Botulism in domestic chicken

[DotandDave]

Hi I have a hen who is about 3yo. She took ill last weekend. Vet put her on antibiotics. Diagn botulism. She's paralysed from wings down. I got it in time.

She's in isolation. I don't work and spend all day rehabilitating her. I love nursing her.

I've been nursing her for a week. She's no worse. Will probably pull through. None of my other birds are sick.

My question is about her eyes. I've been reading that botulism causes eyelid paralysis, which is why she's closing her eyes a lot. She's alert and her eyes are open more now. Her eyes are still fairly bloodshot but a little less red.

She can move her neck now full rotation and gently preen herself.

She's happily eating - but only if I spoon feed her. I don't think she can see anymore. Does botulism affect her optic nerve?

Thanks heaps.

 

[dawg53]

I havnt dealt with botulism. I havnt read anything that states that botulism effects the optic nerve. You might want to call the vet and ask him. Here's a link regarding Botulism in poultry:
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/botulism/botulism-in-poultry