Please help! Cloudy has white foam coming from her eye!

[ChickLover98]

This morning she is looking a little better. There is no discharge coming from her nostrils (there never was) and she is breathing normally still. I've read that MG is spread through contaminated eggs. Are they unsafe for humans? I need to know so thatbi can throw out the two cakes we just baked for a party today... I think that she has a good chance of feeling better. Its supposed to cool down this week so that should make her more comfortable. Is there anything I should give her?

 

[Cetawin]

The sad thing is that there is no cure for MG. You can get prescription antibiotics and abate the symptoms but she would remain a carrier. This is the sad reason I suggested full her and sending her to a state lab....you need to know.

 

[ChickLover98]

I just checked on her and she is still the same as this morning. Shadow is still wheezing a little bit. I just can't kill her... The Dr at Penn state does the testing and autopsy on them. I know that culling her would stop her suffering and I don't want it ti spread, but I just can't do it...

 

[Cetawin]

I so understand. It is never an easy thing and I do not think you really ever get used to it. Some production people can just so it whenever necessary but it is much harder when you love them and see them as pets. *hugs* talk to the vet or call Penn State and ask them because I am sure they would do the deed and then perform the tests.

I am sorry if I sounded mean or heartless as I really am not either. If you were close by I would come do it for you and be crying the entire time. I really have to talk to myself and remind my heart that it is the best thing for the bird and the right thing to do. The hardest part is that you never can be sure...you cannot see inside them and see disease. All we can do is work with the information we have and make our decisions. As much as I love each of my feathered babies, I would sacrifice any one of them to protect the rest and if one was ill like yours, u would sacrifice that one to make sure I knew what I was dealing with.

She could have some rampant infection that is unique to her and not contagious but can you take that near impossible chance? Disease mutates and you can never be sure who or when it will affect someone else. I do not envy your choice. Only you can decide when the right time to act is. You can try giving her a baby aspirin every day to help with any pain and for inflammation
And make sure you become a nuisance to yourself with biosecurity whiles is alive and in your house. Hand sanitize and different shoes and clothes...set aside clothing just for wearing around her...

Keep us posted in your decision and your girl.

 

[satay]

I am sorry they she is not getting better.. We as other chicken owners can only offer advice on what we have seen and done. We all offer our advice with the best of intentions but you must in the end make the decision as to what is right for you.

 

[ChickLover98]

Thanks everyone. As much as I don't want to do it, I think it would be best for her and my flock. I really love her and I even wrote a book about her (in progress). She is my favorite LFC and my only blue one. Id feel so bad, but I know its the best thing to do. How do you suggest we do it the most humanely? I have to talk to my pap tomorrow about it.

 

[satay]

If it were me having to make that decision. I would take and axe and remove{cut off) her head. As much as it's awful to do it is quick and will end her suffering. If you have a vet in the area they maybe able to give her an injection for you that will also end her suffering. I'm sorry you have to make this decision. We have all been there and it's never an easy thing too do.

 

[Cetawin]

If a bird is in a weakened state I use ether (starter fluid on a rag held over their nose) for a bird not in a weakened state...I nail two large nails into a stump, lay the bird down with their neck between the nails, hold the bird by the feet and one swift swing of an axe or hatchet. Warning...even though the bird is dead, the central nervous sytem takes a few moments to catch on there will be involuntary movement of the body but the bird is dead. To me it is the swiftest and most humane method. You can also use a pellet rifle or a .22...one clean shot to the head but it is sometimes hard to do if the bird is not weak or restrained.

I am so sorry but I know you are making the right decision.

 

[ChickLover98]

Could it be possible to send blood to the lab without killing her and have it tested for MG? I could take her to a vet and have them take blood them send it... I'm just trying to think of different possibilities...

 

[Cetawin]

Yes you cam do that...not sure if blood or swab or both is used. A vet could draw it and send it for you. Then you would know.