Need some encouragement please

[FishMtFarm]

Marek's is a horrible disease but many of us with it in our flock, do try to treat birds. I take the view that my flock has been exposed now anyway and those that are susceptible will have been infected. I've had some sick birds make miraculous recoveries and be unable to tell they were ever sick and some be able to return to free ranging with the flock after extended 3-4 months of support and TLC, but retain a limp. That said, if this bird has a tumour, there is unfortunately little chance of survival, but as the OP said, even a vet has been unable to say for sure if it is a tumour or abscess, so at the moment, the OP does not know and is supporting the sick bird as best they can.
I only euthanize once they lose interest in food, as they go downhill pretty quickly after that, but many people do not agree with euthanasia at all. You have to respect the individual's choice, as long as it is made with the good of the bird in mind.

@Engine823
Keeping my fingers crossed for you and Emily. Please keep us posted

You make a good point. I've seen mareks at the vet office and it usually comes down to putting the bird to sleep but I guess there are a lot of cases we don't see. I was just looking at this with how big the lump is on the back but TLC sometimes can work miracles. Thank you for sharing your story and experience.

Also try to offer Emily high iron foods like spinach or kale. Really helps with the healing process.

 

[Engine823]

You make a good point. I've seen mareks at the vet office and it usually comes down to putting the bird to sleep but I guess there are a lot of cases we don't see. I was just looking at this with how big the lump is on the back but TLC sometimes can work miracles. Thank you for sharing your story and experience.

Also try to offer Emily high iron foods like spinach or kale. Really helps with the healing process.

I am giving her a 3 cc dosage daily of poultry cell that is high in all the vitamins and trace minerals, etc.. I know I saw iron in that somewhere. I will get some fresh spinach or kale to offer as well when we run to the grocery

 

[Engine823]

And friends she is still getting up, eating and drinking on her own. She is not laying and weak / lethargic sort of but her comb and feathers look good. Giving her every chance. As stated though if she loses interest in eating I will have her put to sleep.
As stated in an earlier post I will be taking her to UK Vet. Diagnostic lab to have a exam done when and IF she passes to try and see what the cause was.
None of my birds were vaccinated at hatch and came from an Amish farm. The vet said just like stated above that all the birds were already exposed to Meraks if that is what it is.
I also continue to monitor them and they appear to be super healthy and active. I currently have the sick bird seperated and she has been for about 4-5 days now.

 

[Engine823]

Just had a hawk attempt to attack my other hens while foraging. Fortunately none got hurt. I have put them all back in the chicken tractor for the day! MAN this has been a stressful week with the chickens!

 

[rebrascora]

MAN this has been a stressful week with the chickens!

It often goes like that.... never rains but it pours as the saying goes! Thankfully you do get spells when things tick over quite nicely, but you don't really appreciate them until you hit one of those bad spells where everything seems to be a problem. It does get better again in time.

 

[Jcat6419]

Glad to hear your girl is still hanging in there. I could not determine from your previous post if perhaps you had spoken with Dr. Lacki from Pennyroyal on the phone. If not, and you decide to seek further veterinary advice, she is in the office this week, MTTh I believe. Best wishes to you and your girls and watch out for those hawks!

 

[Engine823]

Well I sadly inform all of you that Emily has been put down at the UK Vet Diagnostic Center. Her mass didn't improve and she never really stopped limping. She was slowly losing her appetite and was just standing or laying around all day. My wife and I decided it was time.
A Necropsy was conducted. Preliminary finding showed only the mass on her back. Multiple test have been sent off and slides of the mass are still all to be studied. We should hear on some of it by Wed. and the rest with in 10 days.
Only test they reported on instantly was a fecal sample that showed no parasites.
Now we wait. Today was horribly hard for me and it was an hour and a half drive with her to get her there.
SAD, SAD DAY!
Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. They were appreciated!

 

[FishMtFarm]

Awe, very sorry to hear that. Just remember you have other chickens to love and she is in a better place.

 

[Crooked Chicken]

I'm so sorry. Just know she is at peace. You did everything you could.

 

[staceyj]

So sorry to hear this news but in the end you gave her the greatest gift a pet owner can give, a peaceful painless passing.
You did your very best for her.