Weird swelling and lethargy

[kurby22]

Blossom is a 17 week porcelain d’Anver pullet

Showed signs of feeling unwell on Saturday, July 1 laying down all day. Had warm swollen feet and legs.

Started her on Enrofloxacin and Vaseline for the legs. By Wednesday, the comb and sinuses above the eyes were also swollen. I switched antibiotics and changed to one with doxycycline, ronadazole, Enrofloxacin, and diclazirul…also started giving her a dropper full of Uriva ointment to try to reduce her uric acid in case it helps.

She is eating, drinking and pooping normal. Today, her legs are less swollen and not nearly as hot and she’s standing on them…so I think something is helping—but I’d really like to know what it is. She’s been in a run with about 16 other birds and no one else is at all sick…so I’m thinking it’s not contagious. Just wanna fix it so she feels better.

Thoughts? @Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock @azygous ?

 

[Eggcessive]

Could there have been ants biting her legs and comb, or something stinging her? Do you know what caused the blood on her legs? Does she have any bumblefoot scab on either foot? That is a lot of antibiotics to be giving at once. Enrofloxacin treats a lot of things itself.

 

[kurby22]

Could there have been ants biting her legs and comb, or something stinging her? Do you know what caused the blood on her legs? Does she have any bumblefoot scab on either foot? That is a lot of antibiotics to be giving at once. Enrofloxacin treats a lot of things itself.

Well she’s been inside and the swelling has gotten worse, so I’m thinking it’s not a bite or sting? I mean we do have ants around, but none that seem especially bitey. She has zero signs of bumblefoot :-/ the pads are actually in great shape! No idea what is causing the bloody crusty look, but that came after several days of Vaseline care as the legs have gotten a bit less swollen.

The meds are an “all in one” that sort of covers a bunch of things when you don’t know what you’re treating. I’ve used it before and it has worked really well.

 

[azygous]

Swollen legs and feet in chickens are most often from staph infection from small lacerations where the bacteria entered. Soaking each day for a few days in 100F warm Epsom saltwater with Betadine added can help.

Another less likely cause is from a respiratory disease called Mycoplasma synoviae. But if you haven't seen any runny eyes or nares, this isn't too likely.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Poor thing!

If the meds are helping I'd continue with those and see how it goes.

If possible, seeking vet care would be a good idea. If you lose her, then sending the body to your state lab would provide a lot of information.