Help needed!

[catrina]

For several years now my one hen has had a cyst looking lump on her chest- closer to her legs, but it has never seemed to bother her so i just let it be. Today i noticed this nasty black spot with a needle like point coming out of it. Any thoughts on what would be going on and if i would be able to treat it somehow on my own? Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[theoldchick]

Looks like a feather follicle cyst that might have decided to be a bit more aggressive and out grew its blood supply which means the tissue will die and become necrotic . That pointy thing might be a feather trying to form. Honestly, I'd surgically remove it and have it sent off just to see what it is. However, since you are wanting to treat at home, about the only thing you can do is keep it clean. Since she's an older hen (?) this is most likely a good plan for now but be aware infection may develop and she will require veterinary care.

 

[catrina]

Thank you for your response. Do you think if i tried to remove it i would do more harm than good? I feel like i should try to get that point off of her because its sharp like a needle.

 

[sourland]

I would be tempted to make a slight incision and attempt to remove the mass of what appears to be necrotic material. Potential problems might be that it might not be encapsulated and might have a blood supply. That could potentially lead to the need for euthanasia. For you a more viable solution might be a visit to a veterinarian. It all depends upon whether or not you feel comfortable with these possibilities or if there is a great sentimental attachment to her.

 

[theoldchick]

Due to the size of the growth I would not recommend this be a do-it-yourself project-unless you are medically trained. Like Sourland mentioned these things tend to have a good blood supply and closing wounds is a challenge on chickens. If this were a parrot it would be anesthetized and a laser device would be used to remove this growth. There are options out there for you if you visit an avian veterinarian. Otherwise, I'd have a tendency to leave this growth alone as poking and prodding it may end up causing more damage than then hen can handle.

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree with the others about having a vet try to remove the scab. Breast blisters can be common in hens who roost on the floor or have problems getting around. These can scab and abscess. It may not be that, but if it is a breast blister that has become scabbed and then necrotic (with what looks like a feather coming through,) it might benefit from a warm Epsom salts soak or compresses daily. You also could gently rub the softened tissue to remove the blackened part down to the healthy tissue--it may bleed slightly, but that is a good sign. Then apply plain neosporin/triple antibiotic ointment to help soften it.