Hard lumps started in nostril bulging bigger quickly

[Yoko Nakamura]

What is your location? Are there mosquitoes out now? Have you seen any other scabs on the other chickens or on unfeathered areas? How old is the chicken? Fowl pox sometimes looks similar on very young chickens, but the possibility of can er is also there. Do you have a vet that could see you chicken?

Thank you for getting back!
We are in South France, quite warm climate with lots of mosquitoes! It's getting cold but even now in Novermber there are still some of them lurking...
We have two more hens but I don't think I see any scabs on them.

The hen with the lump is about 1 year old.
It has been quite healthy otherwise, fluffy and active.
We have got a telephone number of an avian vet from our dog's vet, but to be very honest we are not sure if we are prepared to spend a lot for the hens.... feeling so bad saying this.

 

[Yoko Nakamura]

Vet... It's the only way to know for sure and the sinuses on birds are a very tricky area to have issues - lots if nerves around there. They'll likely take a biopsy to determine what you're dealing with and let you know your treatment options.

When you say quickly, what timeframe do you mean? How long ago did this initially appear and has it only started rapidly worsening recently? Months, weeks, days?

When birds get an internal infection, it eventually hardens - like the kernel in a bumblefoot, so this could also be what's going on. - as said, that area is very sensitive, so a vet may shy away from the idea of removing it surgically.

I've seen a progressed sinus infection in a pigeon be surgically removed at our local rescue center by one of our avian vets, but it was subsequently put down by our other staff vet the next day - unsure if this was due to post op issues or that vet's bias against non-native species. It looked surprisingly good immediately post op, but may have deteriorated overnight.

Thanks for your comment, much appreciated!

The lump became this size within just 2 - 3 weeks. It might be slowing down just recently, but I am not sure. This girl tended to have dirty nostrils with food and soil, so it could be some sort of infection...? Though I have no idea...

 

[dawg53]

It appears to be sinus canker. Treatment is Metronidazole 250mg given orally once a day for 5 days.
Another treatment is acidified copper sulfate. Dosage is 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water for 3 days once a month to keep it in check. Do not put it in a metal waterer, use a plastic waterer.

 

[aart]

We are in South France

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[azygous]

Try the treatment @dawg53 posted. I've never seen this before, and if the treatment clears this up, we've all learned something valuable.

 

[Yoko Nakamura]

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2904064

Good idea. I think I managed to add it.
Thank you!

 

[Yoko Nakamura]

It appears to be sinus canker. Treatment is Metronidazole 250mg given orally once a day for 5 days.
Another treatment is acidified copper sulfate. Dosage is 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water for 3 days once a month to keep it in check. Do not put it in a metal waterer, use a plastic waterer.

Okay, I will ask our dog's vet if he could source Metronidazole 250mg tomorrow!
Thank you!

 

[Weeg]

Okay, I will ask our dog's vet if he could source Metronidazole 250mg tomorrow!
Thank you!

Not sure what online pet supplies you have that will ship to your area, but it may be helpful to do some research on that. We have Chewy in the US, and they supply Metronidazole in 250mg tablets. Try to see if it can find it online from a pet supply. It may take a bit to arrive, for me its 5-7 days, but better than nothing. The vet may be able to prescribe it as well.

 

[Yoko Nakamura]

[Update]
The area on the lumps I put peroxide with Qtips the day before yesterday got very dried and there are some superficial cracks The hen is still behaving normally, but she scratches the affected area more often (once every few minutes, or less)...

We will try to get Metronidazole somehow and give it to her soon.
Fingers crossed...

 

[Weeg]

I wouldn't user peroxide. Its very harsh and can sting wounds. It also kills the healthy tissue. Not sure if that is what is going on here, but Chlorhexadine, or diluted iodine may be a better option.