Red Hen is running around acting normal, it’s just at night sleeping I noticed this.I’m behind, you may have made a decision to help her pass already, but I’ll chime in with what it looks like to me, which may give you some comfort or confidence in whatever you may have decided. Yes, Peanut did this when she was very full of fluid. Maybe a bit faster. But the consistent heaving is not right. You can feel her abdomen and it should be soft and pliable, not full and tight.
The ascites is in pockets, the vet drained Peanut in two places. She was careful where she punctured, and did not go for complete draining to avoid injuring organs. The clarity of the ascites is a clue as to whether it’s tumor or infection…I also found the X-ray sad but affirming as to what was going on, it showed tumor all over. That was before the vet drained her and explained the fluid appearance part, so there were two good indicators of what wraps going on.
My view is that one is hoping to buy comfortable time with draining. Some chickens can go for weeks between drainings the vet said, my understanding is that the X-ray really only gives you an idea of the tumors, they can carry them for awhile and it’s possible the ascites doesn't build up quickly again. So another clue with Peanut was that she did not get immediate relief and feel great after she was drained, feeling all light again and not funnily weighted, indicated by them having a great time running around (“the zoomies” the vet called it). It took her two days to have a third good day, all the while filling up again, so that by the fourth day she was pretty full and acting worse. Her tumor load was uncomfortable for her, and she had started looking at and raising her right foot a lot, like it felt funny, which was probably the tumors impinging on something.
Hugs to you!
Tuff - the hen I drained, is doing ok, eating and running around, pecking those who annoy her. I do protect her from the randy cockerels - Rico eap, as he has jumped her a couple times and I about knocked him into next week both times. Which reminds me I better go see where she is. But she is holding her own, I am sure she won’t be here come winter. She weighs next to nothing.
