My Araucana has respiratory distress.

[hatchetgirl]

She was fine last night and this morning, just gasping and limp. I took her to the emergency vet right away and the vet said it would be best to euthanize her. He said she could have an infection or lung cancer. It's a sad day at our house, but she looked so very bad. Her comb was off color and she just was gasping and losing feathers. Paint (her name) was euthanized and we meditated good thoughts and thanked her for being such a good girl. She was 1.5 yr. old.

Now, I have 3 other adult hens and 5 tweens. None seem to be affected. Should I add an antibiotic to their water or something to help keep them from getting ill or just wait and see?



Mel

 

[CMV]

I would hold off on any antibiotics until you start to see signs that you need some. I don't treat birds prophylactically because it often is unnecessary and/or useless.

You say she was losing feathers? Was she molting prior to this or did she suddenly start dropping feathers overnight? What other signs was she showing?

I am sorry for your loss.