Hen with swollen sinus

[Nambroth]

Hello all!
I am normally someone that takes all problems to the vet, but this one caught me at a bad time and I was hoping to get some help here if anyone is able.

My giant cochin hen, Mildred, developed a sudden swelling on one side of her face a day ago. I check each of my birds over daily and this did not come on slowly. The majority of the swelling is between her eye and nostril (see photos below).

Mildred is a four year old hen.

I keep a closed flock and am a bit nuts about biosecurity, to the point of sanitizing any shoes that leave the property, etc, because I have had Marek's in my flock. Mildred was actually the last new bird that this flock was exposed to (I have new chicks from a hatchery but they have been kept totally separate).

I have seen zero respiratory symptoms from Mildred or any of my flock. I have checked both eyes, her choanal slit, nostrils, and eyes are clear with no discharge, bubbling, etc. Her breathing is clean with no rattles, rasp, etc. No panting or labored breath. Her eyes are both very clear, with no discharge or bubbling or film. All of my other birds also have shown no symptoms. Mildred is not currently laying, but that is classic for her. I have not had an illness in my flock other than EYP in 4 years (whew). Again my flock is closed and I'm a biosecurity nut!

Their feed is an organic mash with lots of whole grains and sometimes chaff left in, and I'm wondering if she got a bit of chaff or something up in her sinus that caused this?

I am not sure what this is other than a possible sinus infection? I am exploring how to treat it from home if I can't get to the vet. I read on this thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...e-sinus-lump-swelling-cure-treatment.1156995/ about using Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride Ophthalmic solution. What are your thoughts? @casportpony I value your experience with similar ailments!

Here are some photos. Her wattles have always been lopsided.

 

[Eggcessive]

It could just be swelling from a peck, sting, or insect bite. I would watch it, since there is no eye or nasal drainage.

I once had a hen who had sudden swelling in one eyelid, but no other symptoms of eye bubbles or drainage, or nasal drainage, sneezing, etc. I immediately gave Tylan 50 injectable for 3 days, and by the second day, the swelling was all gone, and she had no firther symptoms. I don’t know what it was, but I was freaking out that wild birds had brought in mycoplasma (MG.)

 

[Kiki]

Is the swollen part hard?
Have you looked real close for an insect bite/sting?

 

[Nambroth]

It could just be swelling from a peck, sting, or insect bite. I would watch it, since there is no eye or nasal drainage.

I once had a hen who had sudden swelling in one eyelid, but no other symptoms of eye bubbles or drainage, or nasal drainage, sneezing, etc. I immediately gave Tylan 50 injectable for 3 days, and by the second day, the swelling was all gone, and she had no firther symptoms. I don’t know what it was, but I was freaking out that wild birds had brought in mycoplasma (MG.)

I'm hoping it's an insect bite as our mosquitoes (etc) have really ramped up in the last few days. Do you think this merits doing anything immediately in terms of treatment? I'd hate for it to be an infection and to wait, but it seems like most people experience discharge or bubbling from infections (??).

Is the swollen part hard?
Have you looked real close for an insect bite/sting?

Great question, I forgot to mention that in my initial post. It feels just like the rest of her face; not hard, not too soft, just gently fleshy like her comb or facial skin. It is no more hot to the touch than the rest of her face. I can't locate any bite mark or peck injury (I can't find any actual mark at all).

 

[Kiki]

I would wait another 24 hours before trying to use antibiotics.
If is does not improve by this time tomorrow then I think I would start treatment.

If it is an insect type bite it would probably be gone by then.

 

[Nambroth]

I would wait another 24 hours before trying to use antibiotics.
If is does not improve by this time tomorrow then I think I would start treatment.

If it is an insect type bite it would probably be gone by then.

Thank you so much! I'll monitor it closely, but of course I will be away soon... These things never happen at a "good time" do they?!