Purple Comb that Comes and Goes

[BunnyChickenMomma]

Hi, All!

I've got a 3 year old Buff Orpington girl who has something going on. Last night when I was tucking them in for the night, I noticed Parsley's comb and wattles were dark purple. I brought her inside - she was bright, alert, and didn't seem in distress. I kept her inside for the night. Her comb was completely normal the next morning and she was eating and drinking. I put her back outside and she was dust bathing and acting normally. Her comb darkened throughout the day and tonight it was deep purple again - wattles seemed normal. She is inside for the night again and I have a vet appointment for her on Wednesday because I know comb discoloration can be a sign of something serious. Any ideas or experience with something like this?

 

[Eggcessive]

How cold has it been there? Can you get a picture of the comb after it gets normal again? Usually a dark comb is from poor oxygenation or heart failure, but she might be getting some frostbite. Can you make sure that she is drinking enough, since dehydration could also be a problem.

 

[BunnyChickenMomma]

It was very cold the previous week (-40), but this week it was -5 and above. Today and yesterday were in the 20s. I thought frostbite maybe, but does that come and go?

I'll get a photo of her comb tomorrow morning. I saw her drinking normally today, but I'll keep a close eye on her water intake tomorrow morning as well. Thank you for your help.

 

[BunnyChickenMomma]

We've kept her inside all day and her comb has stayed red. She is eating and drinking plenty, and seems to be acting completely normal.

My guess is that because it has stayed red while she's inside that this has something to do with temperature?