Egg bound? Peritinitis?

[summerhatch]

Hello new friends! I'm a new chicken fan with three girls hatched in July '09. Two are Americaunas and I have one Rhode Island Red. The two A's have been laying faithfully for a couple of weeks. I've been waiting for the Rhodie to start, but she seems to have a problem.

Lately, she's started waddling and her belly has been looking bloated; when I felt it, it was similar to a water balloon. The poultry vet is out of town, so I took her to my wildlife rehab friend. She poked around and didn't feel an egg (suspecting egg bound), but is quite worried and gave her some antibiotics (Baytril?) If anyone knows proper doses, please chime in!

We're also quite worried about peritonitis. I had a duck that died from that a couple of years ago.

I've soaked Nugget's bottom in warm water (yesterday and today), and I have her inside (in the kitchen, actually...p.u.!). She's eating and drinking.

My friend also wonders about the eggs being caught inside and her being unable to form a shell...?

Any ideas?

 

[chookchick]

Sounds like either internal layer or ascites. I'll find some info for you. Ascites is also known as "water balloon belly".

Here's info with pic on ascites:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=196660

info on internal laying:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=210732

 

[summerhatch]

Thanks so much, chookchick!

It is possible that she's suffering from ascites.
Her fluid seems more from the rib cage down rather than confined and sack-like, but it really does feel like a water balloon.
She hasn't begun laying yet, though my other two who are the same age started weeks ago. Maybe something's stuck, though I don't feel anything.
I may take her back to my rehab friend and try the syringe treatment.

I'll give her another dose of antibiotic and pain reliever tonight and see how she is in the morning.

 

[chookchick]

Please keep us posted on her progress, and