Infectious Synovitis?

[HollyWoozle]

I think a hen in my families’ flock, Skye, has infectious synovitis. She is a Heritage Skyline (CLB hybrid) approx 4-5 years old.

Yesterday I noticed a slight limp but wasn’t able to take a look. Today:

- sitting in an odd place (right in front of coop door which is close to food and water), never seen any of our chickens sitting there and not like her to sit around middle of the day anyhow
- lame
- picked her up and joints of feet are significantly swollen
- comb small, dry and a little dark
- she seemed generally a bit disheveled

The symptoms seem to fit with infectious synovitis and I can’t think what else? Rest of flock seems OK. I understand it is caused by mycoplasma synoviae and that she will be a carrier now, if it is that. She is separated in our hospital coop with easy access to food and water but not sure what else I can do to treat… there doesn’t seem much definitive evidence about the success of antibiotic treatment?

Any thoughts would be great. They are currently shut inside due to the avian bird flu risk in the U.K. but they have lots of space and access to a polytunnel in the daytime.

 

[Eggcessive]

So sorry that you lost her, but glad that you were able to comfort her and try to make her life better.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Thank you all for your kindness.

@HeatherKellyB that is helpful, thanks for thinking to tell me.

 

[Eggcessive]

Picture of the feet and legs could be helpful. Gout is something that also affects the feet and sometimes both can be confused. Is the swelling in the ankles and possibly the hock joints? Are the toes swollen as well or do they have a lumpy appearance.

 

[dawg53]

I suspect gout due to her age. Besides, other birds would be showing symptoms as well if it were Infectious Synovitis aka Mycoplasma Synoviae (MS.)

 

[Eggcessive]

Here in post 1 is a chicken with gout:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/gout-bumblefoot-or-treatment-see-photos.1064722/


In this article there are more pictures of gout, and the hocks are also involved:
https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com...t&ua=4c025f54505601055c02&rr=6d8735fc9a5bf182

 

[HollyWoozle]

Just to close off this thread, Skye passed away quietly overnight. Still not 100% sure on the cause but I think it was probably for the best... she was safe, warm and I had given her several drinks and pain relief throughout the day.

The rest of the flock exhibit no symptoms of anything but I will keep an eye on them and especially their feet for signs of swelling!

Thanks for the advice.

 

[WIchickMama]

Sorry for your loss

 

[Mrs J]

So sad that she didn’t make it after all the love and care you gave her I hope that brings you some comfort, and the fact she went peacefully, sorry for your loss

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I am so sorry. I have a fairly young rooster with gout and even though I've known that he has gout for a little while, this post has been very helpful to me. So, I'd like to thank you for that. I know it doesn't make her passing OK, but knowing that another bird was helped sometimes provides a small comfort. Thank you for this thread from Kitty the rooster and me