I'm stumped on diagnosing my sleepy hen!

[Jillylam]

Suzie is home. The vet gave her something last night around 8:00 to try to boost her appetite and also started her on an antibiotic and a yeast or fungus medicine. The names of the medicines are Ketoconazole and Metronidazole. Something worked because she actually ate and drank on her own today! She pooped enough to do a fecal and it showed nothing wrong. I didn't hear about the culture yet. She hasn't had any trouble with her legs & walking. She was just moving a lot slower. On the car ride home she kept trying to get out of her box so I know she's feeling a lot better. The staff there were great and really kept an eye on her for me. Hopefully she'll keep improving. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and thoughtfulness.

 

[justusnak]

Jill.......I am SO glad your Suzie is doing better. Wow, how scarey! She is one lucky hen to have a great owner like you, who cares enough to foot the bill...and get her proper care. There are so many others in this world, who either doesnt care enough and would have just let her suffer and die, or cant afford to. ONE LUCKY HEN!!! yup yup yup!! Keep us updated!!

 

[hencackle]

Do you happen to know what the vet used as an appetite booster?

I LOVE happy endings!

Stephanie

 

[Jillylam]

Well today was great. She played with her friends, ate mushy layer food with her medicine in it and drank. I'm stunned at the difference - to look like she was dying one day and outside doing chicken things the next is a little baffling. She was right back in with the other 6 girls like she'd never even been sick. It would be nice to know what it was and what is actually pulling her through this. Maybe it is just a combo of everything we did and I guess I may never know. I just hate not knowing because I feel like my management practices are good but after this I'm looking at everything again in case I'm not seeing something.
Stephanie: I will call the vet in the morning to find out what he gave her for her appetite. It wasn't listed on the bill so I'm not sure. I really want to know too so as soon as I find out I'll post it here. I do love happy endings too!
justusnack: Thank you for the kind words. I will always put my pets first as far as care goes. I know many couldn't afford the vet bill but this one wasn't too bad for me - I just give up a few Chiropractor appointments and it'll be covered. He charged me $132. I thought that was a bargain compared to my doggie vet bills. I don't have children so these are my kids. Besides being totally in love with my chickies, the other reason I gave him 'carte blanche' to do anything necessary is because this is a learning experience for me since I'm still a new chicken mom.
I know I write a lot and ramble a bit but I have to say, I'd love it if more people would follow up a little more after posting for help. I read so many posts where there was some advice given and we never know what winds up happening - if it worked or not . . . just a request.
Thanks everyone!

 

[Llysse]

So happy your hen is better!

 

[CarriBrown]

I'm so glad to hear she's doing better!

 

[dlhunicorn]

Quote:
That is great to hear.... just in case anyone wanted to know:
http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/avianmeds.html
ketoconazole, for systemic fungal infections including aspergillosis, candidiasis, may cause regurgitation, also may cause adrenal gland suppression, so can be dangerous for use in stressed birds, safer antifungal is available for treating candidiasis (fluconazole)

metronidazole, an oral or IV injectable bacteriocidal antibiotic/antiprotozoal agent, tablets are very bitter and should not be crushed before use, oral suspension is not available in this country, but can be compounded, treats anaerobic bacteria (such as Clostridium), treats Giardia and other GI protozoal flagellates, seems not as effective in eradicating Giardia as many isolates seem to be resistant now, so for treating Giardia, ronidazole may be a better choice

 

[Jillylam]

dlhunicorn,
Thank you so much for your information. I'm printing this out to keep in my records so I know the better medicine choices for future reference.
hencackle,
I called the vet today and they said he wound up not giving her anything to boost her appetite but just the medicine instead and fluids.
She had another good day today so hopefully there won't be any relapse.
Thanks all!

 

[hencackle]

Thanks for letting me know...I thought if the vet used a specific product, I wanted to put that information in my notebook. I'm just glad you were able to get help for Suzie and that she's responding well.
Stephanie

 

[Jillylam]

I keep two large notebooks now. Here is Suzy doing well!
Thanks everyone.