I chickened out, couldn't cull her (SEE PG 6)

[NurseELB]

I've started the abx because I think she has an infection from one of her soft eggs breaking inside her. Turns out she hasn't laid an egg in a couple of weeks. We were on vacation and I didn't know who was holding out. Since she's been in the house and I got 2 eggs from outside today... Bingo, she's the one!

Her vent is soft and empty and when I examined her insides I came back with what looked like soft cooked yolk on my finger. I'm not sure the abx will help, but I feel like it's my best try.

The mash is a great idea, and I plan on feeding it to her as well.

Does anyone know how long to toss eggs after worming their chickens? I'm going to worm the other 2, and then this one if she gets better.

 

[Judy]

Well, at least you know for sure what the problem is now.

If you don't get an answer on the tossing eggs, I'd go ahead and email Glenda; she often makes this offer and I am sure wouldn't mind answering.

If it were me, I'd follow MissPrissy's plan as well.

Good luck!

 

[NurseELB]

Okay, it's day three and she's still holding on. Could that be a good sign? I've added lincomycin (in case of peritonitis) and electrolytes to her water. She is still not moving much, but boy is she motivated by food. Set a plate of treats near her and she'll get there!

Is it possible this is Mareks? She's got a droopy tail, and wings. I'd think she'd be too old for that at 12 mos. Am I just grasping at straws for answers at this point?

One other thought, is she in pain?

ETA: I was just thinking, my dogs don't have worms, do I still need to worm the chickens? Their poo looks normal- Beleive me, I'm paranoid about worms! I inspect both the dogs and the chicken's stool frequently!

 

[Judy]

It really doesn't sound like Marek's to me. Marek's is a group of disorders, and I don't think she's too old, but I also think it's pretty unlikely. You found the cooked egg yolky stuff; I'd say, relax, and don't read more into it than is there. It's about 100% she is eggbound so I'd just go with that. I take it you're a nurse, so you know how we tend to think of big horrible terminal diseases when all we have is a gas pain!

Lots of folks on here feel chickens don't feel pain anything like we do. Pretty primitive critters, after all. You can sew them up without their showing any sign it really disturbs them. So let's hope not. However, I have learned on here that one baby aspirin twice a day is safe if you wish to give it.

Some people never worm their chickens; some worm them twice a year, or once a year. You'll have to go with what you are comfortable with here. At any rate, I would not worm her now; too hard on her. Some claim the stronger worm meds (ivermectin) can stop them from laying for months, too.

I think you need to work on getting her egg laying machinery moving again. A long hot bath, maybe some of those KY type ideas from that website, MissPrissy's yogurt and spinach, something.... I've read quite a few times now of the long bath relaxing them and getting something moving. Maybe mess around a little with an ear syringe while in the bath.

You know it's a good sign that she's hanging on, even better that her appetite is good. But she needs to get that mess out of her.

 

[NurseELB]

Thank You!!! You know me too well (A 2 day headache HAS to be a brain tumor or meningitis, right?). Poor Buffy. I soaked her last night and the night before. Her stools are turning bright green (yellow and blue make green, right? Her poo is usually bluish green) so I think it is coming out in bits.
She was really stressed last night, and not holding herself up. I was sobbing, didn't want to leave her. My DH had to pull me away from the bathroom (gentle man, never wanted chickens but SO good to them.)

 

[Judy]

Quote:

 

[Judy]

Been there, done that, meant to add.

 

[NurseELB]

Okay, here's the update-

Since the abx finished (not the best choice of meds, I'll admit, but the closest match I could get my hands on) Buffy has been more active and chipper, and her stools have returned to normal.
There have been no eggs.
she continues to live in our bathtub with supervised front yard visits for fresh air.
Her appetite is normal, but she is still VERY thin.
Her comb is pale.
She has a very large, water baloon-esque lower abdomen.
She stands like a penguin.

Do I drain the fluid?
Do I watch and wait?

I CANNOT afford a vet bill right now. As much as I love her and would gladly spend money on a vet and a hysterectomy or whatever it would take, I just cannot afford it. I can't afford my own medical bills.

If you are out there today, dhlunicorn, Let me start by saying I am humbled by your knowledge and database. I wish I had taken you up on your offer to help the first time. If I may ask your assistance again...?

Anyone with any info or suggestions- BRING IT ON!
Thanks,
Erin

 

[NurseELB]

Home from work now and thought I'd try Ruth's suggestion to another BYCer about draining the abdomen.

I got one cup of fluid, slightly brownish in color, surprisingly not very smelly.

She immediately went after her food when I finished.

Now she is sitting in the tub doing what I would call moaning. Can she be in pain? Is there anything I can give her for pain?

I'm starting her on yogurt and other gut flora building treats today. I've been giving her lots of treats to rebuild her weight, but I have been very neglectful about the yogurt- bad bird mom!

ETA Pictures

 

[NurseELB]

Going to sleep now (have to work again tonight), I'll check here again when I wake up around 4pm. Thank you in advance for any advice you have!!