Vet says euthanize, but doesn't know diagnosis

[mvining]

Before I take my hen, Pepa, to be euthanized, can I hear some advice? The avian vet in my area cannot diagnose my hen due to lack of x-ray equipment. The symptoms are similar to peritonitis: tail feathers down, upright walk, underweight, lays down a lot, some open mouth breathing. She has not laid an egg in a week. The vet said she is not egg bound. She gave her some antibiotics and dewormer. Papa eats, drinks, and poops fine. The only sign of distress is this waddling walk. I just wish I knew 100% that she is uncurable before taking her to the poultry lab. She is a part of the family. Thoughts?

 

[Fletch83]

I just had an x-ray on my hen yesterday and it was virtually the only thing that allowed the vet to narrow down the diagnosis. I previously did not know what was wrong with her, and the vet ruled out being egg-bound by feeling her abdomen and the inside of her vent. I would think that most avian vets would have x-ray equipment. Can you get a second opinion? I will say that my x-ray ran like, $150, but then again it was basically the only thing we could do to pinpoint the problem. Did the vet recommend euthanization?

 

[cafarmgirl]

An avian vet with no x-ray equipment is not going to be a very effective vet, that is often one of the first things done to try to get to a diagnosis.

If you don't want to put your bird down then don't. Give her the antibiotic's and see how she does. To be honest the symptoms don't sound good but it sure never hurts to try and if you feel better giving it a little more time and effort then you absolutely should do so.

 

[mvining]

Thank you so much for the advice. The vet did tell me to euthanize. She is the only avian vet in the area and is mobile care, which is why she doesn't have all the necessary equipment. So, I called the center where they humanely euthanize poultry and run diagnostics for free in an effort to gain research. The Dr. there said to wait until she stops acting like a chicken, because right now, she seems happy besides the dragging of her tail. He said it sounds like Marek's disease. Although, she was immunized at birth by the feed store (so they say). He said that even still, birds can get it. The weight loss was his biggest concern, said her condition sounded neurological. I didn't know that chickens can be sick for so long and you not know it because they look healthy. This has taught me to keep a check on their weight. I also didn't know that raising pet chickens would be so hard on the heart.

 

[SilkiesnFrizzle]

Oh, My heart goes out to you. I understand though, I love all my birds and if something happens to one, I grieve. It's amazing how chickens work there way into your heart. I love mine just as someone else loves any other pet, they aren't fur babies, they are my feather babies. But I wouldn't give up either, although it doesn't sound the best, do what you can, keep the bird happy and comfortable, give it some anti biotics, your doing the BEST anyone could do for their pet. I hope everything turns out ok!