Sick chicken full of liquid

[graaly80]

We had a chicken who seemed quite ill and we decided it was best to put her down. Apon dissection to investigate the cause, she was full of yellow liquid. Maybe 500ml worth. We did note that she was oddly heavy. Can anyone explain what happened? Our other two chickens are normal and healthy. Would really appreciate any insights. Thankyou.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Sorry for your loss. That sounds like your hen had ascites from right sided heart failure, liver disease, or from internal laying. Some liver infection can be related to clostridium perfringens enteritis. Those all can be common in broiler or laying hens. It is good that you did the necropsy. I found 3 of my hens last winter had ascites as well. Some people will try to remove fluid periodically with a 16 gauge needle, or have a vet do it, to make them more comfortable. There is no treatment, so euthanizing when very ill is probably helpful. Here is some info to read:
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul...itions-of-poultry/ascites-syndrome-in-poultry

 

[Eggcessive]

Here are a few more links to read with pictures:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ascites-in-desperate-need-of-some-help-and-guidance.853726/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...nd-eyp-very-graphic-necropsy-pictures.821240/

 

[graaly80]

Thanks so much Eggcessive (haha, love the username). Thanks for the warm welcome too. Sounds exactly what it was. The pictures in your second post look exactly like the liquid that came out of her. So I think you diagnosis is spot on. Truly appreciative. Graaly.