The Poultry Keeper

Lisa · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 6:44 pm Post subject: Tilly again (bother!)

Let the chooks out this morning and noticed Tilly had a swollen crop again Sad

This time it was soft and squishy Confused

Rung up to book her in the vets but our usual vet (the on that did the op for the blocked crop last week) is off on holiday so we got to see a locum instead. Nervous at first, but he was brilliant Very Happy

(Apparently, according to the receptionist, he "does" chickens).

He said it was definitely infected and he would need to drain it (although the original wound was fine). He couldn't get any fluid out with a needle so in he went with a blade Surprised

Much like I've read about doing for an impacted crop from some other sources in the first place. Tilly didn't struggle at all while the vet nurse held her!

He's done the small incision at the lowest part of the swollen crop, so anything that should drain out can, but food should still go on through the digestive system.

I've got to keep the drain wound open for the next 10 days or so, so any further pus can drain. And clean with salt water twice a day. And put some vaseline below the drain daily so any fluid draining will not irritate the skin on her chest. And he's doubled the amount of Baytril she's on.

It was fascinating watching them work - it was like "Casualty" (TV) with chickens!!

And I got to talk to the vet nurse that helped with the op. Was told Tilly laid an egg when she was on the table just as they were about to put her under the anaesthetic. How's that for dedication to hen-dom! How could I give up on such a hard working chook now Rolling Eyes

So, Tilly is in isolation in the dog crate so the others don't peck at her wound, with just water and pellets. NO grass, NO straw (for now), just a simple diet and peace and quiet....

Nurse Lisa will tend to your wound at home as needed, so darn it WILL YOU PLEASE GET BETTER NOW Rolling Eyes

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Lisa...I hope that your luck turns around soon!

debcat · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 6:58 pm Post subject:

hope she gets better soon

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

oh dear Lisa, I expect she was run down from her problems and that made her open to any infection ~ I'm so pleased you found it early and now have another ver you can turn to.
I think though by the time you have Tilly healed you won't need a vet any more you'll be able to diagnose and treat the chickens yourself.
Good luck, hope it all goes well for the 2 of you. I'll be counting the days for you

Aussie Chick · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 10:41 pm Post subject:

he sounds like a nice vet! I'm pleased you're trying them all out so I can have a good one if the occasion arises!! Laughing

I hope she is better in a few days and doesn't mind being away from her mates! Wink

NannyP · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 11:27 pm Post subject:

Bloody Hell Lisa, but well spotted and how exciting watching them doing the work. Fancy her laying an egg, bless Laughing

Hope she heals well, in fact I'm sure she will Very Happy

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

And how has Tilly progressed? Is the wound all healed?