Unwell chicken

[isaaccanter]

Hiya, my dear fluffy has been for unwell for around 3wks , took her to vets as she was very lethargic & croaky voice so got antibiotics but a week later still not right & seems to struggle with one of her legs. Vets said today cud be Mareks disease but all the other girls are fine?? She still eating but not drinking much unless we encourage it or syringe it. What do u think?

 

[swamphiker]

I'm sorry Fluffy is unwell! How old and what breed(s) is she?

 

[Bawkbok]

What made the vet say Mareks? What is happening with her leg? What is the antibiotic s/he treated her with and for what diagnosis?

We lost two hens to Mareks, vet verified, but they had significant issues and were not vaccinated for Mareks. I am not a very experienced chicken owner myself but after our experiences with Mareks, I would be asking the vet some questions. We found a non avian vet who took the time and compassion to help us. He spent a half hour on the phone with me after examining our hen to discuss this topic, her condition and options we had. There is no treatment for that disease and long term prognosis is grim if it truly is that - but all other illnesses and diseases should be ruled out first.

There are many other people on this site much more experienced and smarter than me who can help you identify what might be wrong and how to treat it. Just wanted to share our experience.

 

[isaaccanter]

I'm sorry Fluffy is unwell! How old and what breed(s) is she?

Thanku. She is 2 yrs 8 months & a bluebell

 

[isaaccanter]

one of her legs drags back & she doesn't seem to have the energy to walk & when she does stand up its like a penguin with tail down

 

[isaaccanter]

He thought she had respiratory infection

 

[swamphiker]

View attachment 3946593one of her legs drags back & she doesn't seem to have the energy to walk & when she does stand up its like a penguin with tail down

That particular presentation of lameness (one leg forward with the other back) can be a symptom of Marek's, but doesn't necessarily rule out other issues. I imagine you and the vet have made sure she doesn't have bumblefoot or another injury to her foot/leg?

If you go back to the vet, you could inquire about testing for Marek's. I know it can be done on live chickens, but I don't know what the cost is. If you/the vet suspect Marek's, it will be important to know for flock management; not all chickens show symptoms.

This might be a bit grim, but if she dies before you confirm one way or the other, it would be useful to have her necropsied. Where I'm located it's not too expensive and is recommended in cases where communicable diseases are suspected.

 

[Eggcessive]

Usually Mareks strikes chicken at a younger age, but if they are exposed later on, they can still get it. Have you added any new birds recently? Do you have a rooster who might have hurt her back while trying to mate? Does she have any swelling in her hocks or feet? Has she been laying eggs recently?

 

[isaaccanter]

We got 2 new birds about a year & a half ago. No rooster. No swelling as I can see but her eggs have dried up. It's horrible seeing her like this & she squeaks a bit when I move her, once I'm holding her she is fine. Thank you so much for your replies, u obviously love chickens as much as me

 

[Eggcessive]

Sometimes when we lose a chicken, the best way to find out the cause of death is with getting a necropsy by the state vet. We all lose a chicken from time to time, but that is the best way to know if it is an infectious disease or something that just happens. Here is a list of state vets which you can contact for information about necropsies:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry-labs.html