: botulism and/or listeriosis (sp), at 65%.

She also has gram negative cocci, and there are two: e coli and/or salmonella, at 35%.

Voila! I believe Audrey got food poisoning, since most everyone has a little e coli in their poop. That would explain why she perked up so quickly after she looked mostly dead.

I'll still update tomorrow...
Renee

 

[cyrixlord]

I imagine the vet needs to have a pet checkup on the records (50.00) and not just arbitrarily do lab testing on anything since they're not a lab. they need that consulting fee to translate for you what the deal is during the lab checkup since it takes the Vets time. i'm sure that all it is, not a scam or anything.

 

[redhen]

cryixlord...but how can that be...they agreed to test the fecal sample...she paid for it...they have to give her the results...now..maybe..they dont have to tell her what the tests mean....without seeing the doctor..(which still..dosent make any sense..)..but..they still HAVE to give her the results...in her hand, if she asks for them...just as another poster on here said..it is like her medical recored..they have to give it to her...plain and simple...honestly...she can take those results (that she paid for)..and go to any other vet with them. they can not MAKE her go back to see them to get those results..i'm sorry...but..i am sure of this one thing...and instead of guessing about what is wrong with my chicken..i would demand those results..in my hand...otherwise she just wasted $40 on those tests..for nothing...it really is simple.just go pick up the tests.....i really hope the chicken is going to be okay..best of luck with her..Wendy

 

[sammi]

I'm with redhen on this..you paid for the tests, they're YOURS.

whenever you have time, try and find another vet who's easier to deal with.

I posted a list of meds to use in your other thread..
(LA-200, terramycin, Pen-G procaine, Sulmet, Tylan 50, Baytril, Cephalaxen..from First State Vet)
if you want to try terramycin..2 teaspoons per gallon of water for 7-10 days..

Renee..check your other thread for dlh post about worming.

 

[Renee]

Audrey looks great. Her comb is back to normal, she appears to be pooping normally, she's eating and talking. I'm still giving her the vitamins and some yogurt and egg, but she's back with the other chickens. I will have to mail-order the wormer dlhunicorn recommended.

I'm giving the vet a break. He's gotta make a living. And by the look of his empty office, he's not having an easy go of it. I'll find someone else, someone who shares my perspective on cost-containment! If I go to another vet they will be able to request the results anyway.

Mikey and I spent all day scrubbing down the henhouse, removing all of the pine shavings from the run, and disinfecting the walls, feeders, etc. We went and bought sand for the run and I'm going to clean it with a kitty litter scooper every morning. It will also be easier for me to make sure there is no chicken food dropping into the shavings and getting yucky under there.

I'm wondering about eggs. Should we throw her eggs away until we are certain she is no longer ill?