I think two of my chicks have Marek's. Is there anything I can do and what is the prognosis?

[FandangoRanch]

Fandango, the swelling on the chest is the crop, sometimes full sometimes empty.

I don't know but that buff looks sick , not like Marek's. With Marek's , aside from their symptom, they act and eat normal. At the very very end they'll be sleepy and pass bright green poop.

I would put them on antibiotics, like Tylan. Have you thought of Coccidiosis? I had both at one time a few years ago. They all got Tylan and Corid in their water. Your one can't walk but is this from illness? Or is it paralysis. Hard to tell, but if he looks sick, treat him. It may not be Marek's.

Thank you. I have figured out the crop thing now. Neither bird acts 'sick'. Yes I agree the Buff looks pretty miserable but he isn't really. He is standing a lot and not weak. He eats well when hand fed. The SLW is also strong and eats well hand fed. As well she kicks her legs and wants to stand so I feel pretty confident it is not because she is sickly weak. The poops are pretty normal looking, no diahrea. I will do another oxytetracycline injection tomorrow.

 

[FandangoRanch]

So confused! The Buff's eyes are still bulging but aside from seeming dilated and photosensitive, the pupils are round and no clouding. I had him out in the yard today and he got around great, even stepped two rungs over a 8 inch high wire circle I had him in and then walked straight over to a red chick water dish and took a drink so it seems he is not blind as I had thought. He had a great time walking around pecking and eating bits of sand and clover and other greens. For his sake, I would love to keep him with the flock under supervision so they don't pick on him but not sure if that is going to be safe for the others. They are 9 healthy looking chicks from 6 to 8 weeks in age.

 

[bambamsdad]

I would give him / her some more time see if swelling goes down and if there is any change in behavior before returning to flock could be allergic reaction to something it got into without your knowledge or may be serious to the others as well. Don't know how long it's been separated but would wait for a week at least or till swelling goes down if you can.

 

[FandangoRanch]

I would give him / her some more time see if swelling goes down and if there is any change in behavior before returning to flock could be allergic reaction to something it got into without your knowledge or may be serious to the others as well. Don't know how long it's been separated but would wait for a week at least or till swelling goes down if you can.

Well that would be a banner day if it were an allergy or I guess essentially, toxin? I had thought to do another oxy injection tonight. Do you think it could hurt or is that not indicated given the symptoms? If it is an allergy or toxin, is there anything I can do to help?

 

[FandangoRanch]

So confused! The Buff's eyes are still bulging but aside from seeming dilated and photosensitive, the pupils are round and no clouding. I had him out in the yard today and he got around great, even stepped two rungs over a 8 inch high wire circle I had him in and then walked straight over to a red chick water dish and took a drink so it seems he is not blind as I had thought. He had a great time walking around pecking and eating bits of sand and clover and other greens. For his sake, I would love to keep him with the flock under supervision so they don't pick on him but not sure if that is going to be safe for the others. They are 9 healthy looking chicks from 6 to 8 weeks in age.

Getting a little desparate. I really don't know if I should continue with the oxytetracycline. His eyes are huge but no irregular pupil or clouding. He is obviously visually impaired but maybe not fully blind. I just cannot figure out what is going on.

 

[bambamsdad]

How much oxy have you given? If there has been no improvement I would discontinue as it is very hard on the system. As far as toxin a flush with Epsom salts ( search flushes) but if this has been a couple days would think a flush at this point may be useless unless he seems to be detiorating . I know how you feel sooooooooooo many possible causes and few answers. If he seems to be able to get around ,eat drink I would let it ride and see if he improves on his own if the pupils start to cloud then it's ocular mareks may lose all sight or some I have a roo with this and he does just fine but has not lost his sight completely ( Yet). The swelling is very odd as mine had no swelling but this comes in many forms. I would still keep separate just in case if you can. Keep you chin up sometimes even with all the effort in the world there's nothing you can do been through this many times comes with the territory. Good Luck

 

[FandangoRanch]

The SLW now has gurgling sound in chest and gasping. I gave her another injection of Oxytetracycline. It's the only thing I can think to do for her.

 

[bambamsdad]

How many injections have you given and how much??

 

[FandangoRanch]

How many injections have you given and how much??

This is the second injection for both. It is supposed to be given 3 days apart. About .25 to .3 cc's.

 

[bambamsdad]

Wait 48 hrs give another continue for 3 shots gurg/gasping infectious bronchitis sounds like