Rapid and severe swelling in body and face

[HeatherKellyB]

Two things that I could think of are blunt trauma injury to an air sac, especially in the neck or chest, causing air sacs to fill with air, and the chicken being unable to breathe. This is called subcutaneous emphysema, and it usually is contained in one area, but I have hear of severe cases where the whole body suddenly swells with air under the skin. The other thing would be swollen head syndrome which is a viral disease. In that, the head, neck, and wattles swell.

I found this in an old post from @Eggcessive
I was thinking some type of edema, but with the presence of HPAI, I completely understand your concern. I hope it's not the case. Please keep us updated

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Is his crop functioning properly? Was it empty this morning?

 

[Meganblairbare]

Is his crop functioning properly? Was it empty this morning?

He's literally so swollen with liquid I can't tell. I don't want to squeeze on him. I'm going to go read that now. I wasn't here yesterday to notice what he was eating or how he was acting either.

 

[Meganblairbare]

Could it be air?? He's just filling up like a balloon. Where would it all come from? I'm trying to maintain but I think he's dying and I can't do anything about it. We are homeless and live on a freaking island and I don't see him surviving any sort of transport...

 

[Myrshine]

Unpopular opinion, but I think it may be better if you euthanize him and then send his body off for a necropsy to your state veterinarian to be tested for a variety of different diseases, including AI (Avian Influenza).

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Could it be air?? He's just filling up like a balloon. Where would it all come from? I'm trying to maintain but I think he's dying and I can't do anything about it. We are homeless and live on a freaking island and I don't see him surviving any sort of transport...

I'm so sorry. Have you checked on your other birds? If this is h5n1, you will probably see other birds in a similar condition. I'm still hoping and that something else is going on here and it's not HPAI. Any chance you've spoken to the person with the other chicken to ask if he's still sick or share your concerns with them?

 

[Eggcessive]

It looks like he may be injured with the marks on his comb. He may have air under the skin from a leaking air sac, or he could have liquid inside his crop. I suppose bleeding under the skin from an injury could also be possible. I would try to decide if it is air or liquid. Air can be removed with a needle by pressing the air out, or with syringe and needle. It can come back and need deflating again. I don’t know if he could have an enlarged crop full of liquid, or possibly his crop is leaking under the skin. If that is happening, he may need to be put down. I would do that if he appears to be suffering.

I would try to get him drinking water with electrolytes. Feel of his crop often, and especially in early morning before he has had food and water.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Where is he swelling up like a balloon? Ruptured air sac comes to mind. He's been in a some scuffles with another rooster. He's got some scabs on the comb and wattles.
A few good kicks to the side of the head and the body...likely gonna cause some swelling, possibly ruptured air sac.

Image below shows the location of the 9 (Nine) Air Sacs. Take a feel of him and see if there's AIR under the skin. If there is, then Follow the instructions in POST#17

If you do lose him for some reason, then send the body for necropsy to find out more or to ease your worries over panic of disease.

 

[Meganblairbare]

Where is he swelling up like a balloon? Ruptured air sac comes to mind. He's been in a some scuffles with another rooster. He's got some scabs on the comb and wattles.
A few good kicks to the side of the head and the body...likely gonna cause some swelling, possibly ruptured air sac.

Image below shows the location of the 9 (Nine) Air Sacs. Take a feel of him and see if there's AIR under the skin. If there is, then Follow the instructions in POST#17

If you do lose him for some reason, then send the body for necropsy to find out more or to ease your worries over panic of disease.

View attachment 3008759

Ok, sorry it's been a crazy day. No other birds sick. It's air. He hasn't died. He actually started to act his usual hellion self.. I think it was just extra uncomfortable and scary for him at first but he obviously got used to whatever the sensation is.. is it painful? We have been debating who is going to pop the balloon all day. I haven't been able to find any videos or instructions that are in English and/or don't leave me with a million questions.. he's asleep now so I want to do it tonight but I need more detail. How do you know where to poke him? What if he moves? He's a crafty little bird.. how do I restrain him? Can I injure him by keeping him still? Where should I poke? His head is even blown up. I saw a video of a guy doing a birds head but it's like the thing was on ludes. There is no way my Deanie will sit like that. Plus it was not in English so idk what the guy was explaining. He had obviously done this before though.. His feathers make it hard to know what is where.. I think my manager n issue is how to keep him still so I don't injure him by restraint or mid poke. Do I keep the needle in him? Is 18 gauge good enough? I'm sorry I'm probably forgetting something but it's go time so hopefully someone is available who knows something about this. Sorry it took me all day. Bad weather and all kinds of fun stuff.. thanks in advance

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I am so happy to read this update