Legs swollen on Hen

[brianl0646]

One of my hens has swollen legs. I was initially thinking bumblefoot, but it's both legs swollen the same. She is moving around just fine, doesn't seem to bother her at all. Ideas?

Brian

 

[Eggcessive]

Are her legs hard? There are several things that can cause swelling in the legs, such as gout, mycoplasma synovitis, and a condition called osteopetrosis or marble leg disease. Osteopetrosis is caused by avian leukosis disease.

 

[Eggcessive]

Here are some links to read on osteopetrosis, gout, and MS:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/898073/my-rooster-has-swollen-legs
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/918075/swollen-legs-hampshire-red
http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/avian-leukosis/index.aspx
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/99/mycoplasma-synoviae-infection-ms-infectious-synovitis
http://en.engormix.com/MA-poultry-i.../avian-gout-causes-treatment-t1246/165-p0.htm

 

[brianl0646]

The swelling is soft. Is that good or bad? She seems to move about just fine.

 

[Eggcessive]

With osteopetrosis, the legs should feel hard from what I have read. With gout or MS they would be swollen and soft. It's odd because the feet in your picture don't look swollen, so that is why I had mentioned osteopetrosis. With gout the feet would probably be swollen, they can be swollen with MS. I would read through the links to see if anything matches. MS is usually treated with Tylan or chlortetracycline, which won't cure it, but should help the symptoms. If a vet is available, they could be of more help. Testing can be done to determine MS easily.

 

[dawg53]

The swelling is soft. Is that good or bad? She seems to move about just fine.

How old is your hen?