Egg Peritonitis

[BARLYN]

One of our chickens has been diagnosed with egg peritonitis and has been on Baytril .5mg daily for a week. She has been anti-biotic free for 24 hrs and is rapidly going down hill. she has a very dirty bum and appears to be trying to pass something. Has anyone got any advice for us or should we consider having her put to sleep at the vets as we don't like the idea she may be suffering. She is approx. 3.5 years old and very loved. Many thanks.

 

[Eggcessive]

I am not sure what the normal dosage of Baytril is, maybe @casportpony can chime in there. She may have a lash egg that is large and hard to pass. Is she pooping still? Since egg yolk peritonitis and most reproductive disorders are not curable, I always think about how they are feeling. If they eat and drink, and seem to enjoy being with their flock, I tend to let them live until they seem to be suffering. Most of mine will eat some chopped egg up until the last day. It is the kindest thing you can do to put them down if they are suffering.

 

[ChickNanny13]

 

[micstrachan]

If she was responding g to the antibiotics, perhaps you stopped too early. However, if she is declining rapidly, she may be suffering. I’m so sorry. Really o let you can decide if it would be best to put your sweet girl down.
Did the Vet drain turbid, egg-yolk-stained fluid from her abdomen?

 

[Eggcessive]

I was just looking up some dosages for Baytril, and it looks like 5 mg per pound of weight ( 10mg per Kg) given twice a day for 3-5 days is an average dosage. What strength is your Baytril. Were you given 0.5 mg or 5 mg daily?

Here is a post by @casportpony in post #3 about it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/enrofloxacin-dosage.1187174/

 

[Folly's place]

Antibiotics may help briefly, but not cure this problem. Peritonitis hurts!
Sadly, I think it's time to say goodbye.
Mary

 

[casportpony]

@BARLYN, welcome to BYC. So sorry your hen is sick, . I think it is time to talk to your vet again.

 

[BARLYN]

I am not sure what the normal dosage of Baytril is, maybe @casportpony can chime in there. She may have a lash egg that is large and hard to pass. Is she pooping still? Since egg yolk peritonitis and most reproductive disorders are not curable, I always think about how they are feeling. If they eat and drink, and seem to enjoy being with their flock, I tend to let them live until they seem to be suffering. Most of mine will eat some chopped egg up until the last day. It is the kindest thing you can do to put them down if they are suffering.

Thank you for your reply. We made the decision to have her put to sleep and took her to the vets this morning. Very sad - she followed me everywhere and was such a delightful pet - she will be sorely missed.

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry! She had a good life, and a kind death. It's hard to loose a sweet favorite.
Mary

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry that you lost her, but very glad that she will not suffer.