Noticed a chicken wheezing!

[dawg53]

It's not gapeworm if she's eating and drinking. Most likely some type of respiratory disease as Eggcessive mentioned. The headshaking is due to mucus buildup in the trachea.

 

[dlynne1123]

Ok thinking I need to put her down. It's been months with no change. Dewormers, two courses of antibiotics, etc. she seems distressed when breathing but it doesn't slow her down at all. I honestly thought she would die but is still trucking! Foraging, not getting picked on etc. my new question is, can I have her tested for stuff? To be sure I don't have mycoplasma in my flock, or something else? I work for a vet so I can get blood or throat swabs if necessary.
What labs do these tests? Where do you suggest?


Thanks!

 

[dawg53]

Ok thinking I need to put her down. It's been months with no change. Dewormers, two courses of antibiotics, etc. she seems distressed when breathing but it doesn't slow her down at all. I honestly thought she would die but is still trucking! Foraging, not getting picked on etc. my new question is, can I have her tested for stuff? To be sure I don't have mycoplasma in my flock, or something else? I work for a vet so I can get blood or throat swabs if necessary.
What labs do these tests? Where do you suggest?


Thanks!

This leads me to believe it possibly could be a fungal problem especially if your other birds are not showing respiratory disease symptoms and the fact that antibiotics had no effect. Perhaps nystatin may help or some other type of antifungal meds. I havnt dealt with internal fungal problems, it might be best to ask your vet. You have nothing to lose but to treat her with an antifungal, give it time to work...if that's what it is.

 

[dlynne1123]

Thanks. The vet felt putting her down was best. To him she looked worse. I think stress of the trip didn't help. She was a good girlie for her injection. We didn't get any samples, so if anyone else starts up with it, we'll take samples from them. He rambled off some things like chronic tracheitis or fungus. She was very vocal about the gasping. Almost like every breath were a little girls sneeze. I felt it wasnt a good quality life despite eating and drinking.

P.S. Chickens don't go down easy! Think we'll use a tranquilizer first next time. Horrible spasms after the injection. Gah

 

[dawg53]

Thanks. The vet felt putting her down was best. To him she looked worse. I think stress of the trip didn't help. She was a good girlie for her injection. We didn't get any samples, so if anyone else starts up with it, we'll take samples from them. He rambled off some things like chronic tracheitis or fungus. She was very vocal about the gasping. Almost like every breath were a little girls sneeze. I felt it wasnt a good quality life despite eating and drinking.

P.S. Chickens don't go down easy! Think we'll use a tranquilizer first next time. Horrible spasms after the injection. Gah

I totally agree with your decision. It's best to be safe and not sorry especially when dealing with respiratory issues.