I think Large Marge is swollen.

[goldeneggtees]

Hi, my 1 year old buff orp has had a dirty butt on and off for a few months. I usually just fluff her up a bit and clean the area as best I can when it's dry. But this time, it's getting worse and it was wet so I brought her in for a bath. Now it seems as if the area below her vent seems swollen too. I checked my other hens (also some dirty butts) and that area on them doesn't look as big as Large Marges.

I also think Large Marge has laid a few soft shelled eggs, maybe just one or two but def. may be an issue with her.

The other day I noticed her sitting down funny. Do any of you know what this could be? She was so cute during her bath, she let me wash and blow dry the area with nary a problem. Wish I could say the same for our dogs!

 

[eenie114]

Sounds like she is eggbound, but I am no expert.

 

[gallusdomesticus]

Your hen could have ascites (water belly). Check the various threads on how to check for egg binding and if you rule that out, it could be ascites which is a build up of fluid in the bird's abdomen. It can cause the bird to be listless, and eventually kill it as it causes, and can be caused by, congestive heart failure. I had a hen with the condition that improved dramatically after the vet removed the fluid and put her on milk thistle extract for fatty liver problems. Hope she gets better.

 

[goldeneggtees]

Thanks, but now I am thinking it could be Egg Yolk Peritonitis, at least that makes the most sense to me, now how to treat her… UGH!

 

[goldeneggtees]

Anyone have advice for treating possible Egg Yolk Peritonitis? Antibiotics? If so, how much, what med and how to give?