Please Help! Puffy Cheeks in a Barred Rock?

[purpletree23]

I had a hen who also had puffy cheeks. I asked BYC members for help and though (their info was greatly appreciated) many answered but no one could tell me what was wrong. I also did a lot of research on my own. I did take her to the vet approx 3 days after the first sign of trouble (puffy cheeks) started. One morning when I picked her up to see how she was doing a lot of clear fluid came out of her mouth. Freaked me out! Called the vet and he said I could come right down. He examined her and said that was 'something' wrong with her crop and asked if he could flush it. I said yes and all he could get out was sand and a few pieces of scratch.

I brought the hen home and hoped she was on her way to recovery. She even ate a bit and pooped on the way home. The next morning she was dead in her hospital cage.

I don't know if it is a crop issue but I'm 99% positive that it is not contagious.

Best of luck to you. Keep us informed because I would like to know what happens with your hen.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
The vaccine is for the paralysis form of Marek's. It doesn't prevent the one that effects the eyes.

 

[The Chickens' Maid]

I did a little research, and I found a lot under "sinusitis". I didn't examine the entire page, but "mycoplasma gallisepticum" (what a name!) seemed to match the most. Hope she gets better!

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[greenbeandreams]

Chicken's Maid wins the prize! Kind of.

Just back from the chicken vet. Yes, we have one. He believes her sinuses are swollen and the uniformity is due to some sort of trauma (putting her head in the chick feeder? I have no idea what). He's put her on antibiotic. He saw a very small amount of discharge from her nose but the good news is that otherwise, she was very healthy. Thanks everyone for welcoming a newbie with lots of advice.

 

[Chew593]

Quote:

Hoorraayy!!! So glad to hear it! (I did venture sinus infection back in post # 13) So glad it's not viral. Keep us updated will you?

 

[greenbeandreams]

Right you are! You get a prize too.

 

[rcentner]

You are lucky to have a vet! I can't find one here (still looking though). I am glad to hear it went well and not the mareks. Please post her progress for us, would love to know if the antibiotics work and hear a happy ending

 

[greenbeandreams]

Yes, I was much relieved that it was not Mareks! I'll post about how things go. The vet was fantastic. Not just an avian specialist but sees chickens all the time! Lucky.