can a chicken have a stroke?

[petal]

Edward, my lovely gold brahma cockerel is suddenly poorly. He is acting like he is drunk, crashing around, squatting back on his hocks, head on one side. its the wierdest thing. we have put him in a safe pen in the barn - he can eat and drink but has lost coordination. The only thing that seems to fit was a comment on another forum about brahmas being prone to strokes due to their size. I am going to give him 24 hours then see what the vet says. I do love him, he is like a big dopey teddy bear.

[Suechooks]

Yes they can have strokes but it could also be an ear infection as that affects balance. Do you have any Baytril to hand? Could be worth starting him on that as it is a Bank Holiday weekend. It'd give him a few days grace and either confirm or eliminate that diagnosis.

[petal]

no, but i have tylan, don't suppose it would hurt.

[RichmondHens]

I would consider either an ear infection or a cerebral hernia, which has similar symptoms. The first you can cure with antibiotics, the second not. I had a cock I was convinced had cerebral hernia but never got him formally diagnosed - we eventually culled him. I think with a stroke you would see more one sidedness/partial paralysis but I think you really need a vet's opinion on this.

[RichmondHens]

no, but i have tylan, don't suppose it would hurt.

No harm in trying the Tylan first of all. If no improvement by Monday/Tues then you need the vet to take a look and (probably) get a different antibiotic - Baytril seems to be the one they use as a broad spectrum antibiotic, Tylan is more targetted at respiratory problems.

[VirginVegGrower]

Yes they can have strokes but it could also be an ear infection as that affects balance. Do you have any Baytril to hand? Could be worth starting him on that as it is a Bank Holiday weekend. It'd give him a few days grace and either confirm or eliminate that diagnosis.

I would consider either an ear infection or a cerebral hernia, which has similar symptoms. The first you can cure with antibiotics, the second not. I had a cock I was convinced had cerebral hernia but never got him formally diagnosed - we eventually culled him. I think with a stroke you would see more one sidedness/partial paralysis but I think you really need a vet's opinion on this.

You learn something new everyday! You ladies are a Godsend to the rest of us on this forum!

[petal]

He is going to the vets on tuesday, they won't be open until them. I don't think its an ear infection, I think its what a brahma expert on pp forum says - a stroke, due to his large size - apparently its very common in the males of this breed. Thing is, the vet probably won't know what to do either! at least she can listen to his heart, I suppose, and put him to sleep if needs be. This is one bird i can't put down, I cry when I think about it!

[polo]

I hope it something that the vet can sort. Its awful when its one of your favorites - big hugs x

[Flummery]

Mine are all my favourites! Hope he can be sorted by the vet.

[Glutton4...]

((HUGS)) from me. I hope he's OK.

I just 'Googled' - they are handsome!

[petal]

I will take a picture tomorrow. he is doing so much better- walking about in the pen today(in barn) wobbly but not as 'drunk' I have cut a clod of turf to keep him occupied - he is busy finding nasty bugs and clucking to his missing wife - should I put her in with him - or would it be too much excitement? He is not alone, he can see the growers in a pen on the other side of the barn and has been talking to them.

[Suechooks]

I think I'd keep him separate for a bit longer to give him some P&Q! Its lovely to know he's improving thoughPetal.

[petal]

I'm afraid Edward is getting worse today. Any exertion makes him out of breath and collapse, comb looks like it has a purple tinge, which of course is his heart. I need to harden my heart and make a decision soon, it doesn't do to let something suffer.

[polo]

Oh no - just as you thought he was getting better. Vets tomorrow isn't it?? x

[Suechooks]

Oh dear what a shame.