Wry neck caused by ear infection?

[Crystalcatch]

Hello, my hen came out of the coop with a wry neck. She’s off balance and stargazing. She is eating and drinking. I’ve given her vitamin E on eggs for two days.

Upon closer look I think it may be caused by an ear infection. She has white crust on the outer part of her ear. I’ve attached a before and after here.

Any advice on treating an ear infection?

Thank you!!

 

[CherishedFowlGuardian]

@Eggcessive

 

[CherishedFowlGuardian]

@Wyorp Rock

 

[Eggcessive]

The white on her ear looks more like color-spillage and may be normal if the other side is the same. Look into her ear canal under the tuft of feathers for any swelling or gunk. I would give her 400 IU of E daily, and a little human B complex for thiamine 1/4 tab daily. Give a little egg yolk or scrambled egg daily, just a spoonful for selenium. Her eye has a sunken look. Have you seen any bubbles or foam in the eye, or any respiratory symptoms?

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Ear infections can cause balance issues so this could explain the balance issues. I can't speak though if there is a link to wry neck. Agreed with the vitamins and dosage Eggcessive listed. Do note that if it is wry neck caused independently from the ear infection, it might take a few days to weeks for full recovery or improvements to show so you'll have to give it daily for a good period of time.

 

[Eggcessive]

Head injuries, vitamin deficiency, and certain diseases that affect the brain (Mareks, severe respiratory diseases and viruses) can cause wry neck and loss of balance. Is she walking okay or showing any weakness of either leg or wing?

 

[Crystalcatch]

I looked in her ear canal and it looks clear. No swelling. She is off balance and walking in circles a bit.
Thank you for the vitamin dose information. I had been giving her too much vitamin E and no B complex so I’ll adjust that.

 

[Crystalcatch]

Also, no respiratory issues or foaming.

 

[Eggcessive]

Give her supportive care and make sure that she is not bullied or harmed. If she needs to be separated, a wire dog crate with food and water is good. You may need to offer food and water if she has trouble getting it.