Hen limping for 3 weeks...no new signs = Marek's ruled out?

[StPaulieGirls]

Hi folks,

We took in a stray hen in bad shape. Nursed her and her buddy to good health, then three weeks ago this one hen developed a serious limp - what I'm describing as flaccid paralysis of her foot/leg.

So, three weeks have passed and she's eating well, looking bright, but still limping. I'd say the limp has improved but I still don't ever see her flex the toes of that foot.

At this point, given that there's no no signs/symptoms developing, would you say that it's likely NOT Marek's? I had also suspected Botulism but it may have been an injury.

These two hens have been in quarantine for about 6 weeks now, and if we can reasonably integrate them into our existing flock, we'd like to move forward with that. (Our biosecurity has not been great, as it's a small urban yard).

Thanks for any advice!

- Kerri in Oakland, CA

 

[MrsBachbach]

Hi folks,

We took in a stray hen in bad shape. Nursed her and her buddy to good health, then three weeks ago this one hen developed a serious limp - what I'm describing as flaccid paralysis of her foot/leg.

So, three weeks have passed and she's eating well, looking bright, but still limping. I'd say the limp has improved but I still don't ever see her flex the toes of that foot.

At this point, given that there's no no signs/symptoms developing, would you say that it's likely NOT Marek's? I had also suspected Botulism but it may have been an injury.

These two hens have been in quarantine for about 6 weeks now, and if we can reasonably integrate them into our existing flock, we'd like to move forward with that. (Our biosecurity has not been great, as it's a small urban yard).

Thanks for any advice!

- Kerri in Oakland, CA

If it was Mareks she would likely be dead by now. I've always heard, once it starts, it kills quickly. I would try some vitamin therapy in their water. I have a limpy hen, shes been that way a year now, but her toes work fine. So, not sure what it could be with yours, but it sounds neurological if the toes won't flex.

 

[Eggcessive]

Hi folks,

We took in a stray hen in bad shape.  Nursed her and her buddy to good health, then three weeks ago this one hen developed a serious limp - what I'm describing as flaccid paralysis of her foot/leg.

So, three weeks have passed and she's eating well, looking bright, but still limping.  I'd say the limp has improved but I still don't ever see her flex the toes of that foot.

At this point, given that there's no no signs/symptoms developing, would you say that it's likely NOT Marek's?  I had also suspected Botulism but it may have been an injury.

These two hens have been in quarantine for about 6 weeks now, and if we can reasonably integrate them into our existing flock, we'd like to move forward with that.  (Our biosecurity has not been great, as it's a small urban yard).

Thanks for any advice!

- Kerri in Oakland, CA
The best way Mareks can be diagnosed is with a necropsy to look at feather shafts and tumors. She may just have suffered nerve damage to the leg. I would wait and see. If you see any other lameness in others or have a sudden death. A necropsy by your atate vet would be a good way to get a diagnosis. You also would need to ask about Mareks testing at that time.