Hen can't stand / diarrhea / aspirated medication

[mymonkeyshines]

I've got an 18 month old hen that can't catch a break. First noticed she was having balance issues and isolated her inside. She was also having diarrhea. The next day she couldn't stand. Day after that she couldn't sit up and was flopped over. Consistent diarrhea only which sort of explosively erupts out. Laying eggs normally. I had a vitamin deficiency with another from the same breed and breeder last year, so first I was thinking that, but I'm not sure if it could be Marek's or something else. I don't want to get too deep into treatment if it's a doomed bird either way. comb is well colored and generally seems alert and lively outside of the disability. overall has been four days since symptoms were first noticed.

Additionally, while giving poultry cell orally, it aspirated some. at first it was thrashing and freaking out and I thought she was going to die immediately, but she had a few productive sneezes and got a good bit out. she was wheezing for a while after, now she still seems to be breathing heavily but improved. not sure what is best on that front, is there an antibiotic I should get? again, not sure if the ultimate illness is fatal either way and if I should continue trying to treat. any advice is greatly appreciated. it is hard on us to be losing another bird a year after the first. we only keep four overall so it is certainly felt.

 

[Eggcessive]

Have you added any new birds to your flock recently? Usually Mareks shows up earlier, in the first 3-8 months, but if she was recently exposed that might be an issue. Hard to know without testing since other problems can look like Mareks. What type of feed are you giving her? B complex tablets 1/4-1/2 tablet daily crushed in a spoonful of water is easy and inexpensive. Whennusing poultry cell or other medicines, I would give a couple of drops letting her swallow, and give more. Other possible problems could be mold in food or bedding, toxins in the area she runs in daily. Lead poisoning, insecticide, or even hydrocarbons from automotive spills in the yard can be toxic. Is she able to stand and walk now? Do you have any pictures of her?

 

[mymonkeyshines]

Have you added any new birds to your flock recently? Usually Mareks shows up earlier, in the first 3-8 months, but if she was recently exposed that might be an issue. Hard to know without testing since other problems can look like Mareks. What type of feed are you giving her? B complex tablets 1/4-1/2 tablet daily crushed in a spoonful of water is easy and inexpensive. Whennusing poultry cell or other medicines, I would give a couple of drops letting her swallow, and give more. Other possible problems could be mold in food or bedding, toxins in the area she runs in daily. Lead poisoning, insecticide, or even hydrocarbons from automotive spills in the yard can be toxic. Is she able to stand and walk now? Do you have any pictures of her?

no new additions for about a year. feed is just the tractor supply or dumor layer pellets.
she is still immobile and lays on her side. breathing is heavy and still occasionally wheezy. I don't have any recent pics but could get some a little later.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry that she is not better. If you should lose her, I would contact your state vet ahead of time, and find out how to get a necropsy and testing for Mareks. It can be helpful to know what was happening to her in case the other chickens might be affected. The body should be kept cold and taken in or shipped overnight as soon as possible on weekdays. Here is a list of most state vets:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry-labs.html