Heart Murmur - 17 wk. old ISA Brown Pullet

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Hello. Yesterday I posted a thread about our ISA brown, "Buffy," who was suddenly showing signs of heat stress at the peak of the afternoon (here is the OG post: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/please-help-possible-heat-stroke-or-sick.1327905/).

Well, we took her to the vet today and she found a pretty bad heart murmur (she said she'd only come across this once before in her career--in an old rooster--and it wasn't nearly as bad). At her young age, it is likely congenital. Right now we are feeding her via a tube into her crop--this will hopefully give her enough vitality bad so she will start eating again on her own. We'll also start a course of antibiotics just in case an infection is causing her heart to swell (though her stool test had no evidence of parasites or disease). We think the heat this past week plus her condition pushed her over the edge. For those who may have the same issue in their flock, here were her symptoms:

• lethargy - mobile but slowed-down
• sleepiness
• beak agape and intermittent panting
• disinterest in eating
• failure to thrive (wasting)
• seeming fine until she suddenly wasn't

If she continues to deteriorate we will likely put her down so that she isn't suffering. I really hope she perks up. She is mobile and bright-eyed and bright-wattled/combed, but slowed-down and disinterested in food.

Buffy has been a great big sister to our inaugural backyard flock of 7 girls--she watches over them, guides them towards treats, and corrals them to bed every night. She is a gentle leader to boot. We are grateful to have her for as long as we can, so long as she is living her best life. Everyone keep your fingers crossed for Buffy!

Just the other day:

As a baby (I call this a "Belfie" - "Buffy" + Selfie):

 

[Eggcessive]

Glad that you got to see a vet. It is impressive that the vet even listened to her heart and picked up the mumur. Hopefully, Buffy will get stronger and live a good long life. Let us know how she gets along.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Wow. Didn't see that coming. It explains why her symptoms were all over the place. I'm very glad you got her to a vet, and I'm glad it wasn't Mareks and won't spread through your whole flock.

I hope she recovers from her wasting away. And now that you know what's going on, I hope you can keep symptoms in check.

Since she was force-fed at the vets she's really perked up. Scratching around in her crate (making a huge mess!) and is now eating on her own pretty consistently. We will likely let her sleep and wake up with her flock and take her in during the hot part of the day and monitor her food/water intake.

Thank you for checking in!

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Glad that you got to see a vet. It is impressive that the vet even listened to her heart and picked up the mumur. Hopefully, Buffy will get stronger and live a good long life. Let us know how she gets along.

Yes, we feel lucky to have found this vet in a neighboring town. She was really informative. And now I have confirmation that the flock is healthy and she likely isn't passing anything on to her friends (per the vet's poop scoop).

 

[Eggcessive]

If the vet will sell you a feeding tube and large syringes, you can learn to tube feed her for awhile if need be. Glad that she has perked up, so may e she will eat on her own.

 

[aart]

heart issues are more common than acknowledged

Probably, but not many folks are able to access a good vet as you are.

someplace cool like in the house or basement--only for those peak hours of the day--it might be enough to take the edge off.

I have done this in the winter, bring them someplace slightly warmer(not too much of difference-can cause shock going wither way) just for a couple-few hours, and give them a dose of electrolytes. Called the temperature 'reset' by @BantyChooks . Saved a couple of my birds one winter. Now I give electrolytes regularly in both hot and cold temperature extremes, has made a big difference.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Wow. Didn't see that coming. It explains why her symptoms were all over the place. I'm very glad you got her to a vet, and I'm glad it wasn't Mareks and won't spread through your whole flock.

I hope she recovers from her wasting away. And now that you know what's going on, I hope you can keep symptoms in check.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

If anyone is curious or ever suspects a heart murmur in one of their chickens, this is a great case summary about a rooster with a similar issue arising around 5-6 months: http://www.poultrydvm.com/cases/chance

It seems species that were bred to grow big and fast are particularly prone to heart issues. No wonder. It's good to know there are care plans that can help them live a mostly normal and very happy life, though.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Did the vet prescribe the antibiotics and what it
is the name of it? I normally don’t recommend antibiotics unnecessarily, but if the vet prescribed it, it might be helpful in case of a heart inflammation. If you were just going to give one on your own, then hold off.

Antibiotic resistance is a real thing, but in some cases they can help, especially if you know what you are treating. The vet would be best to decide that. Some people just throw antibiotics at chickens, not knowing what they are treating, or what type is needed. Knowing the egg withdrawal time helps as well.

Our vet didn't prescribe it but she mentioned we could get a broad spectrum antibiotic for birds called tetracycline (sp?). Supposedly there are limitations on what she's able to prescribe for poultry versus non-agricultural birds. She said if we are ever worried about something in our flock it doesn't hurt to use it. I'm with you though--I hesitate to treat with antibiotics willy nilly. We ordered it to have on hand, but will play it by ear.

The last post I made included some heartening info on meds/diet that can treat a swollen or abnormal heart. When I check in with my vet I may bring this up, as it seems there is record of good results.

 

[Eggcessive]

My vet has prescribed enalapril and lasix (furosemide) for congestive heart failure in one of my dogs years ago, and they are drugs that are frequently used in humans as well. Most of us do not have vets who would treat a chicken that agressively (or even treat a chicken,) but the article is good for those who do.