Botulism

[Melmelmooday]

Hi! I have been using this forum for years and finally joined today with a question about my 5 month old rooster who was diagnosed with supposed botulism on Wednesday. He wasn’t able to walk and his neck was a little wobbly, I took him to my vet immediately and while there he looked like he may have had difficulty breathing. The vet put him in an oxygen tank and started antibiotics immediately and he was able to come home today with some antibiotics (amoxicillin). He is standing and he walked some- he is eating and drinking and also had some yogurt. I did take him out to see his walking and he tried to run from me but started to fall. He is inside in a dog crate and the vet said to make sure the room stays about 70-75 degrees. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is this the right protocol for treatment? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

 

[Eggcessive]

Botulism which comes from eating something dead that has been under the dirt or water without oxygen present. It causes flaccid paralysis in feet and legs, then spreads upward in the body to wings and breathing muscles and eyelids. Some other illnesses could cause problems walking, neck issues. Mold in feed, a head injury, or Mareks disease could be other things to rule out. Supportive care and time will tell if he survives.

 

[Melmelmooday]

Botulism which comes from eating something dead that has been under the dirt or water without oxygen present. It causes flaccid paralysis in feet and legs, then spreads upward in the body to wings and breathing muscles and eyelids. Some other illnesses could cause problems walking, neck issues. Mold in feed, a head injury, or Mareks disease could be other things to rule out. Supportive care and time will tell if he survives.

Thank you for the response. I just do not think he was exposed to botulism. I have searched and searched for other diseases and nothing adds up. He is still in my small coop so there isn’t a way for him to have been hurt overnight. The only disease that makes sense is Mareks but he was vaccinated and my vet ruled it out right away. I gave him his amoxicillin a couple hours ago and he just acted off. I guess this is just a waiting game for my little fellow. Again thank you for your response, I guess I am feeling a little helpless right now.