Hen - leg paralysis? Please help

[KatyBishop]

3 days ago my 2.5 year old hen was found laying on the ground unable to move her legs. This was very sudden and showed no symptoms of any disease or physical injury, and will not respond to touching or moving of her legs. She would try to move by pulling herself with her wings, she also will not eat or drink anything. Her comb is a dark red and purple on the tips, and has a bright green and white diarrhea. I brought her into the house in case of any infectious diseases, and made food and water available. I have been hand giving her electrolyte water for the past two days, gave her an antibiotic, and just today gave her nutri-drench, but nothing seems to help. At this point she seems miserable and I can't tell whether she will recover or if it's time to euthinize her. Really would love some opinions and advise, thank you.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
You might be dealing with Marek's Disease.
Unfortunately you would only know for sure through a necropsy.
You can read about this disease here:
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/90/mareks-disease/

 

[Poultrybreeder]

It sounds like it could be Mareks to me. Normally I would say cocci, but the leg thing..I don't think so. Purple comb tips = poor circulation, maybe the same case for the legs?

 

[Kiki]

What state are you in?
Some state vets do cheap necropsies.

 

[KatyBishop]

I live in Michigan, I also though Marek's, but from what I read it doesn't often form in older chickens

 

[KatyBishop]

Also her legs are not in a split position, but her abdomen is very bloated.

 

[Poultrybreeder]

I live in Michigan, I also though Marek's, but from what I read it doesn't often form in older chickens

It depends, I had a rooster get marks at 3 years old. The most common time for my chickens to come down with it is at 6 months

 

[Poultrybreeder]

Also her legs are not in a split position, but her abdomen is very bloated.

That is going to need to be drained, get a sewing needle, sterilize it, and like a few holes just beneath the skin. Then press on her skin, it should start releasing the air from your hen' s abdomen. I've done this once or twice, My Dad has done it for years, so has my Grandpa, no infections with this procedure yet!

 

[Kiki]

Also her legs are not in a split position, but her abdomen is very bloated.

Hmm..
Maybe she is laying internally.
Unfortunately there isn't much that can be done for that either.

 

[KatyBishop]

It depends, I had a rooster get marks at 3 years old. The most common time for my chickens to come down with it is at 6 months

Hmm. Is there any chance of recovery? Or is it more humane to just euthanize her? Thank you so much for the help