Chicken w/ Multiple Symptoms - How to Diagnose?

[LOOKATTHATSHINE]

One of our best layers has been going downhill rather quickly in the last few weeks. It all started with her losing her appetite, and then a short time later we noticed she was having constant diarrhea which was sticking to/obstructing her vent. My wife and I have dipped/bathed her clean a few times, but eventually the issue comes back. Now just within the last few days she appears to be getting even worse - not laying at all, sluggishness, appetite back down/not interested in treats, tail is down, seems weak in general.

We've cleaned her butt, added ACV and probiotics to food and water, as well as vitamin supplements, and made sure the entire flock is up to par on their invermectin… What do we do from here? It seems her symptoms are so general that there could be one of numerous things wrong with her - we just feel helpless and unsure of where to go from here. We will do anything to keep from losing her.

Any help would be greatly appreciated... Thanks in advance.

 

[silkiemother]

https://morningchores.com/chicken-diseases/
https://thepoultrysite.com/disease-guide
these may shed some light on what is wrong with her, and how old is she?

 

[LOOKATTHATSHINE]

Thanks for the links... She is between 4-5 (we inherited her when we purchased the property, so I don't have an exact age).

 

[silkiemother]

so she is not that old really, that will help rule out some problems, what color is her comb? do you have any pictures of her? and your welcome

 

[LOOKATTHATSHINE]

I apologize in advance as these aren’t very good pictures... I took them this afternoon while she was in the tractor and she would not stop scratching long enough for me to get a decent shot. Her comb appears to look normal to me.

I should also probably mention that I haven’t noticed runny eyes/nose/discharge at all... it’s more of a personality change - she has always been the leader of the flock but since we noticed a change she has kept to herself and has been much less aggressive. Last night she even slept away from the other girls (which she never does).

Thanks again for your help/replies! My wife just text me from her work and said she may need more protein - do you think this may help? We are going to get some cat food for her just in case.

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like she may be suffering from a reproductive disorder, such as internal laying, salpingitis, or egg yolk peritonitis. Oviduct cancer and ascites (water belly) are others that also may be possible. Several of my older hens have developed similar symptoms, and some had crop disorders as well.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would feel of her weight, feel for a prominent breastbone or keel, and also cup your hand on her lower belly between her legs to check for swelling or enlargement. Enlargement of the lower belly may be from fluid, cancer, or egg masses from internal laying. These are common in older hens. Some may waddle, preferring to sit around, and some may have a more upright posture. Here is some reading about some of the disorders mentioned:
http://www.theveterinaryexpert.com/backyard-poultry/egg-yolk-peritonitis/

 

[Dawnclucks22]

What does her crop feel like?