- May 6, 2008
- 22
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Hi,
I have a 2 year old hen that stopped laying about 2 weeks ago. That was right as it turned very hot, and she became pretty lethargic and just wanted to roost most of the time, and wasn't interested in treats. She also stood with her beak gaping, like she was overheated. After a few days she seemed to get better, then after a few days she started looking worse. I took her to the vet, and after xrays indicated a large mass in her stomach area, and and full crop that wasn't draining properly, and bloodwork that indicated white cell count about 20X normal, the vet said he thought it was cancer and recommended either euthanizing her, or just letting her pass away peacefully at home. This is the 3rd of so hen that seems to get tumors after 2 or 3 years. He said my flock might have mareks. That's scary because I just added 3 new pullets that I'm pretty sure weren't vaccinated. Any advice on what to look for in the other hens regarding Mareks? I kept the sick hen in the garage today where it is cooler and she looks much better and seems to be pooping a lot, and it does look normal, so maybe her crop is starting to drain normally. The vet didn't think it was an egg obstruction because of the bloodwork, but he could be wrong. Any advice on any of this?
Thanks,
James
I have a 2 year old hen that stopped laying about 2 weeks ago. That was right as it turned very hot, and she became pretty lethargic and just wanted to roost most of the time, and wasn't interested in treats. She also stood with her beak gaping, like she was overheated. After a few days she seemed to get better, then after a few days she started looking worse. I took her to the vet, and after xrays indicated a large mass in her stomach area, and and full crop that wasn't draining properly, and bloodwork that indicated white cell count about 20X normal, the vet said he thought it was cancer and recommended either euthanizing her, or just letting her pass away peacefully at home. This is the 3rd of so hen that seems to get tumors after 2 or 3 years. He said my flock might have mareks. That's scary because I just added 3 new pullets that I'm pretty sure weren't vaccinated. Any advice on what to look for in the other hens regarding Mareks? I kept the sick hen in the garage today where it is cooler and she looks much better and seems to be pooping a lot, and it does look normal, so maybe her crop is starting to drain normally. The vet didn't think it was an egg obstruction because of the bloodwork, but he could be wrong. Any advice on any of this?
Thanks,
James
