Lethargic, puffed up hen

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

Hi all, I brought my hen inside this week due to what I was hoping was just cold stress in a cold snap at the end of her molt. She's been puffed up, heavy breathing, falling asleep standing up. Her stool is very loose but no blood. Talked to my vet yesterday who recommended starting on a couple of meds we have (meloxicam and clavamox) since we have lymphoid leukosis in the flock. I'm inclined to think this is just LL taking her down, but really hopeful it's something else that's treatable. I'm curious if anyone has ideas or suggestions for anything else I can be doing. I've given her a little VetRx in the water too. Whole flock was wormed a couple of months ago.

A few other things to note:

Respiratory: She's been sneezing a little bit and shaking her head on occasion + a little open mouth breathing, but not panting, no wheezing, no discharge, face is normal. Comb is bright

Laying: She's been laying during her molt, had a fairy egg a few days ago, and hasn't laid since. I don't think her abdomen feels different but I have trouble gauging this

Appetite: Her appetite is lower but she's still picking at food a bit here and there. Drinking a lot of water. Crop feels very squishy

Thanks

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

I’m scared this is the end for her like our other who died of LL. She’s just so tired.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

I’m scared this is the end for her like our other who died of LL. She’s just so tired.

@Wyorp Rock

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The poor dear

Sounds like her crop is not emptying either.
She may also be struggling with another egg. Hard to know.
I would follow the vet's instructions, keep her hydrated. Treat her crop symptoms.
Hopefully she will perk up, but unfortunately, sometimes hen with a chronic illness continue to decline regardless of what we do.

 

[-Flash-]

Does the crop empty overnight?

Wishing her well.

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

The poor dear

Sounds like her crop is not emptying either.
She may also be struggling with another egg. Hard to know.
I would follow the vet's instructions, keep her hydrated. Treat her crop symptoms.
Hopefully she will perk up, but unfortunately, sometimes hen with a chronic illness continue to decline regardless of what we do.

Thank you. It’s so hard. She’s drinking consistently so that’s good, still eating too. But so lethargic. I’m scared to see if she makes it through the night. Might try to get the vet to look at her tomorrow.

Her breath doesn’t smell sour at all so I don’t know if sour crop is playing into it.