Huge protrusion from vent!! Is my hen in danger???

[Orit]

Can anyone who knows about this or has had experience advise me??? I have more photos but won't post them unless necessary.

 

[chickfused]

I think you've already received the advice that's available. She needs a vet. In the absence of a vet (which is quite common and you shouldn't feel guilty about not having a poultry vet!), you can continue trying to treat her on your own as best you can.

If it was my girl, I'd have put her down the minute she started "yelping" and had poo running uncontrollably out her vent. I would interpret that as internal damage resulting in loss of muscle control and excruciating pain.

You will have to decide if she is too miserable and requires euthanization, or if she seems to be improving. But that's a very personal decision between you and your girl. Whatever you decide, my heart goes out to you and I wish you strength and peace for your path.

 

[Orit]

I think you've already received the advice that's available. She needs a vet. In the absence of a vet (which is quite common and you shouldn't feel guilty about not having a poultry vet!), you can continue trying to treat her on your own as best you can.

If it was my girl, I'd have put her down the minute she started "yelping" and had poo running uncontrollably out her vent. I would interpret that as internal damage resulting in loss of muscle control and excruciating pain.

You will have to decide if she is too miserable and requires euthanization, or if she seems to be improving. But that's a very personal decision between you and your girl. Whatever you decide, my heart goes out to you and I wish you strength and peace for your path.

Hmm...ok. I do recognize that I have received excellent and comprehensive advice here, and for that I am grateful. I guess my lingering questions are:
1. Does this appear to be a case that could potentially resolve on it's own (I've now read several posts where this has been the case) or is it too severe? I honestly have no idea how to gauge and was hoping others could weigh in.
2.Should I persist with the pushing if it's still hanging out? (That's the part that is the most uncomfortable for her. She does enjoy the baths and blow drys.) Advice has suggested to continue to try but when I do, it seems that things get worse. Or is this how it's supposed to be?
3. Is the leaking urates dangerous? Should or could I be doing something about that?
4. I can tell she is missing her sisters (she keeps going to the window and trying to get out). Would it be ok to let her free range with the others (supervised), or should I avoid doing that?
5. Finally, I am keeping her in darkness for about 15 hours in hopes of preventing laying (I think it might be working because she hasn't laid in 3 days). Should I be trying to do this? (prevent her from laying) Is there risk of her laying with a prolapsed vent?

That's what I am still wondering about. If she wasn't eating and drinking, and not enjoying her warm baths, it would be different because then I would know she is really suffering . But because I see her being herself (aside from going outside), euthanizing is not in the cards right now. My intention is to keep treating her as best I can, with guidance from this knowledgable and supportive group.

 

[Orit]

UPDATE: ALL IS GREAT!!! I was able to treat the prolapse with help from folks on this forum (THANK YOU!!!). I bathed my hen with mild soap and warm water every day, and then applied honey to her vent while she had a towel over her head. I pressed the honey and held it there for several minutes. I also sprayed Veterycin 2-3 times a day. With all that, she still seemed to have a protrusion and was dripping clear liquid constantly, so I was finally able to get her to a vet who said that I had successfully treated the prolapse, and that now she just had a swollen cloacae. He told me to brew up some black tea, keep it in the fridge, and apply it to the area 2-3 times a day with a washcloth. He also gave me some cream (silver sulfadiazine) to apply twice a day. She is now good as new, with a fluffy butt and all! Thanks again to all who provided advice!

 

[chickfused]

I'm so thankful you were able to find a vet that could help and that you managed to get her most of the way there yourself. Has she started laying yet? Did he do anything to keep it from recurring if not?

Also, really helpful information about the remainder of the treatment protocol. Thank you for sharing it!

 

[Eggcessive]

So glad that you helped to get your hen back to normal. Sorry that I lost track of this thread, but it can take some time of soaking, applying honey, and pushing a prolapse back in. Be aware that a prolapse could be possible again in the future. That can attract pecking and vent injury. Good luck.

 

[Orit]

I'm so thankful you were able to find a vet that could help and that you managed to get her most of the way there yourself. Has she started laying yet? Did he do anything to keep it from recurring if not?

Also, really helpful information about the remainder of the treatment protocol. Thank you for sharing it!

She laid 2 eggs (3 days apart) during this whole ordeal seemingly without a problem. Weird! He didn't do anything to prevent recurrence.

 

[chickfused]

That is fantastic news! I'm incredibly happy for you. I would have given up on her in the absence of readily available veterinary care like at your outset. You're a great chicken mom!

 

[tripletfeb]

I'm very glad your hen seems fine. The only thing I would add is to watch the urates, if she is still leaking from her vent. I had a hen who was injured in her vent and she leaked urates for days. I tried everything I could but the urates dried and actually covered her vent and she couldn't poop. It was like cement. I bathed her and got her vent uncovered and she pooped a huge poop in her bath water. Just make sure your girl can poop, urates are so very hard to clean when they dry

 

[Orit]

That is fantastic news! I'm incredibly happy for you. I would have given up on her in the absence of readily available veterinary care like at your outset. You're a great chicken mom!

I honestly could never do that. I did the above and beyond to save her. I really am SO happy!