Bowel Obstruction

[Tnturkey]

We had a hen dwindle and die a few weeks ago. In short, nothing we did to try to save her made any real difference. When I did the necropsy, her lower bowel was filled with yellowish, fleshy masses that appeared to be causing a complete obstruction. Unfortunately, I lost the photos, but one of our hens passed an identical mass the other day. She seems to be fine, active and eating well. Does anybody have any idea what this is?
Thanks.

 

[coach723]

That looks like a lash egg, caused by salpingitis. If the infection is found early some say they have treated with antibiotics and they've recovered. I personally have not had one recover from this. Most of the time they hide it so well that it's pretty advanced by the time you know. Some of them will live for months with it, some will pass quickly. If you have an avian vet you can try antibiotics (they can test to recommend the best one to try). Sorry for not having better news.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/salpingitis-lash-eggs-in-backyard/

 

[Tnturkey]

Thanks for the quick reply and the great information. The pictures on the blog link you sent are exactly what we found on the hen that died. Unfortunately, we aren't sure which living hen passed the most recent one. They all look healthy right now, but I know how they can hide symptoms.
We'll just have to keep an eye on them.

 

[coach723]

You may be able to tell which one by feeling her abdomen. If the matter is building up you may feel firm bloating there. Also as time goes on, they will sometimes waddle with a wide stance as matter builds up and forces the legs wider. If it's early, these signs may not be there yet.

 

[rebrascora]

When I did the necropsy, her lower bowel was filled with yellowish, fleshy masses that appeared to be causing a complete obstruction

Firstly I want to say well done for performing a necropsy on the first hen. Wanting to learn from a death is a very positive trait and it can sometimes benefit the remaining flock. It is great that you were interested and open minded enough to have a look inside.
I wonder if perhaps you misidentified the oviduct as the lower bowel. As @coach723 has pointed out, the mass in the photo is a lash egg which develops in the oviduct due to an infection. They build up until the oviduct is severely impacted with them (can reach the size of a large grapefruit) and because space in the abdominal cavity is limited, that mass in the oviduct can then constrict the gut and prevent the elimination of waste and the bird usually dies of toxic shock.... a bit like being egg bound, but there is usually no hope of them ever passing such a huge lumpy mass. High production birds like sex links are particularly prone to these issues once they reach 2-3 years old and unless you have lots of money to spend on risky veterinary surgery/treatment there is sadly little hope. If you cup your hand and feel between the legs of each bird after they go up to roost at night, you may be able to ID the bird responsible due to some swelling/bloat. They may also feel hotter than usual around the vent. It might be worth trying antibiotics if these are pets and not livestock, but if they are the latter, then probably best to cull. I have read some suggestions that it might be infectious when you are seeing more than the occasional bird with it and if you have a rooster, that might be something to
consider. I appreciate that roosters do not penetrate but they do make contact and bacteria could be passed with sperm.