Unbalanced leg issues

[EquiAsh95]

I have an ameracauna that is acting strange and she is the only sick one in the flock so we have her in a small crate away from everyone. At first she was walking but stumbling and unbalanced. Now she is almost paralyzed in a way. She can move her legs but if she stands she will eventually either fall forwards, backwards, or sideways. She can’t walk, she can only stand or sit. When she is laying she will move her legs. We thought she may be egg bound so we did multiple treatments for that and felt for an egg but couldn’t feel anything. She is still having stools that are normal. She is eating and drinking. We gave her some chicken elixir that has vitamins and electrolytes with vit D and Calcium. We just gave her some vitamin B complex which was recommended by some people. So will have to wait and see if that helps. She is not swollen on her belly. No respiratory issues. No cloudy eyes. She is vaccinated against Mareks. I’m not sure what could be wrong or what else to do for her. This has been going on for 3 days now. I’m hoping the B complex vitamins will work but I’m not sure if it will. Any other ideas or suggestions?

 

[2ndTink]

How old is she?

Any improvement with the vitamins?

Any access / exposure to mold?

Any change in symptoms since you posted?

 

[Eggcessive]

I had a similar experience with a 3 year old hen once. She was vaccinated as well. She suddenly lost balance, but her legs remained strong. She spent 5 weeks in a nest box moving around where I provided food and water plus vitamins and minerals within reach. I scooped droppings and kept her pine shavings clean. One day she finally could stand and balance on her own, and she lived for a couple of years walking normally. I suspected she might have had a problem with her equilibrium similar to vestibular disease in dogs.

 

[LaFleche]

I have an ameracauna that is acting strange and she is the only sick one in the flock so we have her in a small crate away from everyone. At first she was walking but stumbling and unbalanced. Now she is almost paralyzed in a way. She can move her legs but if she stands she will eventually either fall forwards, backwards, or sideways. She can’t walk, she can only stand or sit. When she is laying she will move her legs. We thought she may be egg bound so we did multiple treatments for that and felt for an egg but couldn’t feel anything. She is still having stools that are normal. She is eating and drinking. We gave her some chicken elixir that has vitamins and electrolytes with vit D and Calcium. We just gave her some vitamin B complex which was recommended by some people. So will have to wait and see if that helps. She is not swollen on her belly. No respiratory issues. No cloudy eyes. She is vaccinated against Mareks. I’m not sure what could be wrong or what else to do for her. This has been going on for 3 days now. I’m hoping the B complex vitamins will work but I’m not sure if it will. Any other ideas or suggestions? View attachment 3849051

When did you last deworm?

Do you have rooster? If so, what breed?

Check both her ears for parasites or infectious material.

Check your coop including nest boxes, perches etc. for poultry mites.

 

[EquiAsh95]

How old is she?

Any improvement with the vitamins?

Any access / exposure to mold?

Any change in symptoms since you posted?

She is using her legs better but still can’t stand always falls to one side. No other changes at this time

 

[EquiAsh95]

Just wanted to update. Our hen was actually getting better and able to take a couple steps. We took her to the vet anyways since quality of life wasn’t great. Vet said she definitely seemed like a Mareks chicken. We opted to have her put to sleep

 

[Debbie292d]

Just wanted to update. Our hen was actually getting better and able to take a couple steps. We took her to the vet anyways since quality of life wasn’t great. Vet said she definitely seemed like a Mareks chicken. We opted to have her put to sleep

So sorry. At least she lived the best life she could, because of you, and knew you cared so much for her.

 

[LaFleche]

Very sorry you lost her.

Sometimes the only thing we can do for them is to end the suffering.

 

[2ndTink]

I'm so sorry.

Do you know if your flock is vaccinated for Mareks? If you want to test anyone in your flock for Mareks I recommend RAL in Texas, their website is vetdna.com, you just order collection kits from them, then send in a swab and blood sample.

 

[EquiAsh95]

Yes all of mine are vaccinated.

I'm so sorry.

Do you know if your flock is vaccinated for Mareks? If you want to test anyone in your flock for Mareks I recommend RAL in Texas, their website is vetdna.com, you just order collection kits from them, then send in a swab and blood sample.