EMERGENCY - Egg Bound Hen not responding to routine treatment

[cindi41]

I've a hen that seems egg bound, but it appears to be more internal per her distended lower end, and i cannot feel an egg upon examination, not in the vent track. Did all treatments prescribed -- warm baths, KY/Prep H, quiet pen, but i fear the problem is higher up. I've dosed her with calcium past two days, and she readily eats it (mixed with a little yogurt or cheese). she eats, walks a little but is clearly uncomfortable, and i fear this is reaching critical point. Any suggestions?? tx

 

[Nineplus5]

I have a girl that was in similar condition about three weeks ago. Her lower abdomen was filled with fluid. Did alot of reading here and then I drained her abdomen with a syringe.

This may help. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/853726/ascites-in-desperate-need-of-some-help-and-guidance

There are more, this one had pictures.

 

[Nineplus5]

Within two hours that hen, Red, was walking around again. Now Red is back to normal.

 

[cindi41]

Thanks so much for this. very helpful. it seem precisely what she has for a condition, i can feel small hard lumps, and it does seem like fluid.
Do you know what causes acites?

actually just looked it up. not sure why only this chicken seems symptomatic, perhaps her breed. they all have similar eating/grazing patterns.
i will see if i can achieve some relief with aspirating some fluid. thanks again.

 

[casportpony]

Thanks so much for this. very helpful. it seem precisely what she has for a condition, i can feel small hard lumps, and it does seem like fluid.
Do you know what causes acites?

actually just looked it up. not sure why only this chicken seems symptomatic, perhaps her breed. they all have similar eating/grazing patterns.
i will see if i can achieve some relief with aspirating some fluid. thanks again.

The small hard lumps are not a good sign.

-Kathy

 

[cindi41]

of what might they be a sign?

 

[Nineplus5]

Ah casportpony!

Your posts were very helpful when I was trying to fix my sick girl.

 

[casportpony]

of what might they be a sign?

Do they feel like they are free floating?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/821240/internal-laying-ascites-and-eyp-very-graphic-necropsy-pictures

-Kathy

 

[Little Fuzzy]

Hope she is not an internal egg layer. Look up that condition, very interesting.