5-6 day old Niederrheiner from McMurrays arrived in 48 hrs active and healthy but small. developed progressive lethargy 36 hrs ago, dead this AM.
Crop empty for 36 hrs but I noted a small firm verticle structure barely left of midline beginning at throat. It felt similar to a tendon on the back of a hand, being somewhat mobile and able to be moved between midline and left laterally, but would not cross the midline to the right. I began syringe feeding fluids, olive oil and gentle massage 36 hrs ago What I presumed to be the esophagus became more prominent vertically and protruded forward to where it is visible when parting the fluff. Mouth was clear upon exam this AM when she was found.
Is this esophageal impaction or something else?
Chick was not gasping, beak closed, no nasal drainage and no oral reflux after swallowing. She seemed to make swallowing motions, crop remained flat, not squishy after syringeing drops of fluid. I have not seen stool from her specifically but vent area clear.
Crop empty for 36 hrs but I noted a small firm verticle structure barely left of midline beginning at throat. It felt similar to a tendon on the back of a hand, being somewhat mobile and able to be moved between midline and left laterally, but would not cross the midline to the right. I began syringe feeding fluids, olive oil and gentle massage 36 hrs ago What I presumed to be the esophagus became more prominent vertically and protruded forward to where it is visible when parting the fluff. Mouth was clear upon exam this AM when she was found.
Chick was not gasping, beak closed, no nasal drainage and no oral reflux after swallowing. She seemed to make swallowing motions, crop remained flat, not squishy after syringeing drops of fluid. I have not seen stool from her specifically but vent area clear.