NECROPSY PERFORMED - WHAT AM I SEEING ? What is the best time of day to cull for the sake of a small flock?

[MysteryChicken]

Thank you. Why could she not pass it months ago when it first formed? Any thoughts?

Probably because it was too large, or she had insufficient calcium levels for helpful contractions.

 

[Bawkbok]

I know you are going through a lot and I'm sorry. My advice with the dog is get a chest x-ray. My dog had the same symptoms and they kept giving him steroids/antibiotics until I demanded an x-ray. He had congestive heart failure and they said they couldn't hear that with the stethoscope.

Thank you for this. Our vet tends to run conservatively in not wanting to do extra testing with his patients pocket books in mind. Respectful that way. If he doesn't show improvement after a week on the meds I will take him back for an x-ray.

 

[Bawkbok]

Probably because it was too large, or she had insufficient calcium levels for helpful contractions.

She never ate OS - always on the side. I started giving her Calcium supplements months ago for a week periodically on and off and she never acted as though she was going to lay. Poor thing. Genetics?

ETA - what is the difference between a lash egg and EYP?

 

[MysteryChicken]

She never ate OS - always on the side. I started giving her Calcium supplements months ago for a week periodically on and off and she never acted as though she was going to lay. Poor thing. Genetics?

ETA - what is the difference between a lash egg and EYP?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/what-is-a-lash-egg-all-you-need-to-know-more.77939/

 

[Bawkbok]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/what-is-a-lash-egg-all-you-need-to-know-more.77939/

Thank you for this article link. She didn't exhibit any of the predisposing factors for salpingitis as contained therein, but how do I know if it was bacterial or viral exposure that created the issue with her oviduct? Why didn't she present signs early - as a production breed she should have started laying around 4-5 months. Always acted healthy but I don't know what signs I missed or what I should have done differently in her care which dates back to last fall.
She first became gravely ill last September - November. We treated with Calcium and antibiotics. She seemed to recover and became a chicken again until the stress of losing our BA suddenly end of January threw her into overload. Trying to understand so I can react quicker in the future and to help others understand as well. Thank you.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry, I have been offline for a few hours. Thanks for the necropsy photos. The large lash material is called coelomitis, formerly called egg yolk peritonitis. It is due to masses of egg material from reverse peristalsis, where the egg goes backward up into the abdomen, instead of down the oviduct. It is a common cause of death of hens. Salpingitis is what most call this, and the egg mass can occur inside the oviduct or in the abdominal cavity. Sorry about losing your sweet hen, but glad that she is no longer suffering.

 

[Bawkbok]

Sorry, I have been offline for a few hours. Thanks for the necropsy photos. The large lash material is called coelomitis, formerly called egg yolk peritonitis. It is due to masses of egg material from reverse peristalsis, where the egg goes backward up into the abdomen, instead of down the oviduct. It is a common cause of death of hens. Salpingitis is what most call this, and the egg mass can occur inside the oviduct or in the abdominal cavity. Sorry about losing your sweet hen, but glad that she is no longer suffering.

Thank you for the clarification and affirmation. My only regret now is that I selfishly caused her to suffer longer unnecessarily because I didn't want to lose her. She has been set free of her pain.

 

[coach723]

Sadly, they hide the symptoms really, really well, until it's pretty advanced. It often goes unnoticed for quite a while. Some birds will give you a clue and pass some of that material which you often find in nest boxes. Other birds never pass any and it just builds up inside. I've had some live for a couple of years with it, continuing normal activities, although gradually slowing down. Others pass fairly quickly. I've got one hen now that is nearing the end I think, she has gone on 2 years with it, very slow progression in this one. It sometimes will give them a little respite in the winter months, when their bodies stop laying, and then rear up again in the spring as laying increases. Sometimes the season doesn't make any difference. I've lost a fair number over the years with it, I've tried just about every treatment you can think of, and not saved one.
It is always a difficult decision to make when you don't know for sure what ails them. I'm glad you looked and got answers and have peace of mind that it was the right thing to do. Very sorry for your loss.

 

[Bawkbok]

Sadly, they hide the symptoms really, really well, until it's pretty advanced. It often goes unnoticed for quite a while. Some birds will give you a clue and pass some of that material which you often find in nest boxes. Other birds never pass any and it just builds up inside. I've had some live for a couple of years with it, continuing normal activities, although gradually slowing down. Others pass fairly quickly. I've got one hen now that is nearing the end I think, she has gone on 2 years with it, very slow progression in this one. It sometimes will give them a little respite in the winter months, when their bodies stop laying, and then rear up again in the spring as laying increases. Sometimes the season doesn't make any difference. I've lost a fair number over the years with it, I've tried just about every treatment you can think of, and not saved one.
It is always a difficult decision to make when you don't know for sure what ails them. I'm glad you looked and got answers and have peace of mind that it was the right thing to do. Very sorry for your loss.

Thank you for your insight and sharing your experience and your kind words. I'm feeling sad today with the missing but I have no regrets for taking her, or should I say, sending her.
This is my first experience with this condition (that I know of) and I didn't realize it was such a prevalent problem. She is sorely missed by her flock mates but time heals all afflictions.