Swollen eye, help identifying cause

[TheWoods46]

Hi there! I’m new to having chickens, they are free range in our back area and just about 6 months now. I noticed one of our girls has a swollen eye today and I’m not sure what to do. It looks like her third eye is the main location of swelling. Looking online it seems there are a whole list of infection or injuries and I just don’t know where to begin. Any advice or thoughts on what it may be would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Eggcessive]

Is she low in pecking order or a picked on hen? Have you added any new birds to the flock recently? Is the white material removable or fixed? I would flush the eye with saline or eye wash (something like Bausch and Lombs EyeRelief at Walmart around $4.) The apply antibiotic ointment (such as Terracmycin from the feed store, or plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic ointment) to the eye 2-3 times a day. Does she have any signs of a respiratory sinus infection such as sneezing, nasal drainage, rattly breathing or gasping? Sometimes they can get something like a seed pls in the eye, but pecks are common injuries. Let us know if you think it is a respiratory disease. This can include MG or coryza.

 

[TheWoods46]

Is she low in pecking order or a picked on hen? Have you added any new birds to the flock recently? Is the white material removable or fixed? I would flush the eye with saline or eye wash (something like Bausch and Lombs EyeRelief at Walmart around $4.) The apply antibiotic ointment (such as Terracmycin from the feed store, or plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic ointment) to the eye 2-3 times a day. Does she have any signs of a respiratory sinus infection such as sneezing, nasal drainage, rattly breathing or gasping? Sometimes they can get something like a seed pls in the eye, but pecks are common injuries. Let us know if you think it is a respiratory disease. This can include MG or coryza.

Thank you! No new birds in the flock, she’s not bottom of the pecking order either. The white material is fixed, no puss, no leaking in the eye area. I don’t see any signs of injury, just swollen. When I was trying to take a closer look she did sound a little wheezy, but otherwise she is with the other girls and eating and drinking normal. They haven’t pushed her out of the group.

 

[Eggcessive]

If she changes and you want to treat for MG, Tylosin in the water 1 tsp per gallon of water for 5 days is the usual treatment. You can get it here:
https://jedds.com/products/tylosin-...-0sk7WHSpCfW2114Y68LeheUHf3hqaulDIjXGWGX_ysZ7

 

[TheWoods46]

I stopped by our local feed store to see if they may be of help, unfortunately they are no longer able to sell antibiotics but they said they believe it’s infectious coryza. I’ve quarantined her, not sure what else I can do. The cost of a vet visit would be insane.

 

[TheWoods46]

If she changes and you want to treat for MG, Tylosin in the water 1 tsp per gallon of water for 5 days is the usual treatment. You can get it here:
https://jedds.com/products/tylosin-...-0sk7WHSpCfW2114Y68LeheUHf3hqaulDIjXGWGX_ysZ7

Thank you, I just ordered it. I’ve isolated her. I’m not sure if it’s MG or infectious coryza

 

[Eggcessive]

Coryza smells bad. That is not the case with MG, but could be if something is stuck in the eye that has abscessed. I would get the Tylosin and treat her eye as I posted in the other thread with Terramycin or Neosporin ointment 2-3 times per day. Let us know how the chicken gets along.

 

[TheWoods46]

Coryza smells bad. That is not the case with MG, but could be if something is stuck in the eye that has abscessed. I would get the Tylosin and treat her eye as I posted in the other thread with Terramycin or Neosporin ointment 2-3 times per day. Let us know how the chicken gets along.

Thank you! Yes, that’s what I’ve read and there is no smell. You’ve been such a huge help. I’m going to follow all of your advice and hope for the best. I really appreciate it! Will keep you posted