Please help!!

[keeversgirl]

Yesterday evening I noticed my RI Red female was straining for air. We did everything we could, nothing worked, so we took her to the ER vet. LONG story short, they needed at least $800 for the first day or so, and it guranteed NOTHING, and would surely be much more costs later, so we just brought her home. As much as I love and adore her, there is no way I can afford that kind of bill. It seems like she has some kind of obstruction, or so it sounds from the wheezing, but when looking down her throat my husband saw nothing. Has anyone had any kind of experience with this sort of thing? Is there anything I can do to help her???

 

[purpletree23]

How old is she?

Has she ever been wormed?

Any nose discharge or closed eyes?

Is she shaking her head like she has something in her throat?

 

[keeversgirl]

I believe she is 4 years old, her nose and eyes are perfectly fine....and on occasion she does shake head and stretch out her neck like there is an obstruction. I've tried just about everything. I am trying an avian specific vet this afternoon, and pray it's a simple, not expensive fix. If I was rich, I would spend all the money on her I could, but unfortunately I'm not.

 

[purpletree23]

If she has never been wormed I would worm her right away. She sounds like she might have gape worm. It's a worm that grows in the throat and can block breathing.

 

[robin416]

Yes, gape worm does sound very possible.

Failing that ask them what an x-ray will cost.

 

[chickentracy]

Sounds like your hen has some kind of respitory disorder. You can pick up a number of antibiotic powder packages (which are added to the drinking water in carefully measured amount)at most feed supply stores. Sometimes you are lucky and find a staff member there who is knowledgeable about poultry who can help you out.

The stretching of the head and neck out and opening of the mouth at same time is common with a bird who has an ear infection or plugged ear full of dried wax.

For plugged ear..use mineral oil warmed slightly into the ear canal, let sit till the wax softens then wipe away gently.

Also if she does have gape work you'd want to go to your feed store and pick up the de-worker right away!


Good luck!

 

[keeversgirl]

Thank you all very much! I am on my way to the avian vet right now, hopefully it is just gape worm, and they will have the necessary treatment....I will keep you all posted.

Again, thank you