Large Lump throat - hard time swallowing HELP - UPDATED w/ pics

[Iowa Roo Mom]

If it is an abcess, I would lance it to try to get some of the infection out. Be sure to irrigate with iodine, use a clean blade, and start him on Baytril....

 

[The Chickens' Maid]

It looks kind of like he has something stuck in his throat. Some of our chickens will eat too much at one time and will get a lump of food stuck in their throat. They twist their necks and open their beaks to try to get it down. Can you try to open his beak and look down his throat with a flashlight? Can you move it at all?

 

[strega78]

I have no idea so I am no help...hope all goes well. He looks so sad and pitaful in those pics

 

[Margot]

The lump is solid, not squishy like an absess. Maybe I'll stick it with a needle and try and pull out what ever is in it. If I get a sharp blade and cut into it,do I have to "stitch" him up? How much blood vessles are there...could he bleed to death?

I feel so sorry for him. He is such a sweetie.

 

[redrocketrooster]

Quote:
Before cutting him up try to look down his throat and I agree with trying to withdraw something with the needle.
You can stitch him up or use some form of skin glue + bandages. Either way you need lots of gauze available.

In this board there is a sticky about impacted crop surgery. Read it and gather some supplies listed there if you can.

 

[bargain]

looks like impacted crop....although I have no silkies.... follow the above thread for that and best of wishes...Please let me know if you need any more help. Thanks and have a blessed day.

 

[TinaK]

even though it is really hard it can still be an abcess... I wouldn't discount an abcess based on your pics and the smell that you say it is making... and also the white stuff you say is around his beak

If it is an abcess it should either burst on it's own or start to dry up internally. I would not recommend sticking it with anything. If you do have the urge to stick it (which I know first hand is an urge that is hard to resist

), make sure you have some nice antibacterial like iodine laying around handy!

( I worked at a farm vet for 5 years, but I am no chicken expert!)

 

[redrocketrooster]

Quote:
This is true too, in rats an abscess is very hard so maybe it is...
However in those cases it is best to drain it before it pops. Considering it might pop and the chicken would be swallowing bacteria...

Ah. I am really unsure on what to do. Is there any chance you have someone you can call? Like a vet?

 

[-Alt]

Hello,

I was wondering what became of your silkie? I have a hen who is displaying the same symptoms, and I can't find any answers, and she's not improving.

Thanks,
Alt

 

[Buntybunny]

Hi, I have a hen with the same problem, bit late but never mind thought, I'd post as every little helps! I've had a lot of excellent help reading old posts and very grateful for it!

Lanced the lump and it bled lots and I panicked! Followed advice on relevant thread for bleeding from head, so relieved to find it! Don't go there unless your sure there is pus in the lump!

Gave the girl a course of antibiotic, lump reduced in size a little but still very hard! Given homeopathic treatment to draw abscess - if it is abscess! Tub feeding twice a day.