Unknown Illness

[ChickenLover200]

Hi! I have a EE hen who started acting lethargic almost two weeks ago. One evening she was breathing labored but not with her mouth open. I started treating with Vet RX topically and in water and electrolytes and she seemed to improve and was still getting around. I also read it could be a vitamin B deficiency so I started giving her some of that Monday (two days ago) Sunday night (three days ago) she started having difficulty moving and stumbling. Monday she started sitting more upright with her tail feathers on the ground. I did an Epsom salt soak yesterday (Tuesday) and am doing another today. She seems to have perked up and was more interested in eating but I’m not sure if she has drank much yet during isolation. I noticed when putting her in to soak that the area between her back legs seems to be swollen so I gently massaged her in that area but it’s been so long I don’t think she is egg bound unless it is a secondary issue. It doesn’t seem hard, just very fluid swelling. I’ve never had a chicken not feel well for so long (typically it’s only a few days and they either improve or pass). Any comments on what else I can be doing to help her improve?

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Maybe a reproductive issue? Did a bit of research on it and it could be Egg yolk peritonitis (EYP) - the "fluid swelling" is pretty typical of that.

EYP happens when a hen’s reproductive system isn’t working properly and yolk gets released into the abdomen instead of going into an egg. That yolk causes inflammation and can lead to infection, which is why they become lethargic, sit upright with their tail down, and may have that “water balloon” feeling in the lower abdomen.

Vitamin B deficiency would not cause swelling, so that isn't the issue. Vitamins are a good support, but wont fix it.

The labored breathing makes me think respiratory disease, but nothing else points to that.

I would feel the abdomen again and check if it feels hot or tight, because that could point to infection. Whereas water-balloon-like swelling points more to EYP.

I would say EYP is the most likely.

Right now, hydration is key. Put some Electrolytes in her water, and if she isn't drinking, you can slowly syringe some into her mouth every few hours or so. Of course, keep her somewhere warm, quiet, low stress.

Treatment-wise, the main option is antibiotics (like enrofloxacin or amoxicillin) to control infection. They don’t cure the condition, but they can sometimes help stabilize her.

No need for any more Epsom salt baths.

 

[ChickenLover200]

If we would go the antibiotic route, we don’t have any chicken veterinarians around us so how would we get those? What is the prognosis if it is EYP?

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Honestly, antibiotics would have to come from a vet. Even a regular dog/cat vet can usually prescribe something like amoxicillin or enrofloxacin for chickens, they don’t have to be a poultry specialist. That’s the best route to take for this.

There are things like fish antibiotics people use, but that’s kind of a gray area and not something I’d rely on unless you truly have no other option.

As for prognosis… if it is EYP, it’s not great. According to my research, antibiotics don’t fix the underlying problem, they just help control infection, so she might perk up for a bit but could decline again. The biggest thing is keeping her hydrated, eating, and comfortable. her quality of life is the main thing right now.