Suprelorin implant- Side effect question

[Chold05]

Hey guys!
My 2 year old ISA hen who's been sick for a couple months now, finally got in to see the vet last Wednesday for the Suprelorin implant. She's had the implant for 5 days now. The vet said her reproductive tract is super thick and inflamed, causing her belly to be swollen, which is also pushing on her air sacs. The hope is that the implant allows that swelling to go down... She's done a few rounds of antibiotics and is currently on intramuscular shots of Meloxicam for pain/inflammation.

Prior to the vet appt, she was less interested in food and dropped some weight but would eat scrambled eggs, applesauce, etc. Then to make matters worse, she suffered a beak injury 5 days before her implant. Although her beak appears to be improved, she still has trouble successfully pecking at small things like grass. I blended up her feed into powder and small crumbles, but she isn't having it.

Since the implant, she has basically zero interest in food. I've been syringe feeding her Kaytee's hand feed and Critical Care Omniovore. I've tried enticing her with EVERY kind of food you can think of, and she's not interested. I'm probably going to need to face my fears and start tube feeding her.... I've read all the threads on here about how to do it but I'm terrified. lol

Yesterday she dust bathed, she's still preening, but overall seems pretty.... blah. I had her separated from the flock due to the blood for a few days, but take her to visit her sisters everyday and recently put the dog crate in the coop so she can be with everyone, but safe. I'm hoping being with her sister's helps improve her mood. I'm pretty worried about her and have been wondering if it's time to consider putting her down. (*cue tears*)

I've read that the implant can cause a decrease in appetite. Does anyone have experience with how long that lasts? Will she eventually get her appetite back?

 

[nuthatched]

If she's inflamed, she likely will not want to eat, I'm not sure if it's from the implant or her condition. Tube feeding might be an option in a day or so.
Did your vet say how long she would be feeling poorly? It could also be the shock of going to the vet and a minor surger, birds in general don't handle surgery well. If she's dust bathing, that's a good sign.

 

[Chold05]

If she's inflamed, she likely will not want to eat, I'm not sure if it's from the implant or her condition. Tube feeding might be an option in a day or so.
Did your vet say how long she would be feeling poorly? It could also be the shock of going to the vet and a minor surger, birds in general don't handle surgery well. If she's dust bathing, that's a good sign.

My vet didn't say anything about side effects... I didn't really think to ask because I was really hoping she would improve. I guess my optimism clouded my logical brain. I will call the vet and ask those questions!
Thanks for your input! It hasnt been a week yet, but if it's been stressful for me, you're right- it's probably stressful for her, too!

 

[aart]

The vet said her reproductive tract is super thick and inflamed, causing her belly to be swollen, which is also pushing on her air sacs.

Water belly(ascites)?
How is vet so sure that it is the reproductive tract that is inflamed?

 

[Chold05]

Water belly(ascites)?
How is vet so sure that it is the reproductive tract that is inflamed?

She did xrays and an ultra sound. She also ran blood tests and fecal floats. I asked her to check again for Water belly at our follow up appointment, which she did. She claims there is no fluid in there. Her belly is firm and moderately distended rather than squishy like a water balloon.

 

[bmaw]

Hey guys!
My 2 year old ISA hen who's been sick for a couple months now, finally got in to see the vet last Wednesday for the Suprelorin implant. She's had the implant for 5 days now. The vet said her reproductive tract is super thick and inflamed, causing her belly to be swollen, which is also pushing on her air sacs. The hope is that the implant allows that swelling to go down... She's done a few rounds of antibiotics and is currently on intramuscular shots of Meloxicam for pain/inflammation.

Prior to the vet appt, she was less interested in food and dropped some weight but would eat scrambled eggs, applesauce, etc. Then to make matters worse, she suffered a beak injury 5 days before her implant. Although her beak appears to be improved, she still has trouble successfully pecking at small things like grass. I blended up her feed into powder and small crumbles, but she isn't having it.

Since the implant, she has basically zero interest in food. I've been syringe feeding her Kaytee's hand feed and Critical Care Omniovore. I've tried enticing her with EVERY kind of food you can think of, and she's not interested. I'm probably going to need to face my fears and start tube feeding her.... I've read all the threads on here about how to do it but I'm terrified. lol

Yesterday she dust bathed, she's still preening, but overall seems pretty.... blah. I had her separated from the flock due to the blood for a few days, but take her to visit her sisters everyday and recently put the dog crate in the coop so she can be with everyone, but safe. I'm hoping being with her sister's helps improve her mood. I'm pretty worried about her and have been wondering if it's time to consider putting her down. (*cue tears*)

I've read that the implant can cause a decrease in appetite. Does anyone have experience with how long that lasts? Will she eventually get her appetite back?

I am sorry about your chicken. I just had one implanted 2 weeks ago. She'd been laying lash eggs for months and her comb would often turn purplish on the tip. She had lost weight prior and would have ups and downs but had started eating chicken food again and being more playful. About 5 days post implant, she quit eating chicken food. She's now 2 weeks out and I'm still feeding her live worms and apples. Most of the time she's roaming, and interested in eating but only certain things. She's thinner too I believe.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I am sorry about your chicken. I just had one implanted 2 weeks ago. She'd been laying lash eggs for months and her comb would often turn purplish on the tip. She had lost weight prior and would have ups and downs but had started eating chicken food again and being more playful. About 5 days post implant, she quit eating chicken food. She's now 2 weeks out and I'm still feeding her live worms and apples. Most of the time she's roaming, and interested in eating but only certain things. She's thinner too I believe.

My duck got 2 of the implants. It takes a good week or 2 for the implants to really kick in. My duck did not experience loss of appetite, but she did go through a molt. I'd expect she'll start feeling better soon.

You can weigh her and track if she starts gaining. You can also try tube feeding. I'd worry about nutrient imbalance.