Ruby - possible unwell. Again.

[Kiki]

Hi folks,
Many of you know that Ruby had a host of health problems last year... doughy, somewhat pendulous crop, unidentified “mass” (per avian vet) near/in/around (unsure) her oviduct and swelling in her abdomen. Crop treatment and later, heavy duty antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and hormone implant got her back to feeling well last year. She had a loooong, slow molt, and only got her laying hormones back recently. She eats, forages, preens, vocalizes and poops normally, and her crop has been emptying normally. Lately, she’s been back to being “Adventure Girl!” I even think she laid two eggs.

Well, the last couple days she’s had a slight sneeze. She has often sneezed in the past when she eats grass (like it might get stuck in her throat a little) in the past, so I wasn’t sure. Yesterday she was in the best box, but didn’t produce anything, as far as I can tell. Today when she was dust bathing in the sun, I thought her breathing looked a bit labored, and then I found her in the run by herself with her tail down during free range time. I felt her over and all feels good except her abdomen does feel slightly fluidy and she sounds a little “clicky” when she breathes. Dang it! She’s back out in the yard being busy since I disturbed her.

I knew last summer her long term prognosis was probably not good. Now I need to decide what to do with this little angel. Treat symptoms? Get another hormone implant? (I love her personality OFF the hormones better). Put her down before she feels horrible? (We’re not there yet). I’m leaning toward seeing an avian vet next week and getting an implant. Maybe then next year she’ll stop laying on her own, if we’re lucky. Antibiotics may or may not be in order at this point. Wishing I had ordered Lily of the Dessert Aloe Detox earlier, since it’s not available on Prime (at least, not last time I checked).

I think I know where things stand. Just looking for moral support, I guess, though suggestions are welcome.

 

[Painted Calls]

I'm so sorry about your sweet Ruby. Big hugs!

I would also take her to the vet to get their opinion before making any big decisions.

 

[BY Bob]

I am so sorry this is happening. I would take advantage of the vet. Get some true advice instead of trying to guess. The best rule of thumb is ther earlier you catch it the better. I would not wait or try to cure her myself with her history. Get professional advice.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

So sorry. I hope it turns out to be something fixable.

 

[hispoptart]

I'm so sorry she's unwell again. She's such a pretty girl. I hope you can get some help from the vet.

 

[micstrachan]

My heart hurts. Ruby had a great morning being as active as anyone else, playing in the rice hulls. Some strong wind came, and they all sort of hunkered down. When I was leaving the house with my daughter, I poked my head in. Ruby was lying down with a lowered, pumping tail under the red mini coop. Sigh. We’ll definitely need to see an avian vet early in the week.

 

[micstrachan]

Ruby is pretty active today! I’m home not feeling well and sat with them a bit. When she sits, her breathing is heavy. She sees the avian vet tomorrow morning.

 

[micstrachan]

In the big picture, Ruby looks pretty good. However, I suspect internal laying, since I think she briefly came back into lay last week. She still squats when I approach, too. Here she is having a rest on my towel. You can see the pumping tail and heavy breathing, but she does not appear to be in distress. She sees the avian vet in the morning, so I hope we’ve caught this in time to help her.

 

[hayley3]

Awwww, I hope you get some positive news. She's a very pretty hen, and soooo calm!

 

[micstrachan]

Awwww, I hope you get some positive news. She's a very pretty hen, and soooo calm!

Thank you. Yes, a clean bill of health would be amazing. I doubt that, but better safe than sorry!