Young too with swollen lower eye lid. No injury visible.

[stephsdoxies]

Hi everyone. I have read through countless threads on chickens with swollen eyes And have followed quite a few of the recommendations. I have a 2 month old chicken with a swollen lower eye lid. It doesn't seem to be a pecking injury. He has no other symptoms. This started 4 days ago. So far we have isolated him and have been flushing it out daily. We put vetericin in it but there was no change the next day. then we tried some polysporin ointment. When that didn't work, we added an oral antibiotic to his water. Something the guy at tractor supply recommended. It is called oxytetracycline. Although I'm not sure of the correct dosing. So far there has been no change in the swelling. He seems fine otherwise. Eating drinking pooping fine. Not lethargic. Acting normal except for this big swollen eye. Does anyone have a suggestion of what to try next? Thanks

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Oxytetracycline is good for respiratory diseases and sinus infections which is one cause of facial swelling. Does it feel hard or soft? Has there been any nasal drainage, rattly breathing, or sneezing? Tumors or stings are other causes of swelling in the face. Is he lethargic or fairly alert? The swelling looks close to his ear, so you may want to check the ear canal with a QTip for any drainage or mites.If you have this package of oxytetracycline below, the dosage is 1 1/2 tablespoonsful per gallon of water for 7 days. Other brands may be different.

 

[stephsdoxies]

Hey. Thanks so much. That is the same package of oxy I have. I have been giving about 1 tsp per quart (that's the size waterer I have for him). He has no wheezing, no nasal drainage. Really no other symptoms. It's just one eye and none of the other birds he was with have any symptoms. At first I was thinking something got in his eye but we have looked and flushed and haven't seen anything. I also checked his ear. I don't see any drainage or mites. I'm stumped. Should I try a different antibiotic? He has been on the oxy for 3-4 days.

 

[stephsdoxies]

Oh and the swelling is hard

 

[Eggcessive]

You could increase it to 1 1/4-1 1/2 tsp per quart. He really needs to drink it well to get the correct dosage. Tylan 50 injectable is available at most feed stores, but it is on the same level as the oxy. If not drinking, the injections or the Tylan 50 given orally might be better.

He probably should be showing watery or foamy eyes and nasal drainage if it were a respiratory disease. If it is a tumor, there probably would be an increase in the size soon. I will check back on this thread if you need anything or there are any changes. Here is a good link about common respiratory diseases: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044