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

[azygous]

Another thing that is associated with this "thing" is runny, smelly poop when they are actively symptomatic.

They are getting vitamin E for neurological support.

And there's no way, under current USPS policies which have slowed down the mail even worse than before the election, that a blood sample could reach the lab in under 48 hours.

And one test has ruled out Mycoplasma synoviae.

 

[Sally PB]

I'm still following this thread every day. When things are going well, it makes me smile with joy. When there are setbacks, my heart aches for everyone involved.

Sending lots of hugs.

 

[HiEverybirdy]

As far as what's inflamed to make June lose balance, seems like it could be inner ear or something along her spine. The nice thing about prednisone is its umbrella-like quality for addressing inflammation. At least that salt-grain size is probably easy to administer

Working with Occam's Razor that it's usually the simplest explanation, I kept finding myself falling down the lymphoid leukosis rabbit hole over the past few days, because that's a known issue in your flock.

You've said this doesn't act like the LL you know, but what if May's Syndrome is an offshoot of the virus, like shingles is to chicken pox? Or maybe May and June came with specific genetic vulnerabilities to certain issues associated with LL.

I read the LL virus percolates in the Bursa of Fabricius, a center of immunity in young birds. If May's Syndrome were wreaking some kind of havoc there, it'd make sense that this is acting like an autoimmune disorder.

I say it's acting like an autoimmune disorder because of the roller coaster of flare ups and remission. Even those loose poops could be indicative of a digestive system (another immune center) on overdrive. But honestly, no matter the cause, if you were looking at this as an autoimmune thing, you'd want to...

A) Reduce triggers, if you can figure out what they are. Besides usual suspects like hormones and seasonal allergies (good thought, @micstrachan ), are you confident your feed and water don't have any mycotoxins or algae? Guessing not, but asking in the spirit of the kitchen-sink approach.

B) Address inflammation - Despite its risks, I'm hopeful about the prednisone. This is super unscientific but still feels germane enough to type, so here goes: My dad had multiple myeloma (MM), and it's hard not to see parallels between MM and LL in their ability to create immune-system chaos. For years, his most successful chemo was periodic cycle of steroids.

 

[azygous]

All interesting things to consider, especially that it could be an iteration of LL. And it would explain the resistance the rest of the flock has developed and why they haven't shown symptoms. I do suspect a weakness in this breed. It will be interesting, although heartbreaking, if the new chicks come down with this. They are an heirloom breed, and maybe they'll be stronger than the BAs.

 

[HiEverybirdy]

All interesting things to consider, especially that it could be an iteration of LL. And it would explain the resistance the rest of the flock has developed and why they haven't shown symptoms. I do suspect a weakness in this breed. It will be interesting, although heartbreaking, if the new chicks come down with this. They are an heirloom breed, and maybe they'll be stronger than the BAs.

Are those the Blue Plymouth chicks? Pretty sure many friends out here in internet space are pulling for them. You deserve a joyful experience.

 

[azygous]

Yes, so far the Plymouths are thriving. They are the most mellow, laid-back babies I've ever had. Not a flighty bone in their bodies.

 

[azygous]

June is dying. Bluish comb, rapid open beak breathing. Will not eat or drink.

Now my nightmare is trying to figure out the best way to get her expired body to the state lab which is only open Mon -Fri. and is a three hour round trip drive. Or chance UPS to get her there before she decomposes. But the UPS terminal is only open for an hour in the evening. I'm going in circles trying to figure it out, and the least of which is June holding on until I can figure it out, and she must not die on the weekend.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Have you decided on best course of action yet? If shes actively dying, it doesnt sound likely she will last through the weekend, is that your assessment? What time does state lab require her body tomorrow in time to test before weekend close? Does UPS guarrantee overnight delivery in time? Otherwise, how difficult will the 3 hour drive be to get her to state lab in time? If you feel like shes dying with no chance of revival, sounds like best option is to decide on best way to get her to lab, then euthanize? Dont answer if it takes time away from actively working on issue. Im very sorry.

 

[KaseySnow]

So sorry to hear about June.

I wonder if there is a way you could preserve the body to still make it testable. Can you keep it cool in any way to lengthen the time it can travel? I wonder if you called the lab whether they could give advice on any possible options.

 

[azygous]

I talked to the lab tech just to find out the particulars. This must be done by tomorrow. June won't last the weekend. She may not last the day. I've taken a chicken to this lab before. It's where I learned my flock has LL. They would get right on the necropsy when I deliver her. I'm leaning toward letting him cull her if she'll last that long.

I tried to tube June a while ago. Didn't get but an ounce into her. She did make a massive poop which she'd been holding in for 36 hours.

Just heard from a friend who's offered to help me out with the long drive. I plan on doing it early tomorrow. This is a sad turn of events, but we are close to finding out what this mystery disorder is if you want to try to look on the positive side.