Question about liquid medicine

[Country4ever]

My very old chicken was just put on Meloxicam and Tramadol liquid for inflammation.
I'm to give the Tramadol 2-3 times a day and the other once a day. Its liquid and I'm supposed to give it orally with a syringe.
My poor hen is in pain alot of time. I'm not about to traumatize her at least 3 times a day cramming that syringe down her throat, fighting with her. The vet told me I shouldn't mix it with food, because you're just not sure how much they get that way.
If I'm sure she's getting all of it, do you see any reason why I can't mix it with a little food instead of getting her totally worked up 3 times a day? I feel really bad that she is in pain, and doesn't realize that I'm trying to help her. I just can't struggle with her that many times a day.
What do you think?

 

[Eggcessive]

If it were me I would give the 2 meds by mouth once a day, and give the other med on top of a tiny bit of wet food or yogurt twice a day if she is eating. A small piece of bread might be a good medicine treat.

 

[Pathfinders]

Chickens can actually get quite used to being handled. If it will help, wrap your bird in a towel so she can't flap her wings, and hold her on your lap as you dose her.

I would take your vet's advice and dose her as instructed. If you're going to pay for a vet visit and meds for a chicken (which many people aren't willing to do), I would think you'd want to ensure the bird got well, and do what the vet says to do.

But that's just me...

 

[Country4ever]

Of course I want my hen to get well. I wouldn't be working so hard with her if I didn't. Even though one of the vets is training to be an Avian specialist, I think her actual experience with chickens isn't high. I'm just asking if I can get enough of the med into my chicken, without making her pain worse. Yes, I do already wrap her in a towel. But she's a fighter, and its a challenge to not lose the 1/2 cc med I'm trying to squirt into the back of her throat. Also, as I've said, she's already in alot of pain, and struggling with me can't help. So I was asking about making it easier for her.
In some areas, I'm sure I've had more personal experience than the vet who saw her. Just trying to make it easier on the hen, while also trying to make her feel better.

 

[Pathfinders]

How is your hen doing now? I hope she is better.

 

[casportpony]

Chickens can actually get quite used to being handled. If it will help, wrap your bird in a towel so she can't flap her wings, and hold her on your lap as you dose her.

I would take your vet's advice and dose her as instructed. If you're going to pay for a vet visit and meds for a chicken (which many people aren't willing to do), I would think you'd want to ensure the bird got well, and do what the vet says to do.

But that's just me...

X2! Once one figures out how to restrain a bird, giving medicine orally is very easy.

-Kathy

 

[Country4ever]

Thanks for asking.
No, her leg is no better. Her spirit is a bit improved though. The vet wasn't completely sure what was going on. I'm thinking if I could make a "leg" for her to stand on, it would help. She's going to wear her good leg out.
The vet wasn't even sure that what she was seeing on the xray was actually a tumor. I just haven't been able to find many chicken-owners with this same type of problem. It seems so much like an orthopedic issue....but the vet said there wasn't any broken bones. then again........how many vets really know that much about chickens?
So......the hen and I are muddling through this together! .......hoping for a little improvement.
Thanks again for asking.

 

[Pathfinders]

Hmm. You say her leg is injured? What are the symptoms? What does she do? Why do you feel she has injured her leg? Is it possible she has Marek's Disease?

 

[Eggcessive]

Hmm. You say her leg is injured? What are the symptoms? What does she do? Why do you feel she has injured her leg? Is it possible she has Marek's Disease?

Here is the OP's previous thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ping-hen-to-an-avian-specialist#post_12276840