Suspected Egg Yolk Peritonitis

[ChookieWookie]

Unfortunately this is the second time I've had to post in this section this year =(

One of our newer hens named Red, who only recently started laying, has become obviously ill.

Context:

• Red is about 6-7 months old
• Introduced to our yard with 3 other birds at 4 months, she came from a reputable farm that sells point-of-lay pullets of different breeds, as well as other animals.
• Only started laying ~4-5 weeks ago, laid a couple of fairy eggs, and *we think* a soft-shelled egg.
• Stopped laying in the last 1-2 weeks (as far as we know)
• On at least one occasion she has been trying and failing to lay in the nesting boxes

Early symptoms first seen on Tuesday (2 days ago):

• Droopy comb
• Severe lethargy - stands still or sits, then falls asleep. No interested in foraging.
• Loss of appetite. No interest in normal food or even treats.
• Barely drinking - have been administering water directly to her mouth
• Diarrhoea with opaque bright yellow content
• Apparent weight loss
• Doesn't vocalise

Things we've checked:

• Eyes clear
• Nose dry
• Breathing clearly
• No lice, mites
• No worms in poo
• Breath is not smelly
• Crop is empty
• Digital examination of vent didn't reveal any stuck eggs

We're wondering if it's related to the reproductive system, perhaps egg yolk peritonitis (EYP). Looking through "runny yellow chicken poop" on Google Images, most of the similar poops were from pages discussing EYP.

After reviewing many pages on EYP, it seems that the recovery rate is incredibly low. If, indeed, Red has EYP, then I'll have to euthanise her, and perform a necropsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Before I take action, I'm interested to see if anybody can suggest an alternative diagnosis (alternative to EYP) or or an alternative course of action (alternative to euthanasia).

Images of diarrhoea

Images of Red
Tired, not eating, not drinking. Posture not awful. Not yet, anyway.

Isolated from other hens most of the time.

Let her spend some time outside for about 30 mins. No interest at all, falling asleep while Blackie keeps her company:

Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Happy to answer questions!

 

[colasurdo]

I think your diagnosis is accurate. If you've felt her crop to make sure there isn't an impaction and checked for eggbound, EYP (or cancer) are the only other things I can think of. The last hen we had with peritonitis had a very hard swollen abdomen and started to do a penguin walk a little. We kept checking to see if she was eggbound because of the funny walk but ultimately it was just from fluid buildup inside.

You can try to separate her, move her someplace quiet and give her some egg to eat. Sometimes a hot water bottle is also appreciated. But if you don't start to see improvement soon, I think culling is your best bet. There are ways to regularly drain the fluid from the infection, but I'm not convinced that is any quality of life for the bird. If you plan to send her for a necropsy, you can always check with them to see if they have any suggestions before culling. There could be something they are seeing more of lately in poultry.

 

[ChookieWookie]

The last hen we had with peritonitis had a very hard swollen abdomen and started to do a penguin walk a little

Red hasn't got any swelling, which is the main thing making me hesitant about my diagnosis.

You can try to separate her, move her someplace quiet and give her some egg to eat.

She's been isolated since we noticed the symptoms (apart from 30 mins in the yard for fresh air). We've had to force feed her water and egg/oil.

But if you don't start to see improvement soon, I think culling is your best bet.

Today she's started vocalising again, and is eating by herself which she hadn't done once since we isolated her. Will give her a couple more days.

If you plan to send her for a necropsy

Was planning on a DIY necropsy, to be honest =\

 

[ChookieWookie]

Update: Today she's started vocalising again, and is eating by herself which she hadn't done once since we isolated her. Will give her a couple more days.

Still no swelling. Able to stand, walk. Haven't seen her jump.

Rate, consistency, and content of poop hasn't changed.

Have heard from others that even if this isn't EYP, it's probably a permanent reproductive system defect that will require spay/hormone intervention/keep her in darkness to shut down her egg production.

May seem cruel, but I think we'll cull her rather than hormonally or surgically interfere with her repro systems.

 

[Kyyylie]

Have you treaded for Coccidiosis?