Fowl Cholera Help

[Eggcessive]

In the older hens I have done necropsies on, many have reproductive issues, such as lash egg material, ascites, and other reproductive problems. Those along with cancer, are the most common causes of death in hens. Many times reproductive disorders are the reason they stop laying. I have a 9 year old who still lays. Most have stopped.

 

[nataliegrinks]

Oh wow! I didn’t know they could lay that long. She hasn’t shown any signs of any of that previously. How would I tell if she had any of those issues? She does not have a swollen belly or anything like that. Should I check to see if I can feel an egg? Or does that not work if it’s lash egg material? We’ve had one girl with a swollen belly years ago, but it was very obvious.

 

[nataliegrinks]

She also just went through a really rough molt and finally has all her feathers back. Took forever. To be completely fair, our girls are very free range and I really don’t know who lays and who doesn’t. I just assumed she didn’t since I’ve heard the myth so long about “two good years” of laying. Can’t believe I didn’t know that wasn’t true! It’s like it’s my first day

 

[nataliegrinks]

Just in case anyone is paying attention to this thread, Brownie Bite is getting better. I gave her tylan 50 injectable metacam and benedryl. The swelling has gone down. She’s more upright and perky. It’s still purple-ish and she’s pale, but it’s better. The only new thing I’ve noticed is I can’t quite tell if her crop is emptying all the way or if something else is going on. Her crop on the skin outside almost looks bruised. I’ll keep trying to figure her out.

 

[SacredWaves]

Just in case anyone is paying attention to this thread, Brownie Bite is getting better. I gave her tylan 50 injectable metacam and benedryl. The swelling has gone down. She’s more upright and perky. It’s still purple-ish and she’s pale, but it’s better. The only new thing I’ve noticed is I can’t quite tell if her crop is emptying all the way or if something else is going on. Her crop on the skin outside almost looks bruised. I’ll keep trying to figure her out.

I am following along. I am always curious to learn new diseases, treatments, tips, etc. I am in my 2nd year now and can use every bit of advice. I have never been afraid to ask. I am so very happy your chicken is feeling better. Please do let us know how she is.

 

[dawg53]

Just in case anyone is paying attention to this thread, Brownie Bite is getting better. I gave her tylan 50 injectable metacam and benedryl. The swelling has gone down. She’s more upright and perky. It’s still purple-ish and she’s pale, but it’s better. The only new thing I’ve noticed is I can’t quite tell if her crop is emptying all the way or if something else is going on. Her crop on the skin outside almost looks bruised. I’ll keep trying to figure her out.

Are you injecting the tylan into her breast area? If so, it could possibly cause bruising.
Also, do you know if she is rubbing her breast on the roost at night? That can be a cause.
Finally, are there any breast blisters?

 

[nataliegrinks]

I am injecting into her breast area, but below where her crop is. That’s what I thought it was at first. It seems to be ON her crop. Not where I injected it. I will triple check tomorrow.
I do not know if she is rubbing. It’s more like sour crop feeling/looking, but no foul odor or other signs. I didn’t want to try and empty it until she was feeling better if that’s what it is. Just alarmed that it looks bruised. The whole crop area. I’ll try to get a photo.
I have not seen any breast blisters and will double check tomorrow.
Trying to inject her today was a bit tough since she’s coming out of her molt and she has SO many still not all the way in. Thanks for responding

 

[nataliegrinks]

I am following along. I am always curious to learn new diseases, treatments, tips, etc. I am in my 2nd year now and can use every bit of advice. I have never been afraid to ask. I am so very happy your chicken is feeling better. Please do let us know how she is.

I am always curious and eager to learn as well. What I’ve come to find is that chickens do better with injury than illness. I had a fox take a chunk out of one of my girls backside where her leg muscle was coming out and she couldn’t stand. Yeah, she’s fine Healed up living the good life! This will be my fifth year. Thanks for your well wishes It’s appreciated! I’ll keep updating.

 

[Eggcessive]

Tylan injectable can be given orally, which is usually easier for most people. The injectable has been known to sometimes cause muscle damage after injections in some animals. Maybe she is getting bruised somehow. Chicken brusiing can be blue, grey, and green. I am glad the swelling has gone down in her wattles. Hopefully the color will become normal again.

You can always check for the pressence of any egg if she ever seems to be eggbound. Insert a clean finger into the vent about 1-2 inches. If she is pooping, then she is not eggbound. Hens can have egg laying problems with shell-less eggs, malformed shells, and other problems. I have never seen a lash egg, but have found lash material when I have done a few necropsies after death. That is a good way to learn about your chickens when you lose one.

 

[nataliegrinks]

Tylan injectable can be given orally, which is usually easier for most people. The injectable has been known to sometimes cause muscle damage after injections in some animals. Maybe she is getting bruised somehow. Chicken brusiing can be blue, grey, and green. I am glad the swelling has gone down in her wattles. Hopefully the color will become normal again.

You can always check for the pressence of any egg if she ever seems to be eggbound. Insert a clean finger into the vent about 1-2 inches. If she is pooping, then she is not eggbound. Hens can have egg laying problems with shell-less eggs, malformed shells, and other problems. I have never seen a lash egg, but have found lash material when I have done a few necropsies after death. That is a good way to learn about your chickens when you lose one.

Thank you! Yes I have given it to other chickens orally and it’s worked out well. I decided to inject her specifically since I’d never seen this before and it was a bit dramatic. I figured it would get into her blood stream faster. I knew the risk, but seemed a better choice.
My concern is that the bruising is not at injection site, but on her crop. Almost as if it were filled with blood. If she’s doing better today maybe I will try and empty it. It just doesn’t seem like sour crop.
I haven’t checked for an egg except just feeling around the abdomen since she’s pooping. I’ll look at that again today. She’s eating and drinking. She was more outgoing yesterday. She does have some lice so I dusted her. I have not done necropsies before. Maybe I should start. Thank you for your input!