Paralyzed hen?

[EastinChickens]

My two year old laying hen has a strange illness, and it is causing her to seem paralyzed. I found her this morning laying oh her side with her eyes closed. I tried to stand her up, but she fell forward, then flopped back onto her side.

Symptoms:

White poo streaming from vent
Won't stand
Keeps eyes closed
Pale, stiff legs

 

[EastinChickens]

Anyone? Please help

 

[caralouise1974]

Oh dear, poor thing. I have no idea but it sounds pretty serious. Poisoning? Infection? Have you checked for any wounds? Is the crop empty or full? Parasites?

Any other birds showing less severe symptoms?

 

[EastinChickens]

I don't see any wounds but she has frostbite on her feet that she has had for a year now. Crop is full, and nobody is showing the same symptoms.

 

[EastinChickens]

Can someone please help me?

 

[EastinChickens]

Her comb is now turning purple- I am assuming she has been on her side so long it is cruhing her lungs and causing a lack of oxygen.

 

[EastinChickens]

Sigh.

I made her a little brace that keeps her standing upright. Is there anything else I can do for her?

 

[MotherJean]

I'm very sorry. Your hen is in very serious condition. The white stuff in the poo is the urates produced by the kidneys and when the poo becomes almost entirely white it generally means that the kidneys are failing. Her chances of survival at this point are doubtful and I would suggest that you seek a necropsy and certain diagnosis of the disease. There are several very serious diseases that can produce the acute symptoms you are seeing and all of them have implications for your other birds, as well as any new birds you may bring into your flock in future. I encourage you to contact your State Vet for free advice and access to a free postmortem exam of your bird.

Name: Dr. Steven L. Halstead
Title: State Veterinarian and Director of Animal Industry Division
Agency: Animal Industry Division
Department: Michigan Department of Agriculture
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
Office Address: 525 W. Allegan
Lansing, MI 48933
Office Telephone No: (517) 373-1077
Fax No: (517) 241-4502
E-mail : [email protected]

 

[EastinChickens]

Well, she is still fighting. Today she actually looks a little better....

 

[caralouise1974]

Is she up and about? Is she eating and drinking? I do hope she recovers.