Can someone tell me what this is and how to treat it? Marek's?? *photos*

[chocolateeggs]

I have been searching for information on how to treat this condition and what this condition is and I can't find anything. Several of my 6-8 week old chicks have swollen/droopy eyes with the eyeball going off to the side. Other than this they are all healthy, active and eating/ drinking. I just noticed it today. I posted a pic of one of them with this issue.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Did they have a frostbite experience?

 

[chocolateeggs]

No they are in an outdoor coop but have 2 100 watt bulbs going inside at all times.

 

[chocolateeggs]

More are having the issue now. I am getting concerned it is Marek's. Does Marek's swell the eye shut?

 

[bwahk]

Do they sneeze or cough? They should be separated from any that aren't exhibiting symptoms right away.

 

[chocolateeggs]

No nasal discharge, no sneezing, no coughing, no foul odor. I have kept only this group that has been brooded together this entire time with each other. I took out the older ones. They eat drink and run around, but 1 by one they are all getting infected eyes. I started them on erythromycin .5 directly on the affected eyelid and hope to see some improvement this evening. If not I am at a loss.

 

[Haunted55]

Why do you think it might be Marek's? I'm just curious. I looked at the picture but cannot see what you are talking about with the eye, I wish I could. Is it possible for you to get another picture of the eye itself? Is there any color change of the iris? Has the pupil changed shape at all? Are they showing anything to make you think they are going blind?

This could be a respiratory infection, MG, which would need an internal antibiotic to treat. Tylan would be the best. MG is highly contagious and a lot of people would advise you to cull all of the infected and exposed birds. This is one that will pass into the egg and the unborn chick and you will never be rid of it from your flock unless you do cull and clean.

 

[chocolateeggs]

I think the swelling made the eye look strange and I always assume the worst. Also, why do you think respiratory? They really are not exhibiting any other symptoms. I checked on them again this evening and the one that is in the picture above showed marked improvement from yesterday. Maybe it was conjunctivitis? How long does it take for a respiratory infection to take hold and really start showing symptoms other than eye swelling? It has been 4 days for the first one to have swollen eyes.

 

[casportpony]

More are having the issue now. I am getting concerned it is Marek's. Does Marek's swell the eye shut?

Sometimes...

 

[Lupa Duende]

My vet told me conjunctivitis is quite common in birds.
How are the birds now?