Pauline needs help!

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AunthoneyB

AunthoneyB

Hatching
6 Years
Jul 23, 2013
5
0
7
western NY
Hi I have a bantam chicken not sure of her breed - a few months ago she was limping on her leg
I looked and saw nor felt anything wrong.
she recovered for a week or so , then went to hopping, like she had springs in her legs ... other that she was fine.. out in the yard eating drinking and being with the flock.
after a couple months she began to drag her toes, which turned into dragging her ft this lasted a week
3 days ago he was unable to use her leg ... it is completely backwards
the other is moving but it is forward... as if she is doing a split - she tries to get up but no deal...
@ this point she is int he house... she eats, drinks and poops... but can not stand
I have NO idea what to do
discussing euthanizing her... but really don't want to
but also don't want her to suffer

I have looked up what can cause it... Mareck;s is all I can see
and read there is no treatment for it.

ANY SUGGESTIONS?
 
Yes, it definitely sounds like Mareks. Sorry. :( If you want to, you could continue caring for her (making sure she drinks and eats, keep her clean, etc.) with the hopes of her recovering. Some birds do appear to recover from Marek's Disease; however, often they pass away suddenly due to internal tumors. But if you think she is suffering, I would find a way to euthanize her.
 
She is still with us...I have been feeding her and making sure she drinks
I read that vitB might help so have been crushing it and adding to her food
I have to wash her off because she is unable to stand and I don't want her dropping to draw any flies.
I hate the thought of putting her down... I will continue as is for awhile

Does anyone know how long it takes" if" she is to recover? Do they regain the use of their legs?

Also... I read she is contagious ... Will that continue if she does recover? Or will she have a solitary life?
 
Unfortunately with Mareks, once the disease is there it is in the air from feather dander from a diseased chicken. It doesn't do any good to isolate. The disease can last in the area for several years, so be sure that all chicks from now on get vaccinated. Any older birds brought in should also have vaccinations at birth or at least a week or two before entering your flock. If you want to be certain of the disease, a necropsy with your state vet can confirm it. Here is a link to state vets: http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/statevets.aspx
 
Thanks a lot for the info....

I am fairly sure I am going to euthanize - she has shown no improvement
and I can't see letting her suffer...
 
AunthoneyB said:
I am also thinking of giving up the chickens...
It is heart breaking to have to make these choices...
Click to expand...
I think most of us with small hobby flocks probably get to feeling that way sometimes at some point. I know I do, especially when I loose one I am particularly fond of. That part of chicken keeping can wear on you after a while. But I find that in the long run the enjoyment of raising chicks and keeping my little flocks of layers outweighs the crummy times of dealing with illness or having to decide when it's time to let one go. Give yourself a little time to bounce back before deciding to get out of the hobby.
 
Thank You
we did let her go today....
sad.png
 

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