rattling in chest

[rb1017]

I hear heavy rattling in my hen's lungs. She sounds like she has a bad cold and breathes through her mouth. The vet prescribed trimethoprim, an antibiotic that is used to treat
Pneumocystis Pneumonia, among other things.
She's been on it for a week with NO improvement. I know I'M SUPPOSED TO TREAT FOR 2-3 weeks, but shouldn't I see some improvement?
She also prescribed this for my 6 wk old chicks when they were sneezing - to no avail. but it later resolved on it's own.
This hen seems perky and is eating well otherwise, and of course she is isolated from the flock.
I'm also using VetRx 2-3 times per day orally.
Any suggestions? She's bored to death and in my lap most of the time while I work.
Thank you.

 

[nchls school]

For respiratory problems we use Norocillin, a Norbrook product with very good results.
We buy it at the local farm supply store.

 

[Eggcessive]

If the respiratory infection is from a virus nothing will clear it up—it will have to run it’s course. If it is caused by MG, you may see better results in using Baytril, Tylan, Denagard, or a tetracycline such as oxytetracycline or doxycycline. Tylan 50 injectable is usually available in feed stores. I can give dosages if needed. It can be given orally, which is easier for most people. MG has no cell wall, so many antibiotics will not work in treating it. Trimethoprim or bactrim is a sulfa drug that is better for treatment of coryza.

Can you describe the symptoms you are seeing? The link below has all of the common diseases mentioned above as far as symptoms and treatments:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[dawg53]

Since your 6 week old chicks were sneezing and the TMP had no effect (and now your hen,) and the chicks eventually stopped sneezing...makes me suspect if it's something in the environment or maybe mold or fungus spores causing them to sneeze.
Dust from bedding or dirt baths, ammonia fumes from soiled bedding, feed dust, pollen, pesticides, improper ventilation all can be causes. I recommend that you inspect for any these problems or anything else out of the ordinary.