Dealing with Ascites

[chickenmomma16]

I have a 3.5yr old Blue Wheaten Ameraucana hen. I noticed today that she was breathing heavily despite the cool temps. I picked her up an noticed her abdomen was distended and more firm then squishy. And she felt heavy despite her size. Has anyone successfully drained the fluid and the hen continue to lay? I’m so sad she isn’t feeling well. She’s a valuable hen and I’d love to incubate a few more chicks from her next year(She’s just finishing up molt now and won’t begin to lay till about February/March. I know the prognosis isn’t good. I’m comfortable draining her though if its proven to help her live a normal life and resume her laying ability. I just don’t want to needlessly prolong any suffering for my benefit if it’s not going to do much good. If it’s proven to help her live a normal life, I’ll pickup supplies and drain her.

What has been others experience with this?

Here she is today ☹

 

[coach723]

Draining the fluid may make her more comfortable for a while, it often will recur since the underlying condition will still be there. Most birds like this will no longer lay. It is a symptom of something else going on, reproductive cancers, infections, organ failure. The fluid is usually from a liver and/or heart that is failing or is over taxed by whatever else is going on inside. It is very hard to predict how much time she has left, it just depends on what is going on inside and how advanced it is.
Draining is not without risk, draining too much too quickly can cause shock which can be fatal. Also some risk of infection from the point of draining. It's a personal decision whether you want to try draining. There are videos on youtube on how to drain ascites, search for 'draining waterbelly' or 'draining ascites in a chicken'. If you don't get fluid when draining then it could be infectious matter rather than ascites, which can cause a very hard abdomen. That could also be a cancer or salpingitis. Ascites can also accompany that. Here is one video:

 

[chickenmomma16]

Draining the fluid may make her more comfortable for a while, it often will recur since the underlying condition will still be there. Most birds like this will no longer lay. It is a symptom of something else going on, reproductive cancers, infections, organ failure. The fluid is usually from a liver and/or heart that is failing or is over taxed by whatever else is going on inside. It is very hard to predict how much time she has left, it just depends on what is going on inside and how advanced it is.
Draining is not without risk, draining too much too quickly can cause shock which can be fatal. Also some risk of infection from the point of draining. It's a personal decision whether you want to try draining. There are videos on youtube on how to drain ascites, search for 'draining waterbelly' or 'draining ascites in a chicken'. If you don't get fluid when draining then it could be infectious matter rather than ascites, which can cause a very hard abdomen. That could also be a cancer or salpingitis. Ascites can also accompany that. Here is one video:

I’ve watched that video. I have a feeling this hen hasn’t felt very good for some time as she’s never had much energy. Her sister recently died from what I think was a Salpingitis. But I’m concerned that the bulge is hard. Not water balloon like

 

[coach723]

If it's hard then it may be salpingitis also. Some birds will pass lash material so it's known what is going on, some will not pass any, it just builds up inside. Reproductive problems are not uncommon in hens over the age of 2. Many times the only way to know for sure is through necropsy as different things can present with very similar symptoms. If she passes then you can refrigerate (don't freeze) and send her body off for necropsy, or you can learn to do an informal one yourself if you are up to that. There are people here who will look at necropsy pictures and try to help you determine what happened based on their own experience. Sometimes knowing for sure brings peace of mind. If you want a professional one here are some resources for future reference:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...state-lab-website-info.1236884/#post-20263127
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

 

[chickenmomma16]

If it's hard then it may be salpingitis also. Some birds will pass lash material so it's known what is going on, some will not pass any, it just builds up inside. Reproductive problems are not uncommon in hens over the age of 2. Many times the only way to know for sure is through necropsy as different things can present with very similar symptoms. If she passes then you can refrigerate (don't freeze) and send her body off for necropsy, or you can learn to do an informal one yourself if you are up to that. There are people here who will look at necropsy pictures and try to help you determine what happened based on their own experience. Sometimes knowing for sure brings peace of mind. If you want a professional one here are some resources for future reference:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/➡-necropsy-and-disease-testing-state-lab-website-info.1236884/#post-20263127
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

Money is tight right now so I’ll be opening her up myself this time if/when she passes, I do have a veterinary background so I’m comfortable doing it. I’ve done necropsies before and I have sent Necropsies in before. Thanks for the links!

 

[chickenmomma16]

I made the decision to not drain her abdomen. Unfortunately she passed away this evening. I’ll open her up in the morning and see what I find what may have caused the Ascites.

Loosing her was quite a blow. Thankfully her 4 daughters, one son (current profile picture) and many grandchildren are still here. She will be missed!

 

[Sally PB]

Sorry for your loss. I hope you learn something from the necropsy to help you in the future. Hugs.

 

[chickenmomma16]

Necropsy showed lots of clear yellow fluid. I suspect she died from heart failure due to the shape/feel of the upper portion of her heart.