Botulism or...?

[Kathrina]

Hello,

I have a 12-14 week old Silver Laced Wyandotte who is having problems with her balance. She is wobbly on her legs and sometimes falls over. She (Constance) also has problems keeping her neck up and seems to have some problems with her breathing as well. I have not noticed any diahrreah but her poop is green (free range feeding).

I have done some research and it seems that this can be Botulism or Merek's disease... is there anybody that could help me with more information - please?

We live in Central Alberta, Canada - if location can help diagnose her.

Thank you for a great forum

 

[Wynette]

Goodness, it could be SO many things. Marek's is quite prevalent, but it typically shows as one leg outstretched to the side when they sit, or sort of walking unbalanced. What are the breathing problems you mention? Do you hear any crackling sort of noises when she breathes? If so, there's a respiratory illness going on.

 

[horsejody]

Maybe it's neurological or a nutritional deficiency.

 

[Kathrina]

Hello Wynette - thank you for your reply!

No, she does not have a leg stretched out when she sits - she has both legs underneath her. I can not hear any crackling sounds when she breaths either... and there is no discharge from her nose or mouth.
She seems quite unbalanced when she walks and fall down to sit on her feet at times. She does not hold her head up like the others either - it almost looks like she has no neck... she also seems to have some swelling and is redder than normal in the face.

I think (and hope) Botulism is the problem - at least then she has a good chance of making it through this.

I am very new to having chickens - only got them 3 months ago and don't like the thought of loosing one of them already!

 

[Wynette]

I'm thinking along the lines of horsejody as well. To me, it almost sounds neurological. With the neck weakness, does she flip her head/neck backwards, onto her back sort of, or just downward?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

If botulism is the problem, she will not recover unless you get the toxins out of her. A molassas or epsoms salts flush is the recommended treatment. However I am not at all convinced that it is botulism. Botulism usually first results in complete lameness--inability to control the legs at all.

 

[Kathrina]

Hello, and thank you for all your helpful suggestions!

I will try with an Epson flush and give her a couple of days and see if there are any changes in her condition (just in case).

She is not stretching her neck like she used to , but it is not flopping backwards either. If it turns out to be neurological I guess it is not fair to let her suffer and I will have to put her down :-(

Thanks again!