Limping chicken?!

[Abbkayx]

Aspirin use is controversial with leg pain. It can be given for pain and inflammation, but some feel that it masks the pain and they won’t rest the injured leg as much if given. So, it is up to you. I can see both sides of the argument. A vet would probably give meloxicam, a pain and inflammation drug. On BYC, we all give our opinions, and then you, the owner must make up their own mind on the advice.

That makes sense. I guess it's the same with any animal. Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions. Since I have him crated off within the coop, I don't think it would matter much, since he won't be on his feet enough to really mask the pain. Thanks! I think I will continue the aspirin and see how it goes.

 

[Abbkayx]

I can't see anything conclusive with those dark colored feet. But the left foot pad may be a bit swollen. When you compare the left pad with the right, do you see that the left is puffy?

On light colored legs and feet, bruising will show up as a very faint green drab. The slate color on Chuck's feet would mask the subtle green bruising.

For what it's worth, I believe Chuck has a bruised foot pad or some sort of temporary injury that isn't serious, but is causing him significant pain. I do not believe his lameness is from Marek's.

Thanks. All of the links and info you've given are super helpful. I'm glad to hear you don't think is Marek's. I was a bit worried, although there isn't much that can be done. I'll give it some more time and some more aspirin and see how he does. He doesn't seem to mind resting by himself. Actually seems like he enjoyed it.

Thanks again!

 

[Abbkayx]

Another update:

I’ve checked on him throughout the day since he’s been in his own little spot. It appears the limping is getting worse. Could him laying on it all day be causing more pain? Should I continue letting him out with the flock for an hour or so at night?

No other changes other than the limp appearing to get worse.

 

[azygous]

Maybe you could give him a brief exercise period two or three times a day to keep him flexible. Is he where he can see the other chickens?

 

[Abbkayx]

Maybe you could give him a brief exercise period two or three times a day to keep him flexible. Is he where he can see the other chickens?

Yes, he’s in the main coop, but they all free range during the day. He sees them in the morning and at night, and when they go in to lay.

 

[Abbkayx]

UPDATE:

So it’s been over a week, and Chuck has unfortunately shown no improvement, in fact it’s only gotten worse.

He still gets around fine, eating and drinking, pooping all normal. The last two days I let him free range with everyone else. He keeps up with them just fine, aside from not using one leg. Gave him a little physical exam again today, and the leg in question (left leg), actually does appear to maybe be paralyzed? There is absolutely no muscle on his upper left thigh, comparative to his right leg. It’s just skin and bone.

Video 1: his movements as of today
Video 2: did a little test to see if he would benefit from “physical therapy” to see if I could get that muscle back. He won’t use the left leg or bear weight on it at all.


So another question... at what point, if any, should I consider euthanasia / culling? Or do you think he can live a normal chicken life without the use of his left leg?

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry that he is a little worse. Well, it does look like there is nerve involvement in his leg, either from nerve damage from an injury, or possibly from Mareks disease. I think many of us would try to let him do what he feels like and is capable of doing. If it is Mareks he may get worse or develop other symptoms. I would just make sure that he can reach food and water, and not get picked on. It is up to you how long to give him a chance to get better, get around as best as he can, or to put him down.

If you do put him down or he dies at some point, I would get a necropsy by your state vet or poultry lab, to look for Mareks. They can tell by looking at the sciatic nerves, and on organs for any signs of tumors. Here is a good link to go ahead and inquire about fees and how to deliver the body. Many labs can email a shipping label for overnight shipping via Fedex or UPS which can save money. What state are you in? Be sure to refrigerate, but not freeze the body and double bag it in plastic bags. It can be delivered in person or shipped. Here is the link with the list of state vets:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

 

[azygous]

It's disappointing and sad that Chuck isn't any better. There is vitamin B therapy. I am too lazy to go back and see if we've discussed that. It could help give him strength in the leg. I would include vitamin E in case this is a neurological disorder.

A good many of us keep disabled chickens because we love them and don't mind giving them a little extra care. As long as they are able to get to the feeder and water, and roost at night, we overlook their gimpiness. But as soon as they can no longer get out of their own poop and get to the feeder to eat, and every other chicken is picking away at them, then we end their suffering.

 

[Abbkayx]

Sorry that he is a little worse. Well, it does look like there is nerve involvement in his leg, either from nerve damage from an injury, or possibly from Mareks disease. I think many of us would try to let him do what he feels like and is capable of doing. If it is Mareks he may get worse or develop other symptoms. I would just make sure that he can reach food and water, and not get picked on. It is up to you how long to give him a chance to get better, get around as best as he can, or to put him down.

If you do put him down or he dies at some point, I would get a necropsy by your state vet or poultry lab, to look for Mareks. They can tell by looking at the sciatic nerves, and on organs for any signs of tumors. Here is a good link to go ahead and inquire about fees and how to deliver the body. Many labs can email a shipping label for overnight shipping via Fedex or UPS which can save money. What state are you in? Be sure to refrigerate, but not freeze the body and double bag it in plastic bags. It can be delivered in person or shipped. Here is the link with the list of state vets:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

Thanks Eggcessive. I am in Michigan. MSU is the only option for necropsy and they charge $200+ which honestly, I don’t really want to just throw out there. But would love to do it, should I ever need to cull.

I’ve posted on diff groups and forums and everyone is stumped but I’ve had multiple people say it isn’t Marek’s. I’m just not sure. If the time comes that he can no longer be with us, I will def consider the necropsy.

 

[Abbkayx]

It's disappointing and sad that Chuck isn't any better. There is vitamin B therapy. I am too lazy to go back and see if we've discussed that. It could help give him strength in the leg. I would include vitamin E in case this is a neurological disorder.

A good many of us keep disabled chickens because we love them and don't mind giving them a little extra care. As long as they are able to get to the feeder and water, and roost at night, we overlook their gimpiness. But as soon as they can no longer get out of their own poop and get to the feeder to eat, and every other chicken is picking away at them, then we end their suffering.

Okay, great. This is very helpful. I wasn’t sure if it was cruel for me to not cull, or cull etc. I don’t want him to be in any pain, but honestly doesn’t seem like he is at all. He’s still trying to mount the girls, and is his normal self. He still runs pretty quickly too. I’m actually surprised!

I will research the vitamin b and e therapy and try that. Until then, he’s gonna stick around.

I have yet to actually cull a chicken, and I really don’t want to have to do it. But I guess that time will come at one point or another.