Possible kidney issue

[Richardial]

Hi everyone

I’m hoping for some advice that might help one of our unwell hens….

Gloria is an ex-battery hen and has been with us for just over one year so we are unsure of her exact age. Nearly two weeks ago she started to seem a little distracted and lethargic with a loss of appetite. We gave her a few days to perk up and when she didn’t we took her to the vets. The vet could feel some form of growth / blockage in her stomach area and when the vet inspected her internally she found some white, flaky residue. The vet thought this might be some form of trapped mummified egg inside Gloria and we arranged for a further check up the following day with Gloria under a sedative. Following this check, unfortunately the vet advised that it wasn’t anything that could be extracted and the issue is likely to be kidney related and Gloria might have days/weeks left.

So… Gloria is at home and is still fairly lethargic but often perks up and scratches around. She has lost some weight but doesn’t seem quite ready to give up. Her comb is still looking healthy and her tail is still up.

From what I have read I think the vet is correct and that it is kidney related:

• White residue / discharge seems to be a symptom of kidney issues. Gloria has no external signs of this but the vet did find internal signs.
• They advised her oviducts were clear of any obvious issues.
• A couple of months ago she did go slightly lame (we assumed an injury) but this could have been gout related and an early sign of kidney issues.
• Her poop is a bright green colour and really does smell strongly!
• She hasn’t laid an egg in over a week which also seems to be a symptom of kidney problems.

I was wondering if anyone has successfully treated their hens for kidney stones or kidney issues? I have seen articles online suggesting that it is possible to treat and I thought someone here might have some experience of this.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Gloria is an ex-battery hen and has been with us for just over one year

two weeks ago she started to seem a little distracted and lethargic with a loss of appetite. We gave her a few days to perk up and when she didn’t we took her to the vets. The vet could feel some form of growth / blockage in her stomach area and when the vet inspected her internally she found some white, flaky residue. The vet thought this might be some form of trapped mummified egg inside Gloria and we arranged for a further check up the following day with Gloria under a sedative. Following this check, unfortunately the vet advised that it wasn’t anything that could be extracted and the issue is likely to be kidney related and Gloria might have days/weeks left.

• They advised her oviducts were clear of any obvious issues.
• A couple of months ago she did go slightly lame (we assumed an injury) but this could have been gout related and an early sign of kidney issues.
• Her poop is a bright green colour and really does smell strongly!
• She hasn’t laid an egg in over a week which also seems to be a symptom of kidney problems.

Welcome To BYC!

Where are you located in the world?
Can you post some photos of Gloria, her feet and her poop?

You mention Gout - does she have swelling of both feet or anything odd about her feet?

The vet felt growth/blockage in her stomach (abdomen?)? Does it feel like she's got fluid in the abdomen or is the abdomen hard/tight like a drum?

Has the vet given you instructions for any course of treatment, diet changes, medications, supplements or provided you with any suggestions about her care? If so, then what did they say?

 

[Richardial]

Welcome To BYC!

Where are you located in the world?
Can you post some photos of Gloria, her feet and her poop?

You mention Gout - does she have swelling of both feet or anything odd about her feet?

The vet felt growth/blockage in her stomach (abdomen?)? Does it feel like she's got fluid in the abdomen or is the abdomen hard/tight like a drum?

Has the vet given you instructions for any course of treatment, diet changes, medications, supplements or provided you with any suggestions about her care? If so, then what did they say?

hi,
Thank you for your response.

We live in Stratford Upon Avon in the UK.

I’ve attached a photo of Gloria’s feet and her poop. Her feet look normal to me. I checked her this evening and she doesn’t seem to have any swelling to her abdomen. Still feeling light in weight though.

The vet said the growth felt like some form of mass in her kidney area. Also didn’t seem too sure of what the problem was so didn’t suggest any treatment - they just seemed to assume it was a kidney issue that would be terminal. They did say surgery could be an option but it would be a difficult recovery and didn’t think it was best for Gloria.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The vet could feel some form of growth / blockage in her stomach area....The vet said the growth felt like some form of mass in her kidney area. and when the vet inspected her internally she found some white, flaky residue.

doesn’t seem to have any swelling to her abdomen

I forgot to ask - is she still laying eggs?

That's interesting. So where on the body was the vet saying they felt like a mass had formed in her kidney area?

The poop does not look normal to me. Did the vet not run a fecal float to see if worms or Coccidiosis are a problem?

Her legs look o.k., birds with gout have puffy swollen feet.

With her being an ExBatt, I would lean toward her having some type of reproductive disorder which can be common in laying hens. Cancer, Peritonitis, Salpingitis, Internal Laying, etc. are some issues that affect hens and that cause a feeling of a mass or growth in the abdomen. Inflammation can cause lameness or difficulty walking.
The gizzard is also in the abdomen area and if it is full or a little impacted, it can also be felt through the skin.

I would check to make sure her crop is emptying overnight. Check her regularly for lice/mites, get a fecal float and treat for worms and/or Coccidiosis if necessary. See that she's eating/drinking well, see how it goes.

 

[LaFleche]

She might be in need of thorough de-worming and grit for better digestion.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I would lean toward her having some type of reproductive disorder which can be common in laying hens. Cancer, Peritonitis, Salpingitis, Internal Laying, etc. are some issues that affect hens and that cause a feeling of a mass or growth in the abdomen. Inflammation can cause lameness or difficulty walking.

Agreed..

And also agree with the vet that it will eventually be terminal.. but then all life is.

We live in Stratford Upon Avon in the UK.

Welcome to BYC!

Gloria is a beauty, sorry you both are facing this.

Please tell us what is being fed on a regular basis including treats and supplements? Does she have flock mates?

Any chance she's starting to molt? Most chickens don't lay eggs during molt and can become very withdrawn.

Hope she improves and recovers quickly!