Bloated Chick - Really Scared - Please Help!

[Jmurcks]

No, they were not vaccinated for Mareks but I don't think it is that.
I looked here http://extension.unh.edu/Agric/Docs/mareks.pdf and he doesn't have any of the symptoms.
I looked a few more places, too and none of the symptoms match and I don't really think it is a tumor on him because he is swollen on both sides, just larger on the left.
Also, it is really squishy, like a water baloon.
He is still eating and drinking and doesn't act at all lethargic.

It could very well be, as I don't want to rule anything out, but it doesn't seem to correspond to what he has going on.
Thanks for helping!!

 

[Jmurcks]

I actually had a sand paper thing in there for parakeets and such under their food dish. I don't know if they have used it or not, though!

I checked for any type of puncture marks, scratches, etc. and found nothing. His veins seem to be really red but I think that is just from being so swollen.

He doesn't grunt or cry out when I push on it or massage it although he did act like he was in a bit of discomfort the first day he was like this.
He seems to still be the same size, (well, in comparison he is larger because of the swelling), as his brooder mates.

I'll try the sand and eggs and see if it helps!

No other chick is having any symptoms or trouble, just this little guy.

Thanks!

 

[chickerdoodle]

Does the parakeet sandpaper have any calcium in it? If it does--get rid of it! Calcium at this age can destroy their kidneys and bloating can be caused from kidney damage. I doubt that's it but why take the chance?

Hope he gets better

 

[Jmurcks]

Quote:
Tossed!

I don't know if it does or not because I don't have the pack anymore but I'll look while I'm at Wal-Mart today!

Thanks!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Is it his crop or abdomin that is squishy? You might try giving him plain yogurt with as many live cultures as possible (most of the more common brands only have one or two, but if you look at some of the less common ones they have as many as 8 different cultures (that I have found; could be some brand with more cultures than I have seen). Definitely do not get flavoured or sweetened yogurt.

 

[Jmurcks]

His crop and abdomin don't feel squishy to me but he is so swollen it is hard to tell but it seems it is mainly wing or higher, on the back, that he is swollen most.
Esp on that left side, high on the back it is a sack of fluid (?) that is golf-ball shaped. It is perfectly round. His little legs are sticking so far out from being so big I hope he doesn't suffer any permanent leg damage...

I did give him yogurt last night and cooked him some eggs this morning (I thought my pet was supposed to make ME breakfast

) so I'll let you know!

He does seem to be ever so slightly smaller. Maybe it is my imagination but it does seem that way.
He is still in good spirits and has an appetite.

I checked at Walmart and the bird paper I had in there didn't say anything about having calcium added but the box of grit for the birds did. It said it had calcium carbonate added. I did not give them any of that, thankfully!

Thanks all and I'll keep you updated!

 

[chkn]

Oh, that would be great if he keeps improving. Yes, keep us updated.

 

[Jmurcks]

It seems like today he is a bit smaller than he was yesterday so I think we are getting better!

He is still doing great and I'm pretty sure he is a HE because he was "rooster fighting" with a hatchmate.

I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow! Thanks!

 

[organicfoltzfamilyfarm]

I'm just thinking that he/she is retaining fluids. I don't think it's a tumors usually start out small and get bigger.

I'd do a search about chicks retaining fluid on side. Or something along those lines.

Hope it feels better!

 

[Jmurcks]

As of today the chick is looking almost normal.
The only way you can tell it has any fluid left is when it lays down and you can tell but otherwise you have to really look to see which chick it was!

His wing is still sticking out a little on the side and his legs still bow out just a bit but you can only tell when holding him.
Otherwise he looks almost completely normal!

Don't know what it was but thanks to God it is gone!
Thanks everyone!