Egg Bound or Respiratory Infection? Help, Please!!

[Libz]

Symptoms:

-Typical hunched posture, sometimes tail is down, labored breathing. Feels like some firm swelling in lower abdomen.

Consulted FB forums, posted video. Thoughts were same as mine: egg bound, ascites (or worse) or respiratory illness.

-A recent update on what I've done and other thoughts:

I've got a hen who visually presents similar to egg bound, BUT no egg can be felt, she's been off lay for awhile (her sister as well) due to cold temps, she's not a high production layer (her breed is Blue Andalusian...Ive never gotten 1 egg/day from either of my 2,) I cant feel an egg upon palpating, she hasn't sat on the nest box or acted like she's *trying* to lay, her stool is normal, so far epsom bath and powdered calcium havent helped (30 hrs).

Her other symptom is shallow breathing with beak open when she breaths. Doesnt sound wet, but slight noise sometimes at the end of the breath. Eyes look good, nose looks good.

Her lower abdomen does feel kindof swollen to me...I tried to check for water-belly, only drew blood (in case pressure was causing the respiratory distress.)

So now I'm guessing respiratory issue is the culprit, or it is an egg issue afterall, but high up, or in the "wrong" place.

Considering Bio-Mycin200 injection. I dont take the antibiotic route lightly, never given them before, but I also dont want to have her get worse in case she does have an infection, and at a loss for other strategies right now.

Any help appreciated. Will try to post video.

 

[Libz]

I can't figure out how to upload my video (says file too large) so posting pic.

 

[ChickNanny13]

You can't upload a video as we did in the past This "new" website you need to upload on YouTube then you post the link on here. Yea I prefer it the "old" site...

 

[Libz]

Thanks for that info.

 

[ChickNanny13]

 

[Wyorp Rock]

hunched posture, sometimes tail is down, labored breathing. Feels like some firm swelling in lower abdomen....symptom is shallow breathing with beak open when she breaths...lower abdomen does feel kindof swollen to me

Hi @Libz Welcome To BYC, I'm sorry to hear about your hen.

With the symptoms you describe, I would lean toward her having an internal laying/reproductive disorder like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer or tumors. Egg masses/matter and/or fluid can press upon the air sacs and lungs causing difficulty breathing (and pressure on internal organs). If you attempted draining and only drew blood you may have hit a vein, but she may not have fluid in there either. Look closely at the abdomen for any pockets of yellow that may indicate fluid - that would be where you would want to attempt to drain if you try again - if you don't see anything like that, then the swelling is most likely due to masses or egg matter.

It's very sad to say, but when they do get to the point you see these symptoms, a lot of times there is not a lot that can be done, but try to make them comfortable, offer supportive care and access whether or not they are in pain/suffering. If you feel she is in pain, then it's an act of love and kindness to let them go. It's hard to make these decisions, I have been where you are, so I do understand

Now...you can try antibiotics to see if that may help with infection and get her back on her feet, sometimes if caught early, the antibiotics can give some temporary relief, it's not a complete fix. Soaking her in a warm epsom salts bath may be soothing as well. Try to keep her hydrated, encourage her to eat a little if she will - mine would eat a small amount of chopped egg.

Please keep us posted. If you have the video you want to share, that would be good.

 

[Libz]

Hi @Libz Welcome To BYC, I'm sorry to hear about your hen.

With the symptoms you describe, I would lean toward her having an internal laying/reproductive disorder like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer or tumors. Egg masses/matter and/or fluid can press upon the air sacs and lungs causing difficulty breathing (and pressure on internal organs). If you attempted draining and only drew blood you may have hit a vein, but she may not have fluid in there either. Look closely at the abdomen for any pockets of yellow that may indicate fluid - that would be where you would want to attempt to drain if you try again - if you don't see anything like that, then the swelling is most likely due to masses or egg matter.

It's very sad to say, but when they do get to the point you see these symptoms, a lot of times there is not a lot that can be done, but try to make them comfortable, offer supportive care and access whether or not they are in pain/suffering. If you feel she is in pain, then it's an act of love and kindness to let them go. It's hard to make these decisions, I have been where you are, so I do understand

Now...you can try antibiotics to see if that may help with infection and get her back on her feet, sometimes if caught early, the antibiotics can give some temporary relief, it's not a complete fix. Soaking her in a warm epsom salts bath may be soothing as well. Try to keep her hydrated, encourage her to eat a little if she will - mine would eat a small amount of chopped egg.

Please keep us posted. If you have the video you want to share, that would be good.

 

[Libz]

Thanks, Wyorp.

No improvement yet from antibiotic. I was thinking to try to drain in a different spot...maybe after repeating an epsom soak. Not sure what else to do but keep cycling thru the remedies that might address the issue.

Called a vet...about $90 for an exam and another $80 for X-ray. Ummmm....while she's young and has been very healthy, I dont generally justify that much $$ put into a hen, unfortunately. Though I'd love to know what an X-ray would tell me.

She's still eating a little, not drinking much. Her eyes look like they have a lot of life, but she's obviously pretty uncomfortable, hopefully not in pain.

I'll update later.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi Libz and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us I wish it were under better circumstances, but you're in good hands with @Wyorp Rock

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks, Wyorp.

No improvement yet from antibiotic. I was thinking to try to drain in a different spot...maybe after repeating an epsom soak. Not sure what else to do but keep cycling thru the remedies that might address the issue.

Called a vet...about $90 for an exam and another $80 for X-ray. Ummmm....while she's young and has been very healthy, I dont generally justify that much $$ put into a hen, unfortunately. Though I'd love to know what an X-ray would tell me.

She's still eating a little, not drinking much. Her eyes look like they have a lot of life, but she's obviously pretty uncomfortable, hopefully not in pain.

I'll update later.

It's sound like you are doing all that you can.

Vet care is expensive and I agree with you about the $$. This is why most of us try to learn from each other and do the best we can with home care. Sometimes, even with professional medical care, there is not much that can be done.

I'm not trying to be morbid here - but if you happen to lose her and feel you can do it, you could perform a informal necropsy on her - taking a look at the internal organs, abdomen and reproductive system - sometimes this will give you answers. Take photos or a video if you wish and we can try to help you with what you see.