Pullet having breathing issues

[Roger98]

This pullet has had a few issues for last month. First i thought i witness her having siezures, then more recently i noticed she sometimes has very labored breathing like she's opening her mouth very wide and sticking her tongue out. She eats and drinks with the others, her appetite hasn't gone away at all. But now she also has a limp, i don't know what is wrong with her, it seems like everything that can go wrong is going wrong all at once with this chicken. Please help

 

[Eggcessive]

Is there any chance that you could post a video of her to YouTube with a link posted here? Was she vaccinated for Mareks disease?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would hold off on antibiotics since they won’t help if it is a virus or mold problem. If you notice eye bubbles or swelling, or thick nasal drainage, then is the time to start an antibiotic, such as Tylan50 injectable (given orally.) You can find it online or at feed stores in the cattle section.

I have never used Vet Rx, which is similar to Vicks, nut some use it to help with respiratory symptoms. It is an herbal remedy containing camphor, oils of pine, rosemary, oregano, so you can try it, but none of those ingredients can treat an infection.

 

[Eggcessive]

Chickens can die suddenly, linger for days or weeks, or sometimes not get worse, possibly recovering from Mareks. Each case is different. But since you cannot know for sure what she has, and since it may affect your flock in the future, I would consider culling her and getting a necropsy by your state poultry lab. They can test for Mareks and also can diagnose the respiratory diseases she has from cultures done on sinuses, organs, or tumors found on nerves. This is the best method for a diagnosis. I am sorry that she has become worse, but I would spend the money to know how to proceed with your flock. What state are you located? Here is a list of poultry labs and state vets where you can call and ask questions:
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

Here is an excellent article on Mareks disease:
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/neoplasms/marek’s-disease-in-poultry

 

[Roger98]

Is there any chance that you could post a video of her to YouTube with a link posted here? Was she vaccinated for Mareks disease?

I can take a video tomorrow. No, none of my chickens are vaccinated

 

[Eggcessive]

I will look for it tomorrow, and others may chime in as well. What did she do when you noticed the seizure activity or neurological symptoms she having before? Does she drag the leg, hold it up, or put weight on it?

 

[Roger98]

I will look for it tomorrow, and others may chime in as well. What did she do when you noticed the seizure activity or neurological symptoms she having before? Does she drag the leg, hold it up, or put weight on it?

Before the seizures she never shown any symptoms. It was like she'd thrash around uncontrollably before calming down and getting back up and going about her business. It only happened twice of what I've seen. She doesn't drag the leg, she holds it up. She tries to put pressure on it and was able to get up onto the roost to sleep.

 

[Eggcessive]

That sounds more like a sprain. How is the weather where you live—hot or cold, rainy, dry? Is there much dust or any mold in the coop? Respiratory diseases or infections can cause gasping, nasal drainage, bubbly eye, sometimes sneezing or cough, and swelling of the eyes or face.

 

[Roger98]

That sounds more like a sprain. How is the weather where you live—hot or cold, rainy, dry? Is there much dust or any mold in the coop? Respiratory diseases or infections can cause gasping, nasal drainage, bubbly eye, sometimes sneezing or cough, and swelling of the eyes or face.

Its been raining and the temperature has been dropping. Its dry in the coops, clean no mold. I was thinking respiratory but she doesn't have a runny nose, sneezing or any swelling

 

[Roger98]

Its been raining and the temperature has been dropping. Its dry in the coops, clean no mold. I was thinking respiratory but she doesn't have a runny nose, sneezing or any swelling

So an update, i noticed her sneezing this morning. I also noticed her still trying to use the leg but holding it up. She doesn't look sickly yet, she's still trying to part of the group and her appetite is still strong. I'm thinking i should get some kind of med to treat this if it is a respiratory infection.