Ascites

Ascites
Water belly, pulmonary hypertension syndrome
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What is it: Ascites is the collection of fluid from the liver in the abdominal cavity.

Causes: There are many causes for Ascites. Ascites is actually a symptom of another serious health issue.
  • The most common cause is heart and respiratory problems, like heart failure. The heart and respiratory system of fast growing meat birds often have a hard time keeping up.[1] Oxygen can’t be supplied to the liver, causing it to not work properly, and thus allowing fluid to leak and build up.[2]
  • Tumor in the reproductive system[2]
  • Old age of laying hens (4-5 years)[2]
  • Obesity (stresses the heart)[2]
  • Extreme Temperatures (stresses the heart)[2]
  • Poor ventilation[2]
  • High altitudes[2] (stresses the heart and lungs)

Symptoms:
  • Distended abdomen that is often squishy,[2] but can be firm
  • Red skin along the abdomen[2]
  • Missing feathers along the abdomen[2]
  • Waddling like a duck when walking[2]
  • Blue/purple coloration to comb and wattles[2]
  • Labored breathing[2]
  • Lethargy[2]
  • Loss of appetite[2]

Prognosis: Very poor due to the underlying problems that often cause Ascites, but short term Ascites itself can be managed.[2]

Treatment: There is no cure for Ascites because it is a symptom, but draining the abdomen can help make the hen more comfortable. However, the abdomen will generally fill back up so repeated draining will have to occur. The most common treatment includes the use of a needle syringe inserted into the abdominal cavity in order to drain it. This is not without risk! Shock and infection has been known to happen. Some owners manage Ascites with vitamin supplements and a change in feeding, as well as certain essential oils.
  • Draining the abdomen
    • Supplies
      • Supplies
        • Electrolytes (Sav-A-Chick, Rooster Booster, etc)
        • Antibiotics (Broad spectrum, like Amoxicillin)
        • 60 cc syringe with short 16-20 gauge needle (16 and 18 gauge are bigger and allow for more drainage after. Most people use 18)
        • Antibiotic Spray
        • Rubbing Alcohol
        • Medical gloves
        • Bowl
      • Prepping chicken for draining
        • Because shock and infection are good possibilities after draining, making sure the chicken is hydrated beforehand can help mitigate shock, and starting an antibiotic beforehand can help prevent infection.
      • Steps
        • 1. Hold chicken like a football, vent facing outward
        • 2. Find an appropriate area to insert the needle. It should be about 1-2 inches below the vent on the chicken’s right side (The left side has important organs). Not your right, the chicken’s right! Wetting the feathers in the area can help with visibility. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol.
        • 3. Gently insert the needle into the area cleaned with rubbing alcohol, and gently and slowly withdraw fluid. The color of the fluid should be yellow, indicating it has come from the liver and this is indeed ascites. If it is clear, it means the kidneys have stopped working. If it is green or black, there is an infection.
        • 4.Once you fill your syringe, disconnect the syringe from the needle, leaving the needle in the abdomen, and empty the syringe into the bowl. You can do one of two things here:
          • Reconnect the syringe, and continue this process until you have manually extracted about a cup and a half of fluid.
          • Do not reconnect the syringe and allow the fluid to slowly leak out through the needle on it’s own into the bowl. This is regarded as the safer way, as it decreases the risk of shock.
        • Note: Whichever way you choose, do not extract more than ~1½ cup of fluid. Removing too much fluid can induce shock.
        • 5. Remove the needle and apply some antibiotic ointment on the wound. This wound will continue to slowly drain fluids until it heals.
        • 6. Repeat the process as needed.
      • Sources
  • Vitamins and other dietary supplements
    • Vitamin E and selenium- Boosts the body’s antioxidants. Low antioxidants have been shown to contribute to ascites.
    • Vitamin C- Boosts antioxidants, and reduces resistance of blood flow.
    • Sources:
  • Change in feeding
  • Essential oils
Prevention:
  • Access to fresh water and dry feed[1]
  • Good ventilation[1]
  • Proper feed and nutrients[2]
  • Clean coop[3]

Sources:
  1. Water Belly in Chickens [Prevent, Identify and Treat Ascites in Chickens] (farminence.com)
  2. Water Belly (Ascites) in Chickens - The Cape Coop
  3. What Is Water Belly (Ascites) In Chickens? (backyardchickenchatter.com)
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