Sick chicken w/ gape worm!

[Grumpypantsmomma]

Quote:
No your right I read that to! But my girl is so tiny the smallest pair of tweezers I have are to big, so i would be afraid to, someone also mentioned using a feather and oil to remove it!

 

[HenThymes]

Gapeworm treatment: Safeguard horse paste wormer, small pea size amount by mouth 1x a day for three days.

Fenbendazole will kill gape worms, regular poultry wormer will not.

 

[Beth G.]

I could be wrong b/c I am not a Vet. But, I did work for a vet for a couple of years. I do have a saved website the Vet found for me and from what you are describing I only think the following based on what you have told us.

I do not think your birds have gapeworm. I think that something got into your pen and stressed out your flock, attacked your Millie's face and your rooster beat em off.

I think after all said and done the stress was alot on them since I do belive they have a Respitory Disease. When birds show the symptoms for gasping for air, alot of times we (meaing chicken owners) Do not want to think the worst so we think of an alternative.

Please read the following as information only, But I do belive your birds are affected with some kind of Resp disease and not gape worm.

Infectious Laryngotracheitis
Synonyms: LT, ILT, trach, laryngo

Species affected: Chickens and pheasants are affected by LT. Chickens 14 weeks and older are more susceptible than young chickens. Most LT outbreaks occur in mature hens. In recent years, LT has also caused significant respiratory problems in broilers greater than 3 weeks of age, especially during the cooler seasons of the year. This is believed to be due to unwanted spread of LT vaccines between poultry flocks.

Clinical signs: The clinical sign usually first noticed is watery eyes. Affected birds remain quiet because breathing is difficult. Coughing, sneezing, and shaking of the head to dislodge exudate plugs in the windpipe follow. Birds extend their head and neck to facilitate breathing (commonly referred to as "pump handle respiration"). Inhalation produces a wheezing and gurgling sound. Blood-tinged exudates and serum clots are expelled from the trachea of affected birds. Many birds die from asphyxiation due to a blockage of the trachea when the tracheal plug is freed.

Transmission: LT is spread by the respiratory route. LT is also spread from flock to flock by contaminated clothing, shoes, tires, etc. Birds that recover should be considered carriers for life. LT may be harbored in speciality poultry such as exhibition birds and game fowl.

Treatment: Incinerate dead birds, administer antibiotics to control secondary infection, and vaccinate the flock. Mass vaccination by spray or drinking water method is not recommended for large commercial or caged flocks. Individual bird administration by the eye-drop route is suggested. Follow manufacturers instructions. In small poultry flocks, use a swab to remove plug from gasping birds, and vaccinate by eye-drop method.

Prevention: Vaccinate replacement birds for outbreak farms. Vaccination for LT is not as successful as for other disease, but is an excellent preventive measure for use in outbreaks and in epidemic areas. Refer to the publication PS-36 (Vaccination of Small Poultry Flocks) for more information on LT vaccinations.

 

[Beth G.]

Also alot of times a big stressor like an attack on the flock triggers Respitory Disease into motion. When otherwise it would lay idle and only show alittle bit of symptoms.

I think Gape worm is definitely out there and if your bird feed off alot of earth worms etc.. it is a possibility but, i think Respitory is a bigger problem and Mycroplasmas too.

I hope I'm wrong but, I'm think a few doses of something like Tylan might quiet things down a bit for the respitory issues with a drop of Vetrx down the throat to help open up air passage ways. Also put some on the outside nostrils as it can work much like Vicks for humans. But if they do have this or a mycroplasma they are carriers for life.

Best Wishes and I hope your baby feels better soon

 

[Grumpypantsmomma]

Beth G. :

I could be wrong b/c I am not a Vet. But, I did work for a vet for a couple of years. I do have a saved website the Vet found for me and from what you are describing I only think the following based on what you have told us.

I do not think your birds have gapeworm. I think that something got into your pen and stressed out your flock, attacked your Millie's face and your rooster beat em off.

I think after all said and done the stress was alot on them since I do belive they have a Respitory Disease. When birds show the symptoms for gasping for air, alot of times we (meaing chicken owners) Do not want to think the worst so we think of an alternative.

Please read the following as information only, But I do belive your birds are affected with some kind of Resp disease and not gape worm.

Infectious Laryngotracheitis
Synonyms: LT, ILT, trach, laryngo

Species affected: Chickens and pheasants are affected by LT. Chickens 14 weeks and older are more susceptible than young chickens. Most LT outbreaks occur in mature hens. In recent years, LT has also caused significant respiratory problems in broilers greater than 3 weeks of age, especially during the cooler seasons of the year. This is believed to be due to unwanted spread of LT vaccines between poultry flocks.

Clinical signs: The clinical sign usually first noticed is watery eyes. Affected birds remain quiet because breathing is difficult. Coughing, sneezing, and shaking of the head to dislodge exudate plugs in the windpipe follow. Birds extend their head and neck to facilitate breathing (commonly referred to as "pump handle respiration"). Inhalation produces a wheezing and gurgling sound. Blood-tinged exudates and serum clots are expelled from the trachea of affected birds. Many birds die from asphyxiation due to a blockage of the trachea when the tracheal plug is freed.

Transmission: LT is spread by the respiratory route. LT is also spread from flock to flock by contaminated clothing, shoes, tires, etc. Birds that recover should be considered carriers for life. LT may be harbored in speciality poultry such as exhibition birds and game fowl.

Treatment: Incinerate dead birds, administer antibiotics to control secondary infection, and vaccinate the flock. Mass vaccination by spray or drinking water method is not recommended for large commercial or caged flocks. Individual bird administration by the eye-drop route is suggested. Follow manufacturers instructions. In small poultry flocks, use a swab to remove plug from gasping birds, and vaccinate by eye-drop method.

Prevention: Vaccinate replacement birds for outbreak farms. Vaccination for LT is not as successful as for other disease, but is an excellent preventive measure for use in outbreaks and in epidemic areas. Refer to the publication PS-36 (Vaccination of Small Poultry Flocks) for more information on LT vaccinations.

I only have 2 that are infected with gape worm that were in the same pen as the flock i mentioned, I only wormed the rest of the flock as a precautionary measure, I also said they were showing signs, but not that they had it, I have had some chickens with a respiratory infection before so i do know what to look for.
With the two girls that have it, the first i thought she just had respiratory infection, as she wasn't getting better i looked on to other reasons, Gape worm is what she has, so when I found Milly and heard her doing the same thing as my other girl I thought Gape worm, as is the case I am right, their is no respiratory infection that has a long blood colored red worm in the throat blocking the trachea. these two both have gape worm, as for the rest of the flock I do think It is a Respiratory infection of some kind, brought on by the stress from the attack. My main concern as of last post was because i just wormed them recently as a precaution can i give them other medicine for resp disease or will it be overload.​

 

[Beth G.]

So to be clear, You have had these two birds diagnosed with Gape Worm? Or you are telling me you scoped them and looked down their esophagus and visably saw the gape worm? I do believe you have a very small variety bird we are talking about right?

I'm not being sarcastic in anyway I'm just trying to have you clear up my questions so I can better understand. And before I say anything more.
Quote:
I only have 2 that are infected with gape worm that were in the same pen as the flock i mentioned, I only wormed the rest of the flock as a precautionary measure, I also said they were showing signs, but not that they had it, I have had some chickens with a respiratory infection before so i do know what to look for.
With the two girls that have it, the first i thought she just had respiratory infection, as she wasn't getting better i looked on to other reasons, Gape worm is what she has, so when I found Milly and heard her doing the same thing as my other girl I thought Gape worm, as is the case I am right, their is no respiratory infection that has a long blood colored red worm in the throat blocking the trachea. these two both have gape worm, as for the rest of the flock I do think It is a Respiratory infection of some kind, brought on by the stress from the attack. My main concern as of last post was because i just wormed them recently as a precaution can i give them other medicine for resp disease or will it be overload.

 

[Grumpypantsmomma]

Quote:
Thankyou I do have this, and it is what i have used on them, but i was told to give them only a pea sized once then again in 10 days! I think i will do it your way!

 

[Grumpypantsmomma]

Beth G. :

Also alot of times a big stressor like an attack on the flock triggers Respitory Disease into motion. When otherwise it would lay idle and only show alittle bit of symptoms.

I think Gape worm is definitely out there and if your bird feed off alot of earth worms etc.. it is a possibility but, i think Respitory is a bigger problem and Mycroplasmas too.

I hope I'm wrong but, I'm think a few doses of something like Tylan might quiet things down a bit for the respitory issues with a drop of Vetrx down the throat to help open up air passage ways. Also put some on the outside nostrils as it can work much like Vicks for humans. But if they do have this or a mycroplasma they are carriers for life.

Best Wishes and I hope your baby feels better soon

O.K but if it is a disease how does the entire flock have it? is it contagious sort of disease. how much does Tylan normally cost?​

 

[Beth G.]

Hey, I'm not saying it's definitely one thing over the other. If you just dosed your flock with a wormer, Yes it can take a toll on their digestive tract. Therefore, I'm glad to see you are cautious about giving them another med on top of that.

My suggestion would be this. If they do have some type of Mycroplasma Tylan 200 will not cure them and Mycroplasmas are highly contagious in a flock. Tylan Injectable can be purchased at TSC or a major Farm store in the Cattle section. It will only help the clinical respitory issues. It should not cost more than $50.00. But, I think that before you give this to them you need to think about a couple of things.

Without proper bloodtest and throat swab there is no way to know if they do indeed have a Mycroplasma. If you do not get the test done you will not ever know and could potentially dangerous to surrounding flocks and an additions you bring in.

So now that I said my peace as I've dealt alot with MG in my State and I've tried to educate people about MG I have to say this or I feel like I'm leaving out an important fact.

I would do Tylan 200 1/4 of a cc twice a day for three days. Then 1/4 cc for an additional 7 days. Make sure you rotate your injections sites as to not injury your bird. You can inject in the breast section or on smaller birds/bantams at the back, base of the neck. Tylan is considered an antibiotic and when admin. you need to give it long enough to help the bird so the do not build up a resistance.

Also, there is drug used in Europe which is becoming more widely used in the US is Denegard. It's a treatment to administor to flock with MG, MS, or any other mycroplasmas. It is very costly though and needs to be adminstered at first with loading doses and then reduced to monthly.

I think sometimes as my Vet would say, you need to outway the good and the bad when decided to medicate. Yes it could potential overload the body if giving to much of different things. But, if you have no other alternative, and without the helping had of proper medicine, you may lose your beloved pet.

Best Wishes!
Quote:
O.K but if it is a disease how does the entire flock have it? is it contagious sort of disease. how much does Tylan normally cost?

 

[Grumpypantsmomma]

Beth G. :

So to be clear, You have had these two birds diagnosed with Gape Worm? Or you are telling me you scoped them and looked down their esophagus and visably saw the gape worm? I do believe you have a very small variety bird we are talking about right?

I'm not being sarcastic in anyway I'm just trying to have you clear up my questions so I can better understand. And before I say anything more.
Quote:
I only have 2 that are infected with gape worm that were in the same pen as the flock i mentioned, I only wormed the rest of the flock as a precautionary measure, I also said they were showing signs, but not that they had it, I have had some chickens with a respiratory infection before so i do know what to look for.
With the two girls that have it, the first i thought she just had respiratory infection, as she wasn't getting better i looked on to other reasons, Gape worm is what she has, so when I found Milly and heard her doing the same thing as my other girl I thought Gape worm, as is the case I am right, their is no respiratory infection that has a long blood colored red worm in the throat blocking the trachea. these two both have gape worm, as for the rest of the flock I do think It is a Respiratory infection of some kind, brought on by the stress from the attack. My main concern as of last post was because i just wormed them recently as a precaution can i give them other medicine for resp disease or will it be overload.
​

They have been diagnosed with gape worm by my vet, and yes i have seen the worm very hard to do but the vet showed me how.
but i can't exactly take the rest of my flock in to be diagnosed right now and the vet is just to far, I can't wait til next friday and just let them suffer. so i am asking my BYC Buddies for help intil then.