Internal Laying & Other Reproductive Malfunctions: my YouTube Video (GRAPHIC PHOTOS!)

[speckledhen]

For educational purposes for BYC members...

The graphic photos begin immediately after the title, so you are warned if you're squeamish, but it pays to know what it looks like inside, squeamish or not.

 

[Kiki]

You are too cute!

 

[speckledhen]

You are too cute!

 

[Eggcessive]

Thanks for the informative video, Cynthia. You and your threads are always a great reference for people dealing with reproductive disorders. It's also nice to see and hear you for a change.

 

[speckledhen]

Thanks for the informative video, Cynthia. You and your threads are always a great reference for people dealing with reproductive disorders. It's also nice to see and hear you for a change.

I used to hate my voice and to see my face anywhere, but I've gotten so old, I just don't care anymore, LOL.
But, glad to help when I can.

 

[peckpeckpeck]

This is an excellent video. Lots of food for thought.

 

[speckledhen]

This is an excellent video. Lots of food for thought.

Thank you. I hope it helps someone avoid feeling guilty that they didn't notice something sooner or they think they fed the wrong feed or whatever. It's just not their fault; even the most observant keeper can miss subtle signs, plus chickens are so strong and stoic, being prey animals. Its in their nature to hide illness. It's much more common than people know, often going undetected because folks are too squeamish to open up a hen to check on why she died, just chalking it up to "well, chickens just drop dead sometimes". Maybe they do, sure. But, there is usually a reason, even if we can't see if from the outside. Even if you do see the signs, nothing to be done except make her comfortable and see that she is not being picked on.

 

[coach723]

Thanks for that video, it's in my bookmarks now for future reference, much food for thought.
Here's a question about salpingitis vs internal laying, if you don't mind. For clarification in my mind: if the infection/mass/egg matter is in the oviduct (which would be why some birds pass lash eggs) it's referred to as salpingitis and an infection/inflammation is the root cause. And if the egg material is deposited outside the oviduct somewhere else in the abdomen then it would be referred to as internal laying (and the mass formed still looks like lash eggs, but would not be passed) and the deposit of the egg matter causes the infection, so a reproductive malfunction is the root cause. Both generally having the same outcome. I hope that is all said in a way that makes sense. Are those accurate assessments/statements? I'm just wondering for accuracy sake, I don't want to give bad or inaccurate information to anyone, and for my own knowledge in actually understanding both conditions, and referring to the correct one. Appreciate any thoughts.

 

[speckledhen]

Thanks for that video, it's in my bookmarks now for future reference, much food for thought.
Here's a question about salpingitis vs internal laying, if you don't mind. For clarification in my mind: if the infection/mass/egg matter is in the oviduct (which would be why some birds pass lash eggs) it's referred to as salpingitis and an infection/inflammation is the root cause. And if the egg material is deposited outside the oviduct somewhere else in the abdomen then it would be referred to as internal laying (and the mass formed still looks like lash eggs, but would not be passed) and the deposit of the egg matter causes the infection, so a reproductive malfunction is the root cause. Both generally having the same outcome. I hope that is all said in a way that makes sense. Are those accurate assessments/statements? I'm just wondering for accuracy sake, I don't want to give bad or inaccurate information to anyone, and for my own knowledge in actually understanding both conditions, and referring to the correct one. Appreciate any thoughts.

Generally, yes, you got it right. However, I don't really find that the distinction makes any true difference in the outcome. From the outside, we have no idea which is going on. Antibiotics won't fix either. If we could see when an infection is beginning, maybe, just maybe, antibiotics might stave it off, but we can't. And once that begins, it is usually chronic/recurring. Salpingitis is an ecoli infection that can be caused by the cloaca becoming "loose", especially in older hens, and sucking feces back into the oviduct when it normally would completely close off when they poop.

All these malfunctions, aside from egg-binding, have such similar outward symptoms and final results, I don't find it all that necessary to know much about the differences or need to know which it is, at least for most chicken owners. Yes, there are differences in salpingitis, internal laying and egg yolk peritonitis, however, the end result is almost always death.

 

[coach723]

Thanks for that answer, I agree, all outcomes from them all are not good. Mostly just wanted to know for the sake of accuracy, and for final determination when looking at a necropsy to have a more accurate idea of what actually happened. My curiosity usually leads me to need to know. Thanks so much!