Off balance chicken (with videos)

[MamaChick74]

Last week I brought my chicken Sierra to the vet for an impacted crop that wouldn't clear. Their was bacteria that was found so she was given antibiotics for 7 days. She was very under weight as well. She seemed to improve with antibiotics. But now she is walking off balance. Her legs seem strong because she is able to get up on top of the dog crate we have her in (I made her own little run area outside of the crate). But when walking she goes sideways and sometimes backwards. She has also been lifting her legs up high when she walks. She does seem to be picking at her feathers and the top of her legs a lot. I see no sign of mites though so not sure if she has them or not. I have her on a wet chicken food diet with some cooked egg, oatmeal and meal worms as a treat. Electrolytes and vitamins in her water. She is eating and drinking very well and her poops seem normal. I added some vitamin E to her food as I read a deficiency could cause balance issues. Has anyone had any experience with what could be wrong? I am bringing her for a check up tomorrow but was hoping to have some thoughts before I bring her in.

Here are 2 videos

 

[sylviethecochin]

I'm going to say that this looks like Marek's to me, but I'd like to get a second opinion. @casportpony ? @Eggcessive ?

 

[casportpony]

I'm going to say that this looks like Marek's to me, but I'd like to get a second opinion. @casportpony ? @Eggcessive ?

It sure could be.

 

[sylviethecochin]

If it is Marek's, it's going to get worse before it gets better--if it ever does get better--you're going to have to make a sling for her (sort of like a hammock, but with leg holes). My success story took two months to recover, and my failure took a month to die.

 

[MamaChick74]

Thanks everyone. Not what I was wanting to hear, but it is what it is. I will see what the Vet says tomorrow and hope for the best.

 

[Eggcessive]

It could be Mareks with the imbalance and high stepping, and the crop problem might have been related. But I would continue with the vitamins, and continue to watch her for any other symptoms. Mareks is best diagnosed with a necropsy by the state vet or poultry lab after death. It may not be that at all, so no need to panic, but just be observant. Make sure that she is getting to food and water.

 

[micstrachan]

I’m thinking Maarek’s is a possibility or maybe something neurological from some sort of deficiency?

 

[casportpony]

Thanks everyone. Not what I was wanting to hear, but it is what it is. I will see what the Vet says tomorrow and hope for the best.

What did the vey say?

 

[Moo2]

Any feed back on these chickens?? I’m going through the same thing right now!