Please help with my rooster

[chick-a-dee1984]

I have a 10 month old RIR rooster, Roofio. A few weeks ago I noticed that he has a raised, blister like thing next to his eye. Then he started limping. Now he will not put any weight on his foot and in the last couple of days his wing has dropped. The lump, limp leg and dropping wing is all on the right side. He is still eating, drinking, and poop looks normal. Up until a few days ago, he's was still breeding the hens. I have put him in a crate in the hen house so he don't feel alone. I looked at his foot for bumblefoot, there is no black scab but there is a mushy knot on the bottom,center of his foot.

Please help me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Eggcessive]

Your chicken may have multiple problems. The lump on his face could possibly be a sinus infection from a respiratory disease called mycoplasma. There are 2 types in chickens--MG and MS-- and MS can affect the bones. Do you see any swelling around his foot or leg joints? MS birds may lie down a lot, and sometimes will develop a blister on the breast bone. They may or may not have respiratory symptoms. The face lump could also be a cyst or tumor, or an abscess. Is he holding the leg up or dragging it like it is paralyzed? Mareks disease can cause paralysis of legs and wings, often on one side. It can also cause tumors all over the body. Did he have a Mareks vaccine? He may still have bumblefoot, but it could be something else, like MS. Pictures might help. Here are some links for you to read:
http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf
http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/avian-atlas/search/disease/502
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/99/mycoplasma-synoviae-infection-ms-infectious-synovitis

 

[chick-a-dee1984]

His leg is a bit swollen. He holds it out in front of him when he hops around. But his good leg is getting tired. He lays down more now. I have no idea if he was vaccinated. My husband brought him home because someone had too may roosters and we didn't have one. What is the best treatment or is there really a treatment for Marek's disease? He is such a great bird but I'm beginning to question his quality of life. I don't want him to suffer.

 

[Eggcessive]

I am a little more concerned about him having mycoplasma synoviae (MS.) It is contagious and can make your whole flock carriers. Mareks is also contagious. He could just have a bad sprain or break, but the facial swelling worries me. I would be tempted to contact your state vet to ask about getting him necropsied, and tested for MS and Mareks. They will sometimes euthanize a bird for you that they are go to necropsy, or you can send in a refrigerated, but not frozen body. I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this. Here is a link to help you find contact info for your state vet: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/poultry/participants.shtml

 

[chick-a-dee1984]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Eggcessive]

Thanks for the info!

You're welcome. Please give up an update later on about his condition or what you find out if there is a necropsy.

 

[chick-a-dee1984]

He was put to sleep this afternoon. We don't have a vet locally that specializes in birds, he laid down last night and couldn't get up this morning. And his comb was starting to turn dull/grayish. Poor guy

 

[chick-a-dee1984]

Thanks again for all of ur help. I truly appreciate all of the info u shared with me.

 

[Eggcessive]

Oh you're welcome, and so sorry for your loss. I have some heritage RIR, and they are so gentle, and I remember you saying he was a great rooster. I wish you luck with your flock.