Crop not clearing out...feels like a bean bag-no hard spots

[Desertridingal]

I think you are right...she is really bad this morning..just so everyone else knows...a couple days ago I gave her rice, well cooked with milk. BIG MISTAKE! I thought it would help by letting some nutrients through...and it did...she perked up and had more energy than before...but NOW the left over milk that is stuck in her crop is rotted and smells horrible, her poo smells horrible, and there are gassy sounds now. She cannot stay awake for more than a minute or so. I am so heart broken...but too afraid to try the surgery...I dont have the tools...I will see if I can find someone in my area to do it with me. If I dont she will not last much longer. The clog is not clearing.

If anyone has any suggestions Id love to hear them!

 

[mrs.67]

I am so sorry.

I can't think of anything except the massage. If she can eat anything maybe some bread soaked in vigin oil.

Maybe some sugar water... I feel so bad for you Hugs hugs hugs

 

[Desertridingal]

Okay, this morning I decided to take her to the vet. They said it would be $60 for the visit and $50 to remove the material in the crop...with a tube. So I said okay and took her in.

He just called and said they took an x-ray without asking($150) and found a rubbery thing in there that they cant get out. He said it would cost around $400 to do the surgery and he didn't think the prognosis looked good. He said he thought the chicken had pieces stuck down further. So...my bill is over $300 and he couldn't save the chicken. Another $30 to euthanize her if I choose that route.

 

[bubbazmommy]

That is awful.

I would have a chat with the vet. That would make me angry too.

 

[katrinag]

Oh man that is a real bummer. Maybe they can work with you.

 

[Desertridingal]

I signed a paper that said the cost may go up and if so I agree to pay. I am so upset. I cant believe how upsetting it is to watch an animal go through this. Its a chicken for gods sake! For years I ATE them...now Im crying over one. I never knew they had so much personality, and LOVED so much. She followed me around the house while I cleaned, making those little peeping sounds EVERy time I spoke to her , hopped up and sat on my lap when on the computer...or my shoulder and snuggled under my hair, she wanted to cuddle all the time. I never knew birds were so loving. She just wanted to be with us...all the time, just like other pets. I guess it doesn't matter what kind of animal it is, it loves just the same.

 

[Desertridingal]

update... The total charge was $170...he went easy on me. LOL

the vet said he did not find styrofoam, but found some hay, rice, spoiled milk from the other days feeding, and lots and lots of grit...that is what the bean bag feeling was apparently...He also removed alot of fluid...Why would the fluid not be going through? He said he thinks her pouch was ruptured and that when it ruptured some of the food fell out of the crop and is laying there between the skin and the crop. He also found something oval shaped in the x ray...didnt know what it was, but said it would have to be removed. said it changed shape...so maybe a rubber tube or rubber band or something. He basically said she didnt have much of a chance. I brought her home anyway. Gave her some food that she feverishly ate...bread, metamucil, and some rice with water. She is sitting on my shoulder as I type.

So Im thinking, two weeks ago, when the horse stepped on her and broke her foot, he must have also ruptured her crop. Maybe it has healed shut now and left the food out side of it just hanging there between the crop and the skin. It seems that the surgery on this site may be my only chance at saving her. If anyone lives in Arizona, queen creek, and you want to do that operation with me, please let me know. I am going to try to get the tools needed. The vet said he would uthanize her without charging an office visit.


I am hoping that the hay he removed was causing the blockage...please keep your fingers crossed for us!

 

[ozark hen]

You poor girl! I pm'd as we were gone all day. You can do this!!! You will bring your hen out of this now. The vet did what he thought he "knew". Now wait to talk to our "resident" nurse and let her tell you what to do. Next time ...hopefully, there is no next time...you will be able to do this on your own. I pray no one has to go through this but it does happen.

 

[katrinag]

When chickens eat grass the just pluck the ends off. This is why it is a bad idea to feed hay and grass clipping. I am not trying to be mean just an FYI for other readers