prognosis of Marek's in pullets

[Dhkoenig]

Hi All - my second chicken got sick today - She is still at a different vet than the first who had to go in on Friday. They had given me antibiotics and anti inflammatory for her since they wouldn't know til today what was wrong. That vet called me today - after I dropped a second girl off at the other vet - and said that her liver enzymes were up so I should continue antibiotics to fight off possible secondary liver infection. But then she said she is very worried because if my chickens (which I inherited when we moved into this house in August) were not vaccinated (former owner says she doesn't think so) that they will likely all have it and I may lose the whole flock. Does anyone know if this is inevitable? I am the person who will pull out any stop to save them. Is it a death sentence? I am so upset.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Not necessarily inevitable that they all get it. Some are naturally resistant.
However if one contracts it, it is a death sentence.

 

[Dhkoenig]

Not necessarily inevitable that they all get it. Some are naturally resistant.
However if one contracts it, it is a death sentence.

well, seems they do have it. One of them has a liver infection and is responding pretty well to anitbiotics and the other has a respiratory infection and coming home from vet tomorrow. She is better now than this morning after injected antibiotics and oxygen suite LOL. Prayers up for the ladies. No animal issue I won't tackle and give all I've got!

 

[Sally PB]

Thank you for taking such good care of them. Positive waves and hugs.

 

[ackie]

I thought Mareks was more likely to be tumors than an infection.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

There are 4; types of Marek's. They are all caused by a virus and as such, antibiotics have no effect on it.