Fluid in legs?

[chicken907]

Got a black austrolorp hen with swollen spots on her legs and feet. She's losing weight and her comb is receding. Reluctant to walk around and secludes herself from the other 4 hens and rooster. Just got off a cold snap (single digits) but seemed to fare fine with the others- left in coop that didn't get much below 20 on the coldest days. Doesn't seem to be bumblefoot- no sores and in a few different places. Ravenous when you put a hand of feed in front of her, but won't go the the feeder. Spends 24/7 roosting under cover outside the coop last few days. Any suspected ailment/treatments appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Pictures would be very helpful. Place her in a crate close to food and water. If she is not standing, prop her in a rolled up towel. Think about bringing her inside overnight, in case it could be frostbite. Are you seeing any swelling of her joints? Have you had any other recent illness in your flock.

 

[chicken907]

Hey thanks. Thinking of doing just that. She's standing ok and walks a little gingerly on the roost. Her comb is receding pretty dramatically as well. First illness of this young flock.

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[chicken907]

 

[Eggcessive]

Her ankles are swollen which can be a sign of infectious arthritis. Mycoplasma synovitis (MS) is one type. There are others involving other bacteria, such as staph, strep, E.coli, and also some viruses. MS is a respiratory disease that affects the joints, may or may not cause mild respiratory symptoms, is common, and can cause swelling in the upper leg joints, lameness, scabs on the breast bone from lying on the ground. Tylan 50 injectable can be given orally or by injection into the breast muscle twice a day for 5 days to treat symptoms. Dosage is 1/2 ml under 5 pounds, or 1 ml for over 5 pounds. If a vet is available, I would take her in since they have more powerful antibiotics, just in case it is not MS. Some other diseases such as gout can cause swollen feet, but in my amateur opinion, it looks more like MS.

 

[Eggcessive]

For the Tylan 50 injectable, I would get some 3 ml syringes with needles to withdraw the medication. A 3ml syringe with a 20 gauge needle or 18 gauge needle would be fine. Tylan 200 is sometimes the only strength available at feed stores, especially at Tractor Supply. It is 4 times as strong, but could still be used. Let me know if you need more dosage instructions. Here are some good links to articles to read. One of our moderators, Two Crows, has experience treating MS. She is always helpful in responding to PM's. Below are some good articles on MS and infectious arthritis:

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/99/mycoplasma-synoviae-infection-ms-infectious-synovitis/
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/mycoplasmosis/mycoplasma-synoviae-infection-in-poultry
http://waddl.vetmed.wsu.edu/animal-disease-faq/mycoplasma-synoviae
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/poult...stem/infectious-skeletal-disorders-in-poultry
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/143/staphylococcosis-staphylococcal-arthritis-bumble-foot/

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Mycoplasmas in Poultry

Small and Backyard Flocks May 05, 2015


Written by: Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky

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Mycoplasma synoviae (MS)

MS is also known as infectious synovitis, synovitis, and silent air sac. MS can affect chickens and turkeys. There are two forms of the disease: one that affects the joints and one that affects the respiratory system. Inflammation of the joints occurs In synovitis, and infected birds develop lameness followed by lethargy, reluctance to move, swollen joints, stilted gait, weight loss, and formation of breast blisters. Birds infected with the respiratory form exhibit respiratory distress. Greenish diarrhea is common in dying birds. It is not possible to distinguish between MS and MG without administering a blood test.
Recovery from MS is slow. Birds can be treated with an antibiotic that is most effective when delivered via injection. Eradication is the best and only sure way to control MS. Producers should not use breeder replacements from flocks that have MS. The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) monitors for MS.