Very sick orpington - Kidney failure? Please advise!

[SmithBrosChicks]

I am anxiously awaiting news of Debbie’s condition. Praying hard for her.

Awe!!! Thanks so much! Debbie and I enjoyed watching the Super Bowl together tonight. If she was a "2" on Friday, she is a "4.5" today. I gave a few more details in a post below. Thank you for pulling for Debbie!

 

[SmithBrosChicks]

You are doing a great job with her!

I really appreciate that.

 

[SmithBrosChicks]

That necropsy report sure isn't encouraging news for your remaining flock, but there's hope.

I have lymphotic leucosis in my flock, and it's manageable. Marek's in a flock is much worse, although new chicks brought into a flock can avoid the virus by being vaccinated. No such vaccination is available for LL, though. However, LL is a virus that many, if not most chickens can develop resistance to. The majority of my flock has developed this resistance so mortality is low when the flock is managed to promote maximum health and their environment is kept as free of bacteria as possible. My oldest flock members have been carrying LL their whole lives and are approaching eleven, twelve, and thirteen years of age.

Other BYC members who have Marek's in their flocks have managed the virus, as well, and some symptoms have been able to be reversed with medication and supportive care.

Having an avian diagnosis for a flock is not always a death sentence.

Thank you for your response. So informative. I spoke with the doctor in charge of necropsy at length this morning. She wants to wait for pathology reports before moving forward with specific testing for Marek's. Based on Debbie's age (7 months) and vaccination through McMurray Hatcheries, she now believes the likelihood of Marek's to be lower than that of ALV. Once we have definitive answers, I would love to know more about flock management from other BYC members. I'm encouraged to hear that this is not always a death sentence. Thank you.

 

[SmithBrosChicks]

We have very good news ... Debbie's Marek's test was negative! The most likely culprit is ALV (Avian Leukosis Virus). Because this virus is genetic in nature, we will not run additional tests. The necropsy and Marek's test together ran about $130. This was money well spent to know that the rest of our flock is not in danger. If anyone is interested, the final necropsy result is attached. It's very technical in nature, so I don't understand a lot of it. The doctor at MS State has been so gracious to explain it to me in layman's terms. It's comforting to know that a great deal of time, attention, and care went into preparing this very detailed report.

 

[SmithBrosChicks]

I agree an avian vet is best, when available. She probably needs fluids. An avian vet can give subcutaneous fluids. You can also learn to tube feed her fluids.

As far as the diarrhea, I believe if she eats a little cooked rice, that can help. Not super nutritious, but she should probably tolerate it well and it might help slow down the diarrhea.

What makes you think she is in kidney failure? That seems unlikely at her age. What color are her urates? (white cap on poop) Have they gone yellow at all? I believe dandelion is good for kidney support. When I had a girl with yellow urates, I made a mash with feed, warm water, and Lily of the Desert Aloe Detox.

When I’ve had an anemic hen, I provided chopped cooked beef liver snd that really helped. Really any meat can help with iron. Does she have a sour smell? Is her crop soft or hard? If it’s not emptying, it may just be a crop issue you can treat.

She has lost so much weight (I assume due to capillary worms). I'm assuming her body is shutting down b/c of the weight loss and dehydration. That's what makes me think she is in kidney failure. Her urates are watery with bright green bits. Thank you for your advice regarding the Lily of the Desert. I gave her liver today. There is no sour smell. Her crop is soft. After wearing a crop bra last night, it was mostly empty this morning.

 

[SmithBrosChicks]

Thank you for the update! Your last post got my day off to a wonderful start! Did the vet check for bacteria in her poop? Gram stain? The green bits sound like something familiar I experienced with one of my girls last year, but then again that can also be just from not eating. @Wyorp Rock and @azygous helped me help my girl but since you have a vet, it'd be great if they checked so you'll know what you're treating.

I'll text my vet to inquire about bacteria / gram stain as soon as he opens. He is a farm vet ... not an avian specialist. Debbie has been eating well. It just all seems to pass right through. I'm having trouble getting her to eat and drink this morning. Since our local avian vet is out with Covid, I'm going to branch out a bit. There may be an avian vet in Hattiesburg (an hour and half away) since there is a zoo. Debbie is so special to us. She is like a pet with benefits (eggs). Chicken farming (we have eleven) was a result of quarantine for us. We have enjoyed it so much. This part is very difficult because we have gotten so attached ... especially to Debbie. Thank you for your help! I'll look up the user you mentioned.

 

[SmithBrosChicks]

Both of the ladies are tagged, so they'll stop by

Thank you!!!

 

[SmithBrosChicks]

I would start the hen on an antibiotic such as amoxicillin or whatever you can get the vet to agree to provide.

I would stop the electrolytes, but you can put a little sugar in her water to keep her glucose up.

It sounds like an infection. She may be starting to get a yeasty crop, and an antibiotic would aggravate that, so miconazole or some other anti-yeast med would help keep that under control while the infection is being treated.

Thank you so much! Please keep following. We have an appointment with an avian vet ... gotta hit the road. It's nearly a two hour drive.

 

[Malkaris]

Well, the information about the vet's mistake is disappointing to say the least, but I'm glad you found someone good (it's always such a relief!) and that they have a treatment option. I suppose the first general vet thought she was on her last legs if he didn't "jumpstart" something or take drastic measures. But her will to live an appetite are great signs!

 

[SmithBrosChicks]

Sending my best to you and your girl. Thank you for taking such great care of her.

Awe. Thank you!! It's a pleasure to care for such a sweet girl.