Chronic respiratory disease

[BlindLemonChicken]

I had two Speckled Sussex with something very similar. The had yellow nasal discharge during the first round and just slowly got better in quarantine. About a year later it returned but less severe and without drainage. This time I took one to the vet and did a course of Doxy as you are. It did nothing. I ended up putting VetRx under her wings and putting a heat lamp on her at night and she recovered “fully” meaning she never exhibited symptoms again but I always considered those two birds carriers of something. The reason I mention this is that whatever it was none of my other birds ever got it. There is a possibility that the situation my Sussex were in when I got them was responsible for their respiratory issues. Their previous run was devoid of vegetation, shade and dirt. It was literally fine desert sand (not brought in, just base substrate) so they were breathing it in all day in the summer and probably any time the wind kicked up or they scratched in it. I think it did permanent damage. Edited to say: she also had a purplish comb each time.

 

[cate1124]

She is eating and drinking, crop emptying normally, no ascites. Thanks for responding, though. I'm going to try probiotics, which some research has indicated can help soothe lung inflammation in chickens infected with mycoplasma. This from poultry DVM: https://poultrydvm.com/condition/mycoplasma-gallisepticum I am not seeing an acute infection, which is likely why the antibiotics are having no effect, but they were worth a try. I think this is more likely old respiratory injury from an infection she had when young that is becoming apparent with age.

Update: I decided to double-check for proper crop emptying first thing the next morning, as you advised. And it was not as I would have expected; there was a large, firmer area in the lower right. I have since started massaging her crop several times a day, the size of this area is diminishing, and she has shown improvements in activity, breathing and comb color -- not dramatic, but real. So, there seems to be something about her crop that is at least contributing to what we read as a respiratory issue. She is enjoying the massage, and it's certainly easy enough for me to provide, so I'm going to continue and see how things go. So, thank you!

 

[cate1124]

I had two Speckled Sussex with something very similar. The had yellow nasal discharge during the first round and just slowly got better in quarantine. About a year later it returned but less severe and without drainage. This time I took one to the vet and did a course of Doxy as you are. It did nothing. I ended up putting VetRx under her wings and putting a heat lamp on her at night and she recovered “fully” meaning she never exhibited symptoms again but I always considered those two birds carriers of something. The reason I mention this is that whatever it was none of my other birds ever got it. There is a possibility that the situation my Sussex were in when I got them was responsible for their respiratory issues. Their previous run was devoid of vegetation, shade and dirt. It was literally fine desert sand (not brought in, just base substrate) so they were breathing it in all day in the summer and probably any time the wind kicked up or they scratched in it. I think it did permanent damage. Edited to say: she also had a purplish comb each time.

Interesting. Please see the update I just posted in response to Eggcessive. My girl has never had discharge or other respiratory symptoms, apart from the crackles and visibly labored breathing. I wonder now about partial, chronic crop impaction, as massage really does seem to be helping. Improvements at this point are mild, but if I am slowly breaking up some sort of obstruction, she may continue to gradually improve. I hope so, and am glad you found a solution for your girls. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

That’s great!

 

[cate1124]

Update: I decided to double-check for proper crop emptying first thing the next morning, as you advised. And it was not as I would have expected; there was a large, firmer area in the lower right. I have since started massaging her crop several times a day, the size of this area is diminishing, and she has shown improvements in activity, breathing and comb color -- not dramatic, but real. So, there seems to be something about her crop that is at least contributing to what we read as a respiratory issue. She is enjoying the massage, and it's certainly easy enough for me to provide, so I'm going to continue and see how things go. So, thank you!

4/16 Update update: She continues to improve. Comb is redding and slightly plumping. She is more active and breathing easier, talking a bit. Still not scratching or quite normal, but visibly and considerably improved. Crop seems to be emptying normally now; massages continue. So glad for the advice to check her crop!

 

[Eggcessive]

That is good news. Thanks for the update.

 

[vvl]

While I am not a vet, I would not use clavamox for a respiratory infection. Doxy is more specific. Is she improving on Doxy?

You could do some homeopathy routes, antimonium crudum, a mixture of fresh lemon, garlic, honey and turmeric in water. And there is always rescue remedy.

I have IC in my flock, therefore I have become pretty familiar with respiratory diseases, working with my vet. I do have one chicken with chronic issues, but it looks like one of her nares is not open.

You should test with RAL labs in Allen Texas, to determine the source. I like RAL because they don't have a duty to report. https://www.vetdna.com/application/forms/chickenfowlsubmittalform.pdf

I have a question, you mentioned antimonium crudum; is that what you give? I always thought it was antimonium tartaricum for respiratory symptoms.

 

[triciayoung]

I have a question, you mentioned antimonium crudum; is that what you give? I always thought it was antimonium tartaricum for respiratory symptoms.

https://welcometochickenlandia.com/blog/homeopathics-for-chickens/