swollen abdomen? diagnosed- egg yolk peritonitis 4yr old last-update

[kayri]

Thanks silkie-chicken, if I am wavering about putting her down, I'll remember those pictures. That can't feel good. Will keep you posted if anything changes

 

[kayri]

Just wanted to update my posts on Midnight. She had the last on the 3 hormone shots and the vet removed another cup or so of fluid from her. However, 5 days after the shot she was looking so poorly, that I had her put down, poor thing. It was a good try, but knowing what I know, I don't think I'd go through the expense and pain of hormone shots again. I don' think there is anything you can do when they are internal layers. It is sad. RIP Midnight.

 

[NurseELB]

I am so sorry for your loss. You are a great chicken mommy!

(Edited to correct a major faux pas.)

 

[vatterpa]

I'm so sorry about losing your baby.

 

[speckledhen]

Quote:
I'm so sorry. I have three who are dying from this same thing right now and have already lost six over the last two years to it. There really is nothing you can do for them. It's a chronic condition, even if you manage to pull one back from the brink of death as I did Ivy twice. She is bad off now and we will have to make a decision for her very soon. So sad. She was my first BR. You have my condolences and kudos for trying so hard for one little hen.

 

[silkiechicken]

Sorry about your girl. There really wasn't much you could do, and even if the hormones did shut down her laying system, it would have likely already been too late as material accumulated would have a hard time leaving, and could have very well damaged other bodily systems. You did as much as you could do.

By any chance did you have a necropsy done on her to see what all was wrong and which organs were most affected?

 

[kayri]

Unfortunately, the vet that I brought her to did not, I was out of town at the time and my sister was updating me and had done so much for her, I felt I couldn't ask her to do another thing. The more experienced vet that I called later and updated on what happened to Midnight said that he was sure that it was peritonitis and that there would have been no surprises if an autopsy had been done. Although I agree with you that enquiring minds want to know.

Thank you everyone for your support through this tough period. I wish there was a cure for this one. It is long and drawn out and you have to make that difficult decision.

I know that all of you guys have more experience with chickens then I do and if you have time, I just started another thread on my 1 yr old game bird? not eating? I'd hate to lose another, these chickens are breaking my heart.