Older hen diarrhea, laying down, smells like ammonia, etc. Please Help

[mschickiemama]

Well I was outside and came back in my room and she's grooming herself. I think that's a good sign.

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm guessing she has liver failure (based on the ammonia smell.) and her prognosis is not good. I'd be culling to save her from more misery.

 

[LittlePip21]

Glad to hear she is doing well! This really sounds like ascites or internal laying to me. If it's ascites that means fluid builds up in the body cavity as a side effect of organ failure, possibly liver? I know for a fact my hen that had it would go through bad spells and then perk up again, I would feel her abdomen to see if her size changes at all. If it ends up being internal laying or ascites it's possible to prolong and improve their life by draining the fluid with a syringe, their are some risks but if she gets bad again And her symptoms point to it you could consider it as an option. I personally have had good success with it. Hope she improves! I would definetly try some egg As Wyorp Rock suggested, perhaps some chopped fruit would entice her as well? I found Chick probiotic at the farm store to help a lot with my sick hens too. Keep us posted! Still praying for ya!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She is still laying down and sleeping...She drank a little bit but still looks dehydrated...crop is definitely full. And it feels kind of squishy with some liquidy sounds....It's the back end that smells bad. It seems like something else is going on

Check her crop when she goes to bed (lights out) then first thing in the morning before she eats/drinks, just to see if it's emptied or if it's still full. Crop issues can be a symptom of an underlying condition like internal laying/reproductive disorders, infection, coccidiosis or worms. Normally they don't mind the crop being massaged, so if it freaks her out I wonder if it's painful.

Since you are smelling a bad smell from the rear, I suspect she has an internal infection, unless you happen to discover a wound hidden under her fluff. Do you feel any swelling, bloat or feeling of fluid in the abdomen?

Here's some good information on crop issues, causes and treatment: http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments

 

[mschickiemama]

Check her crop when she goes to bed (lights out) then first thing in the morning before she eats/drinks, just to see if it's emptied or if it's still full. Crop issues can be a symptom of an underlying condition like internal laying/reproductive disorders, infection, coccidiosis or worms. Normally they don't mind the crop being massaged, so if it freaks her out I wonder if it's painful.

Since you are smelling a bad smell from the rear, I suspect she has an internal infection, unless you happen to discover a wound hidden under her fluff. Do you feel any swelling, bloat or feeling of fluid in the abdomen?

Here's some good information on crop issues, causes and treatment: http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments

I feel no abdomen swelling. She feels very skinny except for crop area. I can see her keel bone sticking out. I don't see any wounds but bad smell is there. Would a simple fecal test be able to show she has any of those underlying issues? Never done one before. Local vet will do one if I bring a chicken in for exam first. Some people here also said you can mail fecal samples to certain ag offices as well. Not sure what to do. My other chicken is perfectly healthy and no problems.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm so sorry, if the crop is not emptying properly, she is not getting the nutrition she needs and is starving.

A fecal float test will show worms and coccidiosis. To check for infection a gram stain would need to be performed. Through the mail is usually where you collect a sample and send it a lab, that type of service you would find on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Reptiles-Rabbits-Turtles-Collect-Sample/dp/B000J5SOZ4

Where are you located? Most state have a veterinarian diagnostic lab - a lot depends on what services they provide you can look up your state here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf You can give your local Ag Extension office a call to see if they provide any services.

 

[LittlePip21]

If it's her crop that's not emptying, your vet may be able to flush it out with surgery, are you planning to take her in?

 

[SethJ]

whew,..at that age,...it be goodnight time..I wouldnt waste a vet visit.


Heck I cull at 4-5 years! lol

 

[mschickiemama]

If it's her crop that's not emptying, your vet may be able to flush it out with surgery, are you planning to take her in?

Worried about the cost of that. Was thinking about going in and at least getting a fecal test done. I think there's something else going on I just don't know what. :/

 

[Wyorp Rock]

@mschickiemama How is your girl today?