Swollen feet and comb

[beachbunny76]

1 yr old bantam silkie/cochin cross.
Symptoms:
1) slightly swollen pale comb with some blisters or bites maybe? See pics below.
2) several swollen toes/feet with blisters. See pics.
3) sore on one wattle
4) balding on head and neck

She has been to the vet twice. She’s been on two antibiotics finishing up her second one today and no improvement. However, the swelling had gone down with the first course of antibiotics but one week later her feet swelled again and these larger (almost fluid filled) blisters appeared on her feet. She does not have any Bumblefoot sores as you would typically find on the pad of her feet. They are clean. Initially, Vet seemed to think maybe she was getting bit by midges. But she is the only hen like this.
As for the feather loss-vet doesn’t think it’s mites. Possibly others pecking at her. She’s lower in the pecking order.

Thought possibly fowlpox initially since it was going through the flock. But it should’ve resolved by now. It’s been way too long.

At a loss here. I would love to know if anyone has experienced this or has any idea what this could be and how to treat. Especially the feet. I’ve scoured posts here, and elsewhere and I cannot find anything like it.

Eats, drinks, acts normal except the last 2wks she sits more and doesn’t put weight on her left leg because she’s in pain.
These issues have been going on for over 3 months!
Unfortunately I can no longer take her to the vet for further analysis or treatment. Appreciate your help.

 

[talkinboutchickens]

Almost the same thing happened to my baby Vicky and the vet didn't know what was wrong. She ended up passing. I hope the same doesn't happen with your girl. But I'm afraid that all you can do in the meantime is to keep her comfortable. But maybe @azygous can help?

 

[azygous]

What is your location? It's very important.

Did the vet give you a diagnosis explaining what's going on? Perhaps "Mycoplasma synoviae"?

What are her eggs like? Normal or strange shells?

 

[beachbunny76]

What is your location? It's very important.

Did the vet give you a diagnosis explaining what's going on? Perhaps "Mycoplasma synoviae"?

What are her eggs like? Normal or strange shells?

In central FL…eggs are normal. Vet didn’t seem to really know and could not give me a diagnosis without having to do some further testing which unfortunately I cannot do

Thank you for your help. I’ll research that. Do you happen to know if there is somewhere I can send in a specimen to be checked and hopefully at a reasonable fee?

Thank you

 

[beachbunny76]

Almost the same thing happened to my baby Vicky and the vet didn't know what was wrong. She ended up passing. I hope the same doesn't happen with your girl. But I'm afraid that all you can do in the meantime is to keep her comfortable. But maybe @azygous can help?

Oh no. I’m sorry to hear that. I’m gonna keep hopeful and just keep taking care of her. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of it. Thank you

 

[azygous]

These folks will send you the testing materials and do the test. Zoologix Inc 9811 Owensmouth Ave, STE 4, Chatsworth, CA, 91311-9547 818-717-8880 www.zoologix.com This test is around $100. This was a number of years ago when I used them, so prices are probably more. They will send you a swab kit and you swab the hen's throat and send it back to them.

You must request the test you want. You will specify Mycoplasma synoviae. It starts as a respiratory infection then becomes chronic, causing fluid buildup in the feet and other parts. The disease can be managed with antibiotics when it flares up, and also by draining the fluids from the lesions. But wait until you get confirmation of it. This disorder never completely goes away, like all CRDs. Stress can bring on the symptoms again. At its worst, the chicken will have trouble walking.

 

[Eggcessive]

@Beachbunny 76, have you ever seen freezing temperatures in winter where frostbite may have affected the toes? Those toes look like picture s and toes that I have seen. The swollen head and missing feathers could possibly be due to MG or MS, and gout can sometimes cause swollen feet and toes. Getting some testing would ahead more light on what singling on. Most state vets do necropsies when a chicken dies, and those can give a lot of clues as to what diseases are in a flock.

 

[beachbunny76]

@Beachbunny 76, have you ever seen freezing temperatures in winter where frostbite may have affected the toes? Those toes look like picture s and toes that I have seen. The swollen head and missing feathers could possibly be due to MG or MS, and gout can sometimes cause swollen feet and toes. Getting some testing would ahead more light on what singling on. Most state vets do necropsies when a chicken dies, and those can give a lot of clues as to what diseases are in a flock.

@Eggcessive thank you for your input. I'm in FL so no frostbite here. I'm surprised to hear it could be MS or MG...I haven't seen any respiratory symptoms with her or any of the flock ever. I've not intro'd any new members either. Can she still have MS/MG and not show any respiratory symptoms? And is it a slow spreader? I have her back with the flock and she is the only one like this. I'd hate to separate her again...I don't want her to get depressed but I also don't want others to get this. I wish I would have had her tested at the start w/the vet. I've got Tylan on hand so I'll try that and see if it helps any.

 

[beachbunny76]

These folks will send you the testing materials and do the test. Zoologix Inc 9811 Owensmouth Ave, STE 4, Chatsworth, CA, 91311-9547 818-717-8880 www.zoologix.com This test is around $100. This was a number of years ago when I used them, so prices are probably more. They will send you a swab kit and you swab the hen's throat and send it back to them.

You must request the test you want. You will specify Mycoplasma synoviae. It starts as a respiratory infection then becomes chronic, causing fluid buildup in the feet and other parts. The disease can be managed with antibiotics when it flares up, and also by draining the fluids from the lesions. But wait until you get confirmation of it. This disorder never completely goes away, like all CRDs. Stress can bring on the symptoms again. At its worst, the chicken will have trouble walking.

@azygous thank you for your input. I'm surprised to hear it may be MS as she's never had a respiratory infection. I guess hers is presenting differently if it is MS?
Unfortunately I've poured a lot into the vet treatments and I can't pour anymore into her at the moment with testing. I will try Tylan and see how it goes. But if I am able to get the testing done, I will keep everyone posted on the findings. Thank you

 

[Eggcessive]

The two main things that cause swelling of the feet and toes is gout and mycoplasma synovitis (MS.) MS usually affects the ankle and hock joints, but the toes can look normal. In gout the whole foot and toes look swollen or lumpy. She also may have some scaly leg mites or something irritating her legs. Pecking, ants, dermatitis are some things to consider. Biotin, which is found in human B complex tablets can be used in her feed or a treat 1/4 tablet a day. It can help with foot problems. I would be tempted to treat her legs with a daily warm soak in soapy water, and apply vaseline or castor oil to her leg scales and rub it in. Her poor little head could have the beginnings of favus, a fungal infection, or just from feather picking. A little miconazole or Monistat cream applied to her head, or coconut oil could help. You may never know the real cause of her various issues, but someday when you lose her, I would let the state vet do a necropsy/autopsy on her body and give you some answers. That is the best and least expensive way to get a diagnosis. If you ever get a diagnosis, please update your thread here. The state vet in Kissimmee is in this list:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry-labs.html