Sick Turkey...HELP

[jbowen53]

We have a Tom turkey that we have raised along with our chicken flock. He suddenly went down and of course we rushed him to the vet thinking he might have a broken leg or wing. All x-rays were negative and then they did the blood work that showed he have some type of virus. He's been on antibiotics for seven days now and still won't stand. He eats good, drinks well and poops incredibly well, he just wont or cant stand. We have even been giving him daily warm salt baths and making him stand up. He falls asleep during the baths (what a great life) Anyway, does anyone have any idea that would help us? I fear if he doesn't get up soon he will have to be put down. Can't afford anymore vet bills (this one was over $500.00)

 

[Eggcessive]

Have you also tried to post on the Turkey Forum page here? Click on the blue box “Post New Thread” where more turkey people may see it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/turkeys.20/

What was the name of the virus? Did your vet do a fecal test for cecal worms which carry blackhead disease, or for coccidiosis and other worms? Mareks disease is usually just a problem for chickens, although it has been reported in turkeys in a few countries. Do you see any skeletal problems that he might have?

 

[jbowen53]

Yes and it was negative. Body, Skeleton, all were good; the only thing the vet could find was that his white count was elevated which is why he put him on antibiotics. The vet is a bird specialist.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would make sure that the turkey can get plenty of food and water. Are you feeding a gamebird type feed or Flock Raiser for all types of birds? Vitamin or mineral deficiency could be a problem, but if the white blood cell count was elevated, it sounds more like a bacterial infection, rather than virus. What antibiotic are you giving? I hope he gets better.

 

[jbowen53]

Thank you for your response, sorry it's taking me so long to reply. Tom is still down, refusing to stand. Trying one more thing but it's not looking good.