Possible ascites

[Chickenkeeper23]

I have a 5ish year old easter egger. I’m thinking she has ascites. Its progressed pretty slow but shes starting to walk more upright sometimes or drop her tail. I’ve felt it but it doesn’t like just fluid. It kind of feels like a hacky sac and gritty. Maybe tumors :’( wanted a second opinion before I possibly attempt draining.

If draining what size needle and where to insert?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a 5ish year old easter egger. I’m thinking she has ascites. Its progressed pretty slow but shes starting to walk more upright sometimes or drop her tail. I’ve felt it but it doesn’t like just fluid. It kind of feels like a hacky sac and gritty. Maybe tumors :’( wanted a second opinion before I possibly attempt draining.

If draining what size needle and where to insert?

Any lethargy, not eating/drinking?
Any respiratory distress?

If she's acting o.k., still interacting with her flock, eating/drinking and happy within herself, then I'd hold off on draining.

A fluid filled abdomen usually is very tight like a drum. Never heard of an abdomen being gritty and like a hacky sac - are you perhaps feeling the gizzard?