HELP Our hen has a swollen eye! Swelled shut, smells like infection

[Snack Giver]

People, i am typing quickly while trying to also make a vet appointment. My cuckoo maran is sick. My wife and I are worried sick. For 2 days she seemed tired and a little listless/fluffed. This morning she wouldnt get off the perch. She is swollen on one side and the eye doesnt open. It smells like infection, slightly foul. I know that smell. The other eye also seems a little droopy. I read on here to apply anti-biotic. I'm afraid thats just the tip of the iceberg. Shouldnt she get an internal antibiotic? We have her in our kitchen on a towel. she doesnt move. she wont eat or drink. The vet doesnt answer calls for another hour. Anyone deal with this before????

 

[Snack Giver]

I uploaded this so people can see.

 

[klmclain1]

PERSONALLY... I'd be giving penicillin, IM .1cc (that's 1/10 cc) for each pound of weight - usually about 1/2cc, daily in the breast about 1/4 inch in, alternating sides for 4 days. Your vet, however, may be able to find a more precise antibiotic for this infection. In the meantime, I'd bundle her up and go sit at the vet's front door and wait for them to open! Just be there.

 

[dawg53]

A foul odor is a possible indicator of Infectious Coryza.

 

[Snack Giver]

Yes. OK they open in 12 mins and my wife has her in a carrier out front of the vet. Its called the Exotic Bird Clinic. They specialize in parrots and birds in general. Our chicken-having neighbors recommended them. I luv this little maran, she is so sweet. I will pay whatever it costs. Her one eye opens still. I looked up pics of eye infections for birds and I see they all look like this. I noticed her being slow and tired for 3 days now. I KNEW something was wrong. I hope they give her penecillian right away.

Thanks everyone for just being here on this board. I learned so much here. I did a bumblefoot extraction myself because of this board. My first instict was to get her inside, and then research on here. We did apply antibiotic ointment directly onto her eyes (both). Now I hope the bird clinic says no big deal, here is an injection... Thanks again folks.

 

[Snack Giver]

A foul odor is a possible indicator of Infectious Coryza.

The odor is similar to our cat's infected tail when she got bit by another cat. Its sickly smelling. No ignoring that odor. It is foul. Our hen's odor came from the eye area. Is Infectious Coryza fatal or more serious?

Should I be worried about our 5 other hens? I guess the vet will tell us.

 

[klmclain1]

Let us know what the vet says/does.

 

[Snack Giver]

The vet called, she is sending a blood test to a lab in puyallup, WA. She said she suspects one of the following: micoplasm, infectious bronchitis (IB), or new castle disease? I don't know these. Apparently she doubts infectious Coryza - says it's rare in this area. I don't know. She has started antibiotics anyways. We will have to wait I guess. I'm to examine my other 5 birds. They seem totally normal. She also said our little bird is definitely "treatable". So that's encouraging.

 

[dawg53]

The vet called, she is sending a blood test to a lab in puyallup, WA. She said she suspects one of the following: micoplasm, infectious bronchitis (IB), or new castle disease? I don't know these. Apparently she doubts infectious Coryza - says it's rare in this area. I don't know. She has started antibiotics anyways. We will have to wait I guess. I'm to examine my other 5 birds. They seem totally normal. She also said our little bird is definitely "treatable". So that's encouraging.

Mycoplasma Gallisepticum has similar symptoms as Coryza without the foul odor. It's possible to have both going on at the same time.
Infectious Bronchitis is highly contageous and easily transmitted to other birds, I know of no foul odor with this disease.
Newcastle's Disease has been virtually eradicated in the U.S. The only way for it to be introduced would be from exotic birds brought in from other countries or migratory birds flying in from other countries. Some respiratory diseases can be treated, but never cured and the bird will remain a carrier, able to pass the disease onto other birds. Here's a link to Respiratory Diseases in Poultry, feel free to read about the ones mentioned. Once you get the results, please post them for all to read. Thanks and good luck.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[Snack Giver]

OK, so our treatment the first night is
1) An injection of tylan/tylosin (I've done it tonite).
2) NeoPoly Dex Ophth directly onto the eye. (we did that tonight too).

In 2 days we will get the results of the test and they will adjust the medication and prescription if needed. Hopefully just mouth drops. Tonight we are keeping her inside, seperate because her eye is still shut.