how do I know if it's Newcastle's / Mareks disease

[cloudrat]

Hello chicken folk. I am desperate for some advice ......

I have a sick bantam hen Marigold, about 18months old. She's a free ranger, has perviously been very active in the garden. A week ago I found her under the perch with another hen rather than on it. The next morning I noticed a drooping right eye and very poor co-ord. of the right leg, although wing response on the right side was normal. Looked for trauma but no signs. Isolated from flock.


Next day: Took to the vet who prescribed (Baytril) antibiotic and pain killers (Meloxicam). Took to a second vet three days later after no improvement, who found swelling on the right leg. He advised continuing medication and rest.

A week later she could stand and she appeared to be walking slowly but better. Two days later (today) she cannot stand. Neither left or right legs are supporting her now and she tips over using wings to balance. Other sympotms are: lack of appetite, sternum becoming blade-like, will not drink, faeces now unformed. Does not look typically depressed otherwise and is responsive to noise and good colour in her combs.

Not sure where to go next. This lady is the most loved by all of us and I wouold love to save her if I can.

Lifestyle: wormed biannually, and also occasional use of garlic and cider vinegar. Dusted every two months and regularly checked for parasites.

Eats: scratch mix, free ranges, scraps, forages in compost (but no maggots available).
Sleeps in an enclosed house with 6 other hens.
Has recently (4 months ago) been exposed to chronic respiratory syndrome through two hens that came in infected from a breeder. No obvious wheezing or bloody droppings perviously or now.

If you have some advice please help me. I am willing to try save her, but not at the cost of her being in pain....

Thanks

 

[CMV]

Newcastle is a reportable disease, so chances are good you would know if it was in your area.

Marek's can only be seen in the tissues after death, so you will not "know" a bird has Marek's until the bird is necropsied after death.

I am guessing she is starting the slow decline related to the CRD. Antibiotics are really hard on a bird's system. Her feces are unformed because she likely has an imbalance in her gut now. She should go on probiotic treatment for at least 2 weeks to restore the natural balance. A tablespoon of yogurt/buttermilk a couple times a day and some organic ACV in her water.

That's all I have. Hopefully someone else will chime in with more advice.

Good luck.