ezeo
Chirping
- Apr 18, 2018
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Many people have mixed feelings about taking chickens to the vet, so I wanted to share my experience to help others if they are in a similar situation. (mods, feel free to remove this thread if inappropriate).
2.5 year old hen with bloated stomach, lethargy, inappetance. Took her to an avian vet today. Felt really silly sitting in the waiting room with scruffy white chicken while other people were walking in with fancy parrots and budgies.
Started with visual exam + ultrasound scan ($55). Vet detected a large fluid deposit in abdomen.
Clean abdomen with alcohol, drain 400cc fluid with 23-gauge needle ($100). Fluid was light yellow and clear, like apple cider.
Gram stain for crop swab and fecal ($35). No bacteria found.
Diagnosis: Fluid buildup most likely caused by unknown reproductive disorder. (Not egg yolk peritonitis, not internal laying.)
Treatment options: Deslorelin implant ($200 for 4.7 mg, effective for 3-4 months); Lupron injection ($55, effective for 3-4 weeks); do nothing and see if fluid returns (free)
I asked the vet if I could drain the fluid myself in the future, but she said no, too dangerous. It is important to do an ultrasound to make sure the needle isn't puncturing an organ or an air sac. Unfortunately I was not allowed to watch this procedure.
A little bothered by lack of biosecurity. Did not see anyone wearing gloves.
2.5 year old hen with bloated stomach, lethargy, inappetance. Took her to an avian vet today. Felt really silly sitting in the waiting room with scruffy white chicken while other people were walking in with fancy parrots and budgies.
Started with visual exam + ultrasound scan ($55). Vet detected a large fluid deposit in abdomen.
Clean abdomen with alcohol, drain 400cc fluid with 23-gauge needle ($100). Fluid was light yellow and clear, like apple cider.
Gram stain for crop swab and fecal ($35). No bacteria found.
Diagnosis: Fluid buildup most likely caused by unknown reproductive disorder. (Not egg yolk peritonitis, not internal laying.)
Treatment options: Deslorelin implant ($200 for 4.7 mg, effective for 3-4 months); Lupron injection ($55, effective for 3-4 weeks); do nothing and see if fluid returns (free)
I asked the vet if I could drain the fluid myself in the future, but she said no, too dangerous. It is important to do an ultrasound to make sure the needle isn't puncturing an organ or an air sac. Unfortunately I was not allowed to watch this procedure.
A little bothered by lack of biosecurity. Did not see anyone wearing gloves.