Lady Peckerton Spokesman
In the Brooder
- May 8, 2023
- 35
- 20
- 44
Good morning,
I have an old RIR hen about 6 years old or so, hasn't laid in about 2 years so she's retired. The last month she has been slightly opening her mouth to breath in but no other symptoms or sounds. I did suspect waterbelly but didn't confirm that until last night when I was giving her a dirty butt bath. Her abdomin was very swollen just like a firm water Ballon. I've already done alot of research on draining prior to last night. Luckily I have 18 gauge needles already and alcohol wipes from doing my cats fip treatments a few year ago. Since I already had her in place I went ahead and drained her (no syringe just drip from needle) for about 8 mins, clear yellow fluid came out. After that I pulled the needle out, sanitized the injection site and put her back on the roost. I noticed she stopped mouth breathing so I felt pretty good about it until this morning.
This morning she has been gasping for air almost as if she's being water boarded. It happens for a few minutes then resides and she's about to close her eyes for a bit. Then it comes back. She's gasping as she's breathing in and obvious crackling/gurgling sounds as she breathes out. I've seen clear fluid come out of her mouth few times, that kind of initiates the coughing gurgling episodes.
My question is, is there anything I can do to help her? I'm afraid she will aspirate on any fluids I give her since she's gasping and gurgling. She's not really wanting any food or water right now. And her comb/wattles are still pink/red. Will this fluid in her airways eventually re-absorb? Should I try to syringe her electrolytes? I will try to get a video up soon. Just wanted to get this out there 1st.
I have an old RIR hen about 6 years old or so, hasn't laid in about 2 years so she's retired. The last month she has been slightly opening her mouth to breath in but no other symptoms or sounds. I did suspect waterbelly but didn't confirm that until last night when I was giving her a dirty butt bath. Her abdomin was very swollen just like a firm water Ballon. I've already done alot of research on draining prior to last night. Luckily I have 18 gauge needles already and alcohol wipes from doing my cats fip treatments a few year ago. Since I already had her in place I went ahead and drained her (no syringe just drip from needle) for about 8 mins, clear yellow fluid came out. After that I pulled the needle out, sanitized the injection site and put her back on the roost. I noticed she stopped mouth breathing so I felt pretty good about it until this morning.
This morning she has been gasping for air almost as if she's being water boarded. It happens for a few minutes then resides and she's about to close her eyes for a bit. Then it comes back. She's gasping as she's breathing in and obvious crackling/gurgling sounds as she breathes out. I've seen clear fluid come out of her mouth few times, that kind of initiates the coughing gurgling episodes.
My question is, is there anything I can do to help her? I'm afraid she will aspirate on any fluids I give her since she's gasping and gurgling. She's not really wanting any food or water right now. And her comb/wattles are still pink/red. Will this fluid in her airways eventually re-absorb? Should I try to syringe her electrolytes? I will try to get a video up soon. Just wanted to get this out there 1st.
