Hen - leg paralysis? Please help

[Kiki]

Having the fluid removed with help her to feel better but it doesn't solve the problem.

 

[Poultrybreeder]

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

If it is Mareks, it is more humane to euthanize, it will continue getting worse, until she can't hardly move at all

 

[Kiki]

Her comb is a dark red and purple on the tips, and has a bright green and white diarrhea.

There isn't much that can be done for this ^^ This is her end.

 

[KatyBishop]

Having the fluid removed with help her to feel better but it doesn't solve the problem.

I'll call my local vet tomorrow and see if they have any ideas, I've already put so much time into her I'd hate to give up now! Thank you so much for your help and suggestions!

 

[Kiki]

I'll call my local vet tomorrow and see if they have any ideas, I've already put so much time into her I'd hate to give up now! Thank you so much for your help and suggestions!

Good luck, I wish you the best.
Please keep us updated.

 

[KatyBishop]

Good luck, I wish you the best.
Please keep us updated.

Will do!

 

[Poultrybreeder]

Sorry if you thought the needle thing is barbaric, its just I don't know any vets that accept chickens In my area, so I have to do stuff like this at home

 

[Kiki]

Sorry if you thought the needle thing is barbaric, its just I don't know any vets that accept chickens In my area, so I have to do stuff like this at home

I've seen people draw fluid out at home all the time.
Unfortunately I don't think it would help in this situation, that is all.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @KatyBishop I'm sorry your hen is not doing well

If you have a vet that will see her, that would be best.

From the symptoms you describe it sounds like she may have an internal laying/reproductive disorder. A bloated abdomen that is filled with fluid could possibly be drained to give her relief. Sometimes fluids or egg matter and masses fill the abdominal cavity.

Look at the abdomen for any visible yellowish fluid under the skin - this will help you find what needs to be drained if you decide you need to do it yourself. Avoid blood veins and darker colored skin. Draining can be done by using a 18 or 20guage needle with syringe, but only draw out a small amount of fluid. Poke a few more holes and let gravity drain the rest - drawing too much fluid at one time could send her into cardiac arrest.

As @KikisGirls mentioned it might make her feel better short term and give her a while longer. This is not a cure, but can give her some relief for a while if infection has not set in. Draining would most likely need to be repeated periodically.
There are a lot of threads about Ascites here on BYC and videos on youtube showing how to drain a chicken. Again, it is always best if you have a vet that can see her, give their opinion and if need be drain the fluid.

Post#19 and #20 https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...nd-now-in-respiratory-distress.1119656/page-2

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ascities.1185454/#post-18714504

 

[KatyBishop]

Hi @KatyBishop I'm sorry your hen is not doing well

If you have a vet that will see her, that would be best.

From the symptoms you describe it sounds like she may have an internal laying/reproductive disorder. A bloated abdomen that is filled with fluid could possibly be drained to give her relief. Sometimes fluids or egg matter and masses fill the abdominal cavity.

Look at the abdomen for any visible yellowish fluid under the skin - this will help you find what needs to be drained if you decide you need to do it yourself. Avoid blood veins and darker colored skin. Draining can be done by using a 18 or 20guage needle with syringe, but only draw out a small amount of fluid. Poke a few more holes and let gravity drain the rest - drawing too much fluid at one time could send her into cardiac arrest.

As @KikisGirls mentioned it might make her feel better short term and give her a while longer. This is not a cure, but can give her some relief for a while if infection has not set in. Draining would most likely need to be repeated periodically.
There are a lot of threads about Ascites here on BYC and videos on youtube showing how to drain a chicken. Again, it is always best if you have a vet that can see her, give their opinion and if need be drain the fluid.

Post#19 and #20 https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...nd-now-in-respiratory-distress.1119656/page-2

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ascities.1185454/#post-18714504

Thank you so much, this was very helpful! I hope I can help her, or at least make her comfortable. I greatly appreciate the advise!