Can anyone tell me what this is? My vet didn't know! Warning- Graphic Photos

[cindybarnes]

One of my sweet hens became very sick. One day she was fine and the next acted funny so I brought her inside for a few hours and then I took her to the vet. They couldn't save her but saw strange "balls or cysts" with the ultrasound inside her abdomen. I had them open her up post mortem to see what they were bc they said it was not eggs. Does anyone know what this is and what causes this? Poor baby- she was 4 years old and I have had her since she hatched. I am afraid for my other little ladies!

 

[sourland]

It sounds as if she was internally laying and the 'balls' were encysted yolks or reproductive tract lining. This is not uncommon especially in high production birds.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Sorry for your loss.

Here's a couple of links (with photos) for Salpingitis or "lash egg". This may be what you are describing?

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/12/salpingitis-lash-eggs-in-backyard.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2015/03/causes-of-lash-eggs-salpingitis-by.html