Wry neck? Any last ideas?

[brumby90]

Yes it can be very upsetting when you put so much effort into trying to save them.

I've read all these 'cures' etc online for wry neck and they had no effect what so ever.

The only thing I might have done differently was getting her an injection early on to try and combat any potential brain swelling.

It almost seems that with Silkies the slightest 'issue' and they die.

 

[KatiewithZena]

Not all birds that have Marek's die right away, some can recover, but of course they are carriers.

You would need to get a prescription from your vet for Prednisone.

Look at your vitamin mix (if you have a photo of the product that would be good). The Mix you are giving may not have the correct amount of Vitamin E or B. Sometimes it's better to find human vitamins and use those (no iron). Even if you don't have a vet for the Prednisone, adjusting the vitamins to the below article - you might see some improvement.

++++Reference article and dosing information from "Crook Neck" http://www.browneggblueegg.com/Article.html ++++++
If started before symptoms get severe, the bird will totally recover. The following is for an adult about 2 pound bird. Scale back for smaller birds. Do not over do the selenium; it is toxic in large amounts. Animals are more tolerant of vitamin E especially and of vitamin B.

• For the first week I give
  • Once a day
    • About 1/4 piece of human vitamin B complex pill or a squirt of human B liquid vitamins
    • :25 micrograms selenium
  • Twice a day
    • 2.5 mg of prednisone
    • 400 IU of vitamin E
• For the second week I give
  • Once a day
    • 2.5 mg of prednisone
    • 400 IU of vitamin E
    • About 1/4 piece of human vitamin B complex pill or a squirt of human B liquid vitamins
  • Every other day
    • :25 micrograms selenium
• For the third and following weeks I give
  • Once a day
    • 2.5 mg of prednisone - less and less each day - none after third week
    • 400 IU of vitamin E
    • A piece of human vitamin B complex pill or a squirt of human liquid vitamins
  • Once a week
    • :25 micrograms selenium

Do not abruptly stop prednisone, the swelling rebounds. Decrease the dose gradually. Recovery can be slow; continue the vitamin E for several weeks at least.

You can get prednisone from a vet; just describe the problem of swelling in the brain probably due to injury. Yes Silkies' brains do stick out through a hole on the top of the skull. Print the pictures at Silkies Have a Hole in Their Head and show them to your vet.

Your vet might suggest a different anti inflammatory like Celebrex or Metacam.

You can get the vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin B complex or liquid vitamins at any pharmacy.

A Vet's Review of this Therapy
Diana Hedrick asked Janny Hermans, a poultry specialist in the Netherlands, to review this Therapy. Janny Hermans' reply is below. Janny Hermans warns about over doing the prednisone and agrees the vitamins E and B can also help. She does however address the possibility of poisoning causing the neurological problems. She suggests an antibiotic in case bacteria are the source of the poison.