Rooster with mass in neck, possible tumor, thymus response -- Marek's

[Nambroth]

I just talked to my vet on the phone. She is concerned because the anesthesia should all be out of his system by now, but is not ruling it out. A friend of mine had a turkey undergo surgery and said that the anesthesia had her turkey acting loopy and unable to stand for a few days, so there is still hope that is all that is occurring here (her turkey recovered fine).

She agreed with my discontinuation of the metacam painkiller, just in case. He hasn't had any since 11:30pm last night.

She is concerned about Marek's. It is not overly common for it to come on like this but the leg paralysis is very suspect. She hopes to talk to the pathologist tomorrow or Friday to see if the tumor has any of the indicators of the virus.

Her only other thought at this point is that there is a small chance he could have thrown a clot.

There is not much else we can do today for him other than what we are doing. I've upped him to 20-25ml/hour approximately of water, and he is eating a teaspoon or so of food now and then. I am trying to keep his stress down and will resort to tubing him only if I think it's necessary.

He continues to be alert, and tracks us visually. Otherwise no changes.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

I hope things work out. It'd be a shame to loose such a wonderful roo. Marek's seems to be the worst disease a chicken can get.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/643379/mereks-vaccination
Here is the thread I made a while back. It focuses a lot on vaccination, but if you take the time to read through it, there is a lot of basic and complex information about Marek's from some very knowledgable members.

 

[Nambroth]

Thank you for the reading. Trousers is the first bird I ever brought in from anywhere other than a hatchery (with vaccinated chicks). There is a lot of conflicting information about where it comes from and after a 60 day quarantine, I decided to risk it with him, as I was rescuing him anyway. I truly hope it is not Marek's. Time will tell. If he does not improve or passes away I will find out for sure via testing one way or another. I want to make sure if I do have it that I do not spread it to anyone.

 

[Eowyn2]

Thank you for your updates. I'm sure I'm not the only one checking every few hours to see how Trousers is doing. Sounds like he's in good hands and is getting exceptional care.

 

[Nambroth]

He is currently resting, about the same as earlier. Can't use his legs/has no motor control in them. He does not have the typical "one leg forward one leg back" stance of Marek's but I know that hardly rules it out. He is sitting mostly on his tibia, meaning most of the weight is at his ankle, and none on his feet. When I try to gently rock him forward on his feet he flails and ends up on his side or back, looking miserable. Poor guy. So I let him sit however is most comfortable. Later tonight I will gently work his legs, just to make sure that blood flow is good.

No matter which of the possibilities are wrong right now, I'm sad to say that there isn't much to be done for him other that give him supportive care. He seems comfortable, is alert and watching everything happen, and picks at his food occasionally. I got another 30ml of water into him a few minutes ago.

He has been passing sparse but normal poops, though they are watery. The poos smell very 'medicinal', I wish that I knew what I was smelling. They are not a normal chicken poop odor. I described the odor as "smells like an ICU." I wonder if he is still passing medication?

I am trying not to lose hope, and trying not to get my hopes up, all in one go. It is hard because we are attached to him. I hate to think that he's suffering in any way, but he does seem calm and at ease.
Thank you for reading and dealing with this along with me. I most sincerely hope that it has a happy resolution and that it can help future chicken owners.

 

[artsyrobin]

My thoughts since his poop is still smelling mediciny- and it hasn't been that long would be he is still getting the meds out of his system, sometimes that can take longer than you expect- you are handling it the right way, keeping him hydrated, might consider making a broth of feed to get nutrients into his system too- praying for you all

 

[SoftBoiled]

Also offering prayers whilst pacing the proverbial hospital corridors waiting for updates, which you have been so very good to give Nambroth.

We must all just wait in hope for this lovely bundle of feathers.

 

[jopeep]

And where is Dr. Wade's office? so we can help with Trousers, if you please?

 

[Nambroth]

And where is Dr. Wade's office? so we can help with Trousers, if you please?

You are terribly kind! Thank you so much for thinking of us both. Dr. Wade's office is in the greater Buffalo NY area, but thanks to an outpouring from friends, I have sold several paintings in the last two days and they are helping me with the vet bills.