Blood clotted egg.

[gabtrac]

Our 1 year old Leghorn had an egg that was a bloody blob 2 days ago (we collect twice daily). She hasn't laid since and although she's still eating and hanging with the flock, she seems slow, stiff and in some low degree of pain.
They free forage with water access and live an idyllic life.
I am hoping someone can tell me what might be the problem - see pictures.
Thank you!!!

 

[nuthatched]

Looks like an underdeveloped yolk, but she may have a reproductive issue. Do they get any feed at all?

 

[gabtrac]

Yes, they get 16% layer, always available in the run. They can go in and out as they wish, until night.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Our 1 year old Leghorn had an egg that was a bloody blob 2 days ago (we collect twice daily). She hasn't laid since and although she's still eating and hanging with the flock, she seems slow, stiff and in some low degree of pain.
They free forage with water access and live an idyllic life.
I am hoping someone can tell me what might be the problem - see pictures.
Thank you!!!

Looks like a Follicle.

Is she acting any better or is she still lethargic?

If she were mine, I'd give her 1 Calcium Citrate+D3 tablet once daily for a week. This may help her expel more material. You can find this at Walmart, CVS, etc. in the vitamin aisle.

IF she's still lethargic and seems to be in pain, I'd start her on an antibiotic. Amoxicillin is good choice. Dose is 57mg per pound of weight given orally twice daily for 7-10 days.

 

[gabtrac]

She seems much better. She's out eating normally with the flock during the day, but does seem to get stiff near the end of the day. She gets up on the roost in the evening. Still not laying, but that's understandable given what came out of her. So far so good. Will try the vitamins. Any other thoughts? Thank you!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She seems much better. She's out eating normally with the flock during the day, but does seem to get stiff near the end of the day. She gets up on the roost in the evening. Still not laying, but that's understandable given what came out of her. So far so good. Will try the vitamins. Any other thoughts? Thank you!

I'd still give the extra Calcium for a week.

Could you tell if the membrane (soft shell) was ruptured when she expelled it or if she had any albumen (egg whites) or yolk seeping/leaking from the vent? IF that shell didn't come out intact encasing the Follicle, then I'd consider giving an antibiotic as well to help fight infection.

 

[gabtrac]

The membrane seemed to be fully intact, with no evidence of a shell. Have not seen any seepage. What exactly is the/a follicle and how is it related to this? I've googled it and I'm still not clear. I really appreciate your help. Does any of this suggest the possibility that she will no longer be able to lay eggs - internal damage? Thanks again!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Basically the Follicle is the blood supply that covers the Ovum (Yolk) while in the Oviduct. Sometimes, for whatever reason an Ovum may not be formed correctly and the whole intact Ovum with the Follicle is released and travels through the Oviduct. This may be a one time thing, hard to know. It could be an indication that there's more going on like the beginning of cancer (which can be common).

I've included a video below that is helpful in understanding the reproductive system.

The photo below shows an abnormal ovary, but it also shows a good photo of the ovum encased in the follicle.

Hope that helps and doesn't confuse more.

 

[gabtrac]

WOW!!! Thanks for this! I truly appreciate it.