Need help draining my turkey's mucus swollen cheek

[skeltom]

There is no avian vet anywhere near to where I live. My turkey has a sinus infection and our vet told me that they had no experience with turkeys. I have treated my turkey for the infection and she appears to be doing a lot better but her cheek is so swollen. I have squeezed her cheek a little and this thick transparent slimy mucus comes out of it's eye and the nostrils on it's beak but I can't get it all to come out. How can I drain it out? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Can you post pictures? Tagging some experts here @Wyorp Rock @azygous @Eggcessive

 

[azygous]

"Transparent slimy mucous" is a helpful description, believe it or not. Even better than a photo, but we could use one anyway as @SmiYa0126 has requested.

It does sound like a common respiratory infection. Tylan 50 or Tylosin powder would be the recommended antibiotic. No need to squeeze the poor turkey any further. It's just fluid in the sinuses similar to what humans experience with a common cold.

If you give us your location, we may be able to help you locate a source for the antibiotic.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

There is no avian vet anywhere near to where I live. My turkey has a sinus infection and our vet told me that they had no experience with turkeys. I have treated my turkey for the infection and she appears to be doing a lot better but her cheek is so swollen. I have squeezed her cheek a little and this thick transparent slimy mucus comes out of it's eye and the nostrils on it's beak but I can't get it all to come out. How can I drain it out? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome To BYC

Can you please post photos?
How have you been treating the infection? (Medication name and dosing.)

Depending on what it looks like and what you are getting out, you may need to press out the infection. It may need to be lanced or you may get by with applying warm compresses, flushing and applying an eye ointment like Terramycin in the eye a couple of times a day.

I'm going to tag in @casportpony as well. Hopefully the photos will be available when she come online.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sinus-infection-removal-by-george-conner.1328808/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-first-sinus-infection.945918/

 

[Kanekoded]

There is no avian vet anywhere near to where I live. My turkey has a sinus infection and our vet told me that they had no experience with turkeys. I have treated my turkey for the infection and she appears to be doing a lot better but her cheek is so swollen. I have squeezed her cheek a little and this thick transparent slimy mucus comes out of it's eye and the nostrils on it's beak but I can't get it all to come out. How can I drain it out? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Applying warm wet compresses to the infected area will help to draw out the "ick" and a little Vetrx can help open the passageways (much like Vicks Vapor Rub). Adding Tylosin Tartrate Soluble Powder to your turkey's water will help as well, it's an antibiotic used to treat sinus infections in birds.

You can get both Vetrx and the Tylosin packet at Tractor Supply.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

You can get both Vetrx and the Tylosin packet at Tractor Supply.

You can get Tylosin packets at TSC?

 

[Kanekoded]

You can get Tylosin packets at TSC?

Yes. Sorry, I should have explained. TS has both a pharmacy and pet vet. (https://www.tractorsupplyrx.com/tylosin-tartrate-soluble-powder-100-gm-51111.html)

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes.

Link?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes. Sorry, I should have explained. TS has both a pharmacy and pet vet. (https://www.tractorsupplyrx.com/tylosin-tartrate-soluble-powder-100-gm-51111.html)

Right. It's prescription only at TSC.

 

[Kanekoded]

Right. It's prescription only at TSC.

Right. It's prescription only at TSC.

Are you having trouble getting prescriptions for your birds? If your TS PetVet clinic won't help you then, you can always use a virtual vet / telehealth service called "Hello Ralphie." They will not only write you a prescription, they will fill it and ship it to you. And the cost of the service is about the same as any other vet clinic.