Emergency help: Injured chicken with swollen chest.

[Nandini]

Withdrawal of air from subcutaneous emphysema or leaking air sac may be done by use of an 18 gauge needle into the skin, then squeezing the air out by pressing on the enlarged area of skin. This may re-accumulate and have to be repeated on a daily basis, or from time to time. After awhile many cases will stop collecting air under the skin. Sometimes this can be a real emergency, but if she is resting okay, she may be able to eat and drink.

I guess I'll keep her under observation for tonight and check to see how swollen it is tomorrow. Does it ever disappear on its own?

 

[Eggcessive]

I haven't personally treated this, but from reading, it can go down on it's own eventually as the body re-absorbs the air, but if the air is putting pressure on any organs or making her uncomfortable, removing the air periodically may help her comfort until it eentually seals off.

 

[Nandini]

ok, I'll check back in tomorrow and let you all know. Thanks for all the advice,

 

[Nandini]

Hello all,
I just wanted to let you know that Peggy died in my lap this morning. Her chest swelling had gone down but she stayed up all night gasping for breath.
Thank you again for all the advise. I should have approached this community earlier. Perhaps I'd have managed to save her then.

 

[Eggcessive]

So sorry for your loss. She must have had a really bad injury. Not everyone is equipped with a needle and syringe to treat this at home.

 

[Hay Day Farmer]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Nambroth]

I know this is a few months old, and I am sorry to hear that the bird passed away, but I just wanted to share a reminder that injuries by cats can be more serious than some might realize.

I will leave this link here in case anyone else searches this thread for info. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/831830/chicken-health-info-for-those-that-experience-cat-attacks