Swollen eyes/Respiratory illness?

[radiodog]

You can remove the silver ring that holds the rubber stopper in place. Its very thin and easy to tear. The rubber stopper can be lifted out and a syringe, minus needle, inserted into the liquid. Push the plunger all the way to the bottom of the syringe, then slowly pull the plunger backwards..the liquid will fill the syringe. Push the plunger back down to remove excess liquid until the level of liquid reaches the cc (or ml) amt you want. I understand dosage should be 1/4 cc for an adult hen. You can try to drip it into the mouth, but I think it taste pretty nasty...if you have a needle it really is easier to inject into the breast muscle. If you cant do it, do you have a friend that takes insulin injections or is a nurse?

 

[muddstopper]

I think before I gave any medications I would do a little more research. What you describe could be fungal and not bacterial. Try this site,
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps031

 

[CrazyChickMom]

When its ammonia toxicity how do you treat?

 

[WalkingWolf]

Quote:
I would think lots of fresh air, aspirin for discomfort, and maybe benadryl to help with congestion. Trying flushing system with maybe with molasses and ACV in drinking water, and give plenty of vitamins. All just a guess though.

 

[muddstopper]

Quote:
Remove dirty litter an manures. Provide proper ventilation and make sure all bedding materials are kept dry.

As to the OP. I mention fungus as a possiblity because of symptoms. Read this,

Fungal Infections
Molds readily grow on a number of different materials, including poultry feed and litter. A common mold is Aspergillus . Birds can be exposed to Aspergillus or other fungi in the hatchery, or more commonly in poorly dried litter. While Aspergillus is usually considered a respiratory tract pathogen, it can also invade the brain and eye. Yellow plaques develop and can be found under the eyelid. The eye becomes inflamed and severe damage can occur.

Ammonia Toxicity
The most common eye irritant in intensive animal production systems is ammonia gas (NH 3 ). Ammonia gas is extremely irritating to the membranes that line the eyelids, eyes, sinuses and trachea. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva (membranes that line the eyelids) and the exposed sclera (white part of the eye). Affected birds have reddened, swollen eyelids, and are sensitive to and avoid light. If high ammonia levels persist, the cornea, the outermost part of the front of the eyeball, becomes ulcerated and blindness may occur.

Ammonia gas is a bacterial breakdown product produced when uric acid from poultry manure combines with water forming a suitable environment for bacterial growth. Bacterial growth, and the resulting NH 3 production, is also dependent upon litter or manure pH and temperature.

In intensive production systems, high levels of ammonia gas buildup are associated with inadequate ventilation. Ammonia is not typically a problem for birds raised in extensive or semi-extensive systems


The OP mentioned that they had not removed or replaced all the bedding materials and that the birds where in a small cage. They also mentioned the yellow plaques under the eyelids, they having to remove a large chunk from the eye before treating with neosporin. Added the fact that Aspergillus is also a respiratory pathogen which could account for the breathing problems the birds exhibited.
Notice with Ammonia toxity, the eyes will become swollen and sensitive to light, there is no mention of the yellowish plaque buildup under the eyelid. Causes and treatments for the fungal as well as amonia toxicity are very similar. While one is fungal and the other bacterial, both can be caused by dirty and damp litter, manure buildup and improper ventilation. A cleaning and disinfecting of the cages will help prevent either problems from reoccuring and spreading.

Disclaimer, I am not an expert in diagnoseing or treating any diseases and all postings are just my opinions and should not be construded to be accurate as they pertain to this thread. My posting this does not mean I am right or someone else is wrong. If in doubt, always seek the advice of a professional.

 

[kyeschicks]

do your shavings have cedar?

 

[Spotted_Owl]

No, the shavings are pine. And the cage is well ventilated, I think. It's open wire on all sides except the bottom. I've been giving Sulmet in the water for 3 days now, and she's not really doing any better. So, I'm stopping the Sulmet and trying to give Tylan 50 orally. I just gave her the first dose tonight, so there hasn't been any time for change yet. Her eyes don't have the thick yellow mass that the first chicken had, they've been swollen (see original pictures in first post) and now actually look like they're covered in tiny bubbles. She still doesn't seem to be eating or drinking much at all and she sleeps a lot. She did lay an egg today, is that a good sign? We threw it out, of course.

 

[donnie]

i would check out this info , from the pics and what you have said ...... http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex2216

and of course see a vet for sure ........... sorry your dealing with this issue , for you i hope its not coryza or laryngo