no hope for poor luna! update page 2

[bangor777]

Unfortunately Luna is still prolapsed. I'm assuming it is her uterus/cloaca (sp?) She is keeping to the roost, does get down to eat and drink occasionally. I will try and find an avian vet tomorrow, I think the chicken equivalent of a hysterectomy is her only hope. I can't reduce the prolapse with gentle pressure and lubrication, and another egg would obviously do her in right now. This is so hard. Thanks for the advice. I found some avian thread that recommended covering the prolapse in honey??????? I don't have any honey on hand, and I can't think of a medical reason why this would work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PoultryPedia]

Honey is supposed to be a natural antibacterial.
On another note: Honey raised locally is also supposed to help people with allergies to not have such bad symptoms.
Baffling & difficult situation with your hen!

 

[robin416]

You can also use preparation H to help reduce the swelling.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Prep H with no lidocaine (deadly to chickens) can also help to shrink the tissue. Just slather it on. I think it may take a few days to reduce after that much straining.

If you can keep her in a dark place for a few days and stop her egg laying cycle, you might be able to do a "cerclage" around the outside of her vent. However, you can't give any lidocaine. It may only need to be in place for a couple of days but again...it would spell disaster if she keeps laying.

 

[mypicklebird]

Honey or any strong sugar solution is supposed to help by drawing water out of the tissue. It is 'hypertonic' compared to the tissue, so can shrink swollen edematous tissue. It can help with moist/fluid permeable tissues. Haven't really seen this in action myself, but that is the basic concept.

The GI tract and the reproductive tract are separate tracts inside the chicken, but they open into a dual purpose area that will hold feces as well as an egg prior to leaving the body. So there is only one exit, but two entrances. I don't know what part is prolapsed, or what part got cut to get to the egg, or what is sticking out- but the longer it is out, the less healthy it will get.

If she is able to pass normal feces, this is a good sign. If she cannot, this is a very bad sign.

If you can get her to a vet, they can help determine if the tissue is infected, viable, and what is actually prolapsed. If the tissue is dying, or if there is not a normal opening into her reproductive tract, you will likely need to make a hard but needed decision to end her life. If it can be reduced and stay put for 24 hrs, and she heals- she may do ok. Sadly though, most severe prolapsed birds do not survive- they did this because there was something underlying wrong with them, as well as the delicate tissue cannot survive long outside of the body.

Spaying a female bird is a very complicated surgery (not like a cat/dog spay), most GP vets won't touch these, and a boarded avian vet would talk about high mortality rates for the surgery before attempting it. If successful, it would keep her from laying, but it does not address the damaged tissue that is prolapsed- that is her primary problem.
I hope she does ok, but be prepared for a sad outcome, jess



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[sammi]

Preparation H without lidocaine...as posted above.
slather it on..let it work for a while and reduce the swelling..then try to put the prolapse back in..
this sometimes takes a few tried for it to stay.

or just plain sugar if you don't have Prep H on hand..
sugar has antiseptic qualities and will help shrink the prolapse.
I might consider making a paste of sugar and Betadine to further help with bacteria/infection.

in this case, a vet is probably a good idea.

keep in dim quiet clean place with food and water.
antibiotic in the water won't hurt.
electrolytes to help with stress..(commercial mix best)..but pedialyte diluted 50% in a pinch..also vitamins.

fingers crossed for your hen.

 

[bangor777]

Consulted with the vet this morning. Her uterus is prolapsed, no hope for survival. my husband went to get our hatchet from camp, I'll do the deed when he returns. This will be my first time culling a chicken, husband offered but I think that if I want to raise hens I need to be able to take care of them, even when that means ending their lives. luna is standing in the corner of the coop, head down, eyes closed. She has gotten herself behind a little end table we have in there. She seems as comfortable as she can. She's had tylenol in water. I went out and spoke to her just now for half an hour, thanked her for being such a wonderful pet. She is my (was my) most vocal girl and I will miss her constant chatter very much. Wish me luck, and please take a minute to wish her an easy end. Thanks everyone for all your help!

 

[tiki244]

:aww Oh I am so sorry to hear about Luna. That is so sweet of you to talk to her and reasure her. May she have a peaceful passing. You are so caring.

 

[Jenski]

Oh I just hate that. So sorry for you and your hen! My hat's off to you for doing the final act of kindness for your friend.

Wishing her a swift journey ~

 

[SpottedCrow]

I'm sorry...Godspeed Luna.