Sick chicken

[Struturstuff]

I’ve been trying to help my chicken for two months now, but she’s not getting better. Her eye appears infected. Typically her left eye is crusty and closed in the morning (see photo). Sometimes it affects her right eye as well. It comes and goes throughout the day and she seems congested. The other chickens are fine. I’ve taken her to two different avian vets. She was prescribed Trimethoprm Sulf 240 mg. 1.4 mL 2x daily and eye drops. The congestion cleared up, but the eye is the same. 2nd vet increased med to 2 mL and prescribed a different eye drop. No improvement. I haven’t changed anything in her environment (I’ve had her for two years now.) Bloodwork was done and an infection was found, but vet doesn’t know what’s causing it. Now he’s suggesting x-rays, but I’ve spent a fortune and I’m not sure what would show up on an x-ray? I thought perhaps she has grown allergic to the pine shavings, so I cleaned them out of the coop and replaced them with hemp bedding; but no improvement. Any suggestions would be so helpful!

 

[GodLovesU]

Are you regularly cleaning the eye?

 

[Jeff_Stone]

I'm so sorry to hear that your chicken is struggling with this eye infection!

Given the persistence of the issue despite veterinary care and medication, it's understandable that you're seeking additional advice.

Here are some potential suggestions and considerations:

1. Re-evaluate environment:

Although you mentioned that you haven't changed anything in her environment, it might be helpful to double-check for any subtle differences or potential irritants. Consider factors like humidity, temperature fluctuations, or even pest infestations (e.g., mites, lice).

2. Dietary factors:

Ensure that your chicken's diet is balanced and nutrient-rich. Some foods or supplements might be exacerbating the issue. Consult with your vet about potential dietary changes or additions.

3. Allergy or intolerance:

Your suspicion about a potential allergy to pine shavings is a good one. The switch to hemp bedding is a great step. However, it might take some time to see improvements. Monitor her condition closely, and consider exploring other bedding options if the issue persists.

4. Bacterial or fungal infections:

Given the presence of an infection (as indicated by bloodwork), it's possible that the eye issue is related to a bacterial or fungal infection. You might want to discuss further testing or alternative treatments with your vet.

5. Consult a poultry specialist:

If possible, consider consulting a veterinarian who specializes in poultry or backyard chickens. They might offer valuable insights or suggest additional testing/treatments.

6. Keep a detailed record:

Maintaining a detailed record of your chicken's symptoms, treatments, and environment can help identify patterns or potential causes. In terms of the x-ray suggestion, it's understandable that you're hesitant given the costs. However, an x-ray might help identify any underlying structural issues or foreign bodies that could be contributing to the eye infection.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I’ve been trying to help my chicken for two months now, but she’s not getting better. Her eye appears infected. Typically her left eye is crusty and closed in the morning (see photo). Sometimes it affects her right eye as well. It comes and goes throughout the day and she seems congested. The other chickens are fine. I’ve taken her to two different avian vets. She was prescribed Trimethoprm Sulf 240 mg. 1.4 mL 2x daily and eye drops. The congestion cleared up, but the eye is the same. 2nd vet increased med to 2 mL and prescribed a different eye drop. No improvement.

Welcome To BYC

You Vet did bloodwork and found infection, did they do testing to find out what bacteria was causing the infection so you can give the correct medications?

Can you open her eye - get a photo? Does it have Pus in the eye? A bad odor?
Any lesions inside the beak or canker?

Pus has to be removed from the eye in order for it to heal. Chicken pus will not dry up on its own even with antibiotics.

Flush the eye a couple of times a day with saline. Did your vet give drops or ointment? What do you have? Put the drops into the eye as prescribed.

 

[Struturstuff]

Are you regularly cleaning the eye?

Thank you. I’ll give that a try. I’m guessing a soft warm wet cloth around the eye area? I don’t want to scratch her little eye? Is there a better way?

 

[GodLovesU]

If you could use some saline solution that would be good.

Thank you. I’ll give that a try. I’m guessing a soft warm wet cloth around the eye area? I don’t want to scratch her little eye? Is there a better way?