Help! Hen with vent issues (Pics)

[MissChick@dee]

The blisters look like salpingnitus. Sorry to say.

 

[Eggcessive]

Well, I have been doing some research, and had someone look at the picture, and it turns out that it probably is a mucinous cyst or mucocele inside the vent. They are benign and harmless. It might help to do some warm soaks to her bottom. Mucous cysts are filled with mucous, so soaking may help the cyst to open and empty. I have never seen this before, but mucous cysts are common in womens’ reproductive tract and inside humans’ mouths in mucous membranes.

 

[Kiki]

First I would soak her and clean her up.
Is the white a combo of the DE and poop?
Do is smelly horrible in this area?

 

[MissChick@dee]

I saw a necropsy where they found blisters (small ones) throughout the reproductive system. Along with cooked yolks. She too was a older hen. It looked similar.

 

[andythescot]

Thank you everyone for your responses!! I really appreciate it.

@KikisGirls I didn’t notice any particular odor actually. And yes a combo of de and poop, but none of the poop in the area was wet.

And then one detail I didn’t mention, when I inserted my finger the I guess “cavernous” part felt mushy to me. I’m not sure if that’s important or normal or abnormal, as this was the first time I’ve ever done that.

First thing tomorrow I’ll get her cleaned up. I’m thinking probably an Epsom soak would be beneficial.

I’ve read about some people using Preparation H on their chicks’ vents, any thoughts on that? Or are there any other topical solutions that might help?

I will take her to the vet if the area seems worse or she shows any other bad symptoms, but for now I’m gonna try to keep her comfy as best I can.

 

[andythescot]

Whoops I missed @Misschick@dee’s post about Preparation H!

 

[staceyj]

Preparation H is a good item to keep in your chicken first aid arsenal and is quite effective with prolapses.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Well, I have been doing some research, and had someone look at the picture, and it turns out that it probably is a mucinous cyst or mucocele inside the vent. They are benign and harmless. It might help to do some warm soaks to her bottom. Mucous cysts are filled with mucous, so soaking may help the cyst to open and empty. I have never seen this before, but mucous cysts are common in womens’ reproductive tract and inside humans’ mouths in mucous membranes.

I would just do the warm soaks as mentioned. Glad @Eggcessive did some research and provided us with some possibilities. The first thing that came to mind for me was a "Polyp" .

Personally, I don't see any indication of Vent Gleet. With aging hens their vents are "looser", they likely have a fat pad as well. Poop does not always clear the feathers and fluff which causes a messy bum. The OP also mentioned that Julia had a heavier infestation of mites which would contribute to the messy bum and possible irritation.

 

[andythescot]

Update:

So I bathed Julia this morning and I discovered more “blisters” just inside the upper lip of the vent. I got one pic that’s unfortunately out of focus but you’ll get the idea. Again I didn’t notice an odor until I was drying her off, at which point there was a faint “wet dog” smell.

She is older, so should I be preparing for the end? (Not culling! Just keeping her happy and comfortable) She’s still acting normally and is eating and drinking. At this point would you bring her to the vet?

I’m going to continue to dust her with de bc there are still traces of mites I’m noticing. Is there anything else I can do at home I can do for her?

Thanks everyone!!

 

[Eggcessive]

That is very interesting. I would think that is from some inflammatory process or possibly cancer, but cannot say due to a lack of experience in necropsies or butchering. Permethrin would be very good to use for mites or lice, as long as you don’t keep bees. It works instantly.