PLEASE HELP - SURGERY FOR IMPACTED CROP? NEED TO DECIDE TODAY

[redwa]

We have been dealing with our hen's sour crop (secondary infection), now impacted crop. Seems to be full of small rocks and other debris. We have tried everything over the last month to help her. Vet is recommending surgery or putting her down. We need to decide by today. He says her crop has been so distended that it's normal functioning may never return, even after surgery and especially if she is put back into the same environment (free ranging where there are rocks, etc...). Is this true? I don't know what to do. She is only a year old, otherwise healthy. What is the success rate for these types of things and will her crop return to normal functioning? Thank you.

 

[buckbeak]

Oh no! I'm so sorry- I have no great idea how to reply, but I kept watching your post go down to the bottom with no replies! Someone who knows more will surely help soon!
It seems such a shame if she is only a year old. Did the vet give you an estimate for the surgery? Is that a consideration? Is there a way to limit her environment if she does have the surgery? Sorry I'm not more help!

 

[redwa]

Thank you for your support. It is not really possible to create another space for her within our existing coop/yard that is rock free. In addition I don't want her to be isolated from the rest of the flock. I am concerned about the quality of her life. We have already spent a bundle on her thus far (kids aren't getting new school clothes this year) and the surgery would be somewhere between $400 - $700. Of course she is our favorite chicken, jumps up on my shoulder, sits in my lap... I am heartsick.

 

[lurky]

It sounds like it would depend on what that amount of $ means to you. To me personally, if it might not be a solid fix....i would put the chicken down. Its no pain for the bird. But if you have enough money that its not going to put you in the poor house......do it. You will have to live with your decision, so your heart will tell you whats right......listen to it.

 

[serendipity22]

This is gonna sound cruel and I know you love your chicken...

but


$400 could buy a lot of chicks...

:|

 

[silkiechicken]

Personally I wouldn't spend so much on a chicken but that is your choice. Chances are it was not the rocks that impacted her, it was the grasses and other stuff, the rocks normally would help grind away the grasses so that she wouldn't get impacted.

 

[redwa]

Well, after an evening of many tears with my kids (we incubated this girl last year in our kitchen) we have decided to go for the surgery. I see how other courageous people attempt the surgery on their own, but I don't think I can do that. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

So Sorry for her and all of you. HUGS
If you are going for the operation. I feel you should insist on seeing the contents of the crop.
It will tell you if she just ate a freak item that started this down hill pattern. That way you will know if there is a possibility of it happening again from natural items/food or if it was say plastic or something.
Let us know and good luck with her.

 

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

FOUND THIS FOR YOU TO READ.

http://www.americansilkiebantamclub.org/articles_page.htm

 

[dlhunicorn]

...good luck...(btw there is a med they can use in cases of crop stasis after surgery which is effective at getting things moving along again) ... Good Luck!