Swollen feet wobbly hen

[MrsRoper78]

I have a small 3 yr old Welsummer that has had very swollen, discolored feet for a few weeks. Surprisingly, she's eating and drinking normally, but now has been sitting all day and only gets up when needed. Today, she's started wobbling when she walks. It appears she's in a considerable amount of pain. I feel terrible for her and am at a loss on what to do.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Welcome to BYC

Sorry to hear about your hen, @Eggcessive or @Wyorp Rock may be able to help

Good luck!

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry that I am just seeing this. It looks a bit like gout which is a type of arthritis related to kidney function. What does he eat? I would try soaking the feet once a day in warm Epsom salts water, or plain water if that is all you have. Tart cherry extract capsules (2 daily) or liquid is sometimes given to humans for treatment to see if it helps the pain. Gout can be hereditary ir have numerous possible causes. Here is some reading about gout:
https://layinghens.hendrix-genetics.com/en/articles/visceral-gout/

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/gout-management-in-poultry

 

[MrsRoper78]

Thank you so much for the advice, however she passed away last night. My guess is dehydration. She just gave into the pain as she had stopped eating & drinking. It breaks my heart that I couldn't help her.

 

[Eggcessive]

I am very sorry that you lost your hen. Gout is something that you could be able to confirm with a necropsy. Most state vte labs will do them if we keep the body cool on ice, and either take them in or ship them right away. Here is a list of state vets to contact:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry...7IOlHOhP-eD8qMtZ70RNq6BMO9kVUn3x6so7q0Z_JgEr8