Five-month old Australorp suddenly lame. Update: Now another pullet going lame!

[KaseySnow]

Have you ever had a rodent problem or seen wild birds in or around your yard? I was under the impression that Mareks could be carried in a variety of ways from coop to coop, including wild animals and wind.

I mean, I certainly hope that it isn't Mareks and that they continue to be able to fight this thing. I only ask because perhaps my understanding about the ways in which the virus spreads is wrong. As I understand it, unfortunately, it seems like as long as we live in areas where there might be other cases of Mareks in someone else's coop, even miles away, that our own flocks will always be at risk.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

“In our tests of the leaky Marek’s-disease virus in groups of vaccinated and unvaccinated chickens, the unvaccinated died while those that were vaccinated survived and transmitted the virus to other birds left in contact with them,” Nair says. “Our research demonstrates that the use of leaky vaccines can promote the evolution of nastier ‘hot’ viral strains that put unvaccinated individuals at greater risk.”

Source: https://www.futurity.org/viruses-leaky-vaccines-968692/

I think I’m misunderstanding the definition of a leaky vaccine. I know vaccinated chickens can still be carriers and transmit the virus. However, the Marek’s vaccine itself isn’t infecting the birds vaccinated by it with Marek’s.

 

[HiEverybirdy]

Hormones do seem a possibility. It's definitely coincidental with these two both coming into lay and then within days, this relapse. I've been supplementing calcium, but it obviously hasn't helped.

All the flare-ups and recoveries make it seem kind of like an autoimmune disorder. I swore you said you tried this already but can't find it in this thread: prednisone?

 

[azygous]

I'd love to try that, but it requires a prescription. Steroids can be risky, also. But I would still try it if I could get hold of some. Wait. I might know who might have some left over after his wife died last year.

Yes! He has some and is bringing it over! June Is the same this morning, a bundle of flailing parts. May could be improving. She's laying an egg right now.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

I hope May is still holding steady. Please keep in mind that if it is demylenation causing the symptoms, you might not see immediate improvement, depending on how far the demylenation has progressed. You were able to halt/reverse June's symptoms almost immediately twice before, but May is now your best test case. (Since June is now in a bad way). As long as May is not continuing to decline, that should signify what you are doing is having a positive effect. (And means its working for June too, but with a long rehab ahead). It will still take take time for May's damaged myelin to regrow, if that is what is causing her symptoms/paralysis.

 

[azygous]

Your words of encouragement are appreciated. June is very afflicted, a bundle of uncoordinated flailing. She took very quickly to the chicken wheel chair that May never warmed up to. It appeared she was relieved and grateful not to be flailing and rolling across the run like a tumbleweed which made it impossible for her to eat or drink.

June's affliction is different from May's. Where May's legs were lifeless and limp, June's legs are strong and reactive. She wouldn't have trouble standing except when she tries, she falls over head first and rolls. June's main issue is total lack of balance. Even when she's trying to get settled in a nest to lay an egg and she's sitting, she wants to tip over head first. She reminds me of a little kid learning to somersault. Like a tumbleweed, she is. Any guesses what part of her body is inflamed to cause this?

And still, April has escaped this. Up until today, April has been peckish toward May, impatient with her disability almost. Today, April was subdued while her two mates were behaving like zombies. I think it's just too much for her chicken brain to deal with. When she goes to deliver a peck, she does it lightly, not the punishing blow she's used to giving.

I scored the prednisone and started both May and June on it. Trying to reduce a 10mg tablet to a dose small enough for a chicken proved nearly impossible. The doses ended up being the size of a grain of salt, and even at that, they are larger than they should be. The prescription is four years old, so hopefully, it's weaker than it normally would be. The biggest danger is susceptibility to fungal infections, so they're getting acidophillus along with it.

May is recovering somewhat. She's getting around just fine, even went in and chose a nest box above the floor level one I expected her to use, and got herself out of it when she finished laying her egg. Her foot is gimpy, but she uses the leg sufficiently to get around.

This is the most aggravating and mysterious disorder, and it's torturing me no end.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Have you tried the treatment for Stargazers? Thiamine/B1 or I've read selenium/vit E. If it helps one type of nerve problem, maybe it could help June.
I understand are thinking about euthanizing, but I really want you to win.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

That is so ODD, re the differences between June's and May's symptoms. I saw there was a good amount of discussion recently here about Mareks. You've always said it Could be MD you are dealing with, but that the symptoms dont quite fit. Have you thought any more of mailing the live Mareks test? (It still might be a problem reaching the lab in time to be viable, especially with ongoing post office delays). If you really dont think its Mareks you are dealing with, then most likely you are right. But if there is doubt in your mind, would be nice to get One thing ruled out. (Or in). Based on your latest report, maybe someone in morn will have a clue. As of now im completely clueless. And surprised, because i expected June's current symptoms to be the same as May's were at her worst.

 

[micstrachan]

Oh no! I have not read on this thread in awhile and I am dismayed at the latest developments. I am thinking all the best thoughts for May and June.

My hunch is it is NOT a coincidence they are relapsing at the same time. I think hormones is a brilliant hypothesis. Another idea in my mind is allergies. Is it spring there yet? Since you’re trying everything anyway, would you consider trying benadryl?

Edited to add: I have no idea what benadryl would do. I was thinking of it calming down an immune response. But the steroids should do a good job of that. I’m sorry you are going through this.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

I saw a recent thread where you asked if anyone had experienced lameness issues with blue australorps from Privetts hatchery. It didnt surprise me you got little response, since.blue aussies are still uncommon. Even more, most people dont know which hatchery their feed store uses anyway. If i remember correctly, someone reported they had issues with Black australorps, to the extent they culled their birds. That reply stuck in my mind because the blue australorps ive seen at Tractor Supply were Only blues, not blue, black and splash. All the hatchery has to do is breed blacks and blues together, then separate the two colors on shipping day. Meaning there would be equal problems with black And blue austrolorps, if the problem is coming from the hatchery. And it certainly is possible you are dealing with an immune disorder. . One more thing of note that Might be significant: You are likely aware that Privett and Welp are sister hatcheries. Im not sure how they are linked, but they definitely are. I just checked, & the blue australorps technically come from Welp hatchery, not Privett. (I thought my blue aussies were from Privett too, but not according to the websites). If its a hatchery problem, the problem would be at Welp.