Hard Giant lump/tumour on comb. (?Lymphoid Leukosis)

[Tiffytiff]

So this is crispy. I think crispy is about 4 years old (maybe more). Isobrown. Non-egg layer. Great personality. Really slow and lethargic, sometimes falls asleep during the day standing. But seems happy. Still eats, drinks and scratches.
She has been like this for a many years, growth appeared this year.
Nil mites, fleas or lice. Have checked poop for worms and eggs. I sometimes use cat or dog flea treatment on the back of their necks (maybe once a year).
Other chickens very healthy and nil issues.
I purchased my other chickens from a registered farm (vaccinated), however, crsipy was purchased from a prison.
? Fowl pox

 

[CluckerFamily]

Welcome to BYC!!
I'm wondering if it could be caused by the flea and tick treatment. This truly isn't meant for chickens and the chemical in the flea and tick can stay in the chicken and eggs for a long time. Chickens can have liver, kidney, thyroid, skin irritations over time.

 

[Tiffytiff]

Welcome to BYC!!
I'm wondering if it could be caused by the flea and tick treatment. This truly isn't meant for chickens and the chemical in the flea and tick can stay in the chicken and eggs for a long time. Chickens can have liver, kidney, thyroid, skin irritations over time.

Thanks so much for your reply
The flea/tick treatment was actually advice given to me by a poultry vet . I haven't been able to find any research about it's toxicity in poultry, so I've just assumed its safe, as its used for household animals. (I just use the tiniest drop). I might seek a different product now.

I've booked an appointment with a poultry vet in a week and getting my eggs tested for any residue pesticides.

But, I've done a bit of research after this post, and I'm now convinced that crispy has lymphoid leukosis ):
She is lethargic, her comb is slumped, her poos are green and runny and the tumour on her head looks similar to other cases. Also, her sisters passed away within the year I got them and were all terrible layers. Crsipy has just always been strong and pushed through.

The new chickens I have (purchased from a registered farm) are absolutely great layers and have nil issues.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Thanks so much for your reply
The flea/tick treatment was actually advice given to me by a poultry vet . I haven't been able to find any research about it's toxicity in poultry, so I've just assumed its safe, as its used for household animals. (I just use the tiniest drop). I might seek a different product now.

I've booked an appointment with a poultry vet in a week and getting my eggs tested for any residue pesticides.

But, I've done a bit of research after this post, and I'm now convinced that crispy has lymphoid leukosis ):
She is lethargic, her comb is slumped, her poos are green and runny and the tumour on her head looks similar to other cases. Also, her sisters passed away within the year I got them and were all terrible layers. Crsipy has just always been strong and pushed through.

The new chickens I have (purchased from a registered farm) are absolutely great layers and have nil issues.

I don't have experience with lymphoid leukosis but I did find this link about the flea/tick treatment I found interesting. It is focused on Frontline but I didn't look into the other brands.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Are you planning on taking Crispy to the vet with you when you go?
The vet could do a blood sample to make sure it isn't lymphoid leukosis.
I really hope Crispy bounces back especially since she is a stubborn chicken.

 

[Tiffytiff]

I don't have experience with lymphoid leukosis but I did find this link about the flea/tick treatment I found interesting. It is focused on Frontline but I didn't look into the other brands.

Thanks for sharing that article. Its a real eye opener. I might see if they can test for fipronil in the eggs too!
I haven't used if for a long time so I hope the chickens are all clear.
Why would a vet recommend revolution???
We also have the possible use of the pesticide dieldrin in our area from the 60s, hence the egg testing.
I probably should have got all this investigated before we got chickens but only found out now

 

[Tiffytiff]

Are you planning on taking Crispy to the vet with you when you go?
The vet could do a blood sample to make sure it isn't lymphoid leukosis.
I really hope Crispy bounces back especially since she is a stubborn chicken.

Yes, I've booked in for a consult/ possible euthanasia. Apparently chickens are very good at hiding pain, and crsipy could be in pain
Also, it cost $100AUD per consult hopefully bloods won't cost too much after that!!
The things we do for our chickens!

 

[CluckerFamily]

Thanks for sharing that article. Its a real eye opener. I might see if they can test for fipronil in the eggs too!
I haven't used if for a long time so I hope the chickens are all clear.
Why would a vet recommend revolution???
We also have the possible use of the pesticide dieldrin in our area from the 60s, hence the egg testing.
I probably should have got all this investigated before we got chickens but only found out now

Are your vets experts on chickens?
In Wisconsin, we are a farming state but we don't have vets that are experts in chickens. I personally come here for help or guidance before I will go to a vet because of this.

 

[Eggcessive]

I am not sure how common it is to get a test for lymphoid leukosis in a chicken. It is usually diagnosed by the state poultry vet with a necropsy after death. It might be something to arrange if you lose her one day. The LL virus is not as widespread in a flock as Mareks is. @azygous has LL in her flock and she is always very helpful with advice. Here are a couple of articles with pictures and info on LL:
https://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/diseases-of-poultry/202/lymphoid-leukosis

https://www.thepoultrysite.com/disease-guide/avian-leukosis-lymphoid-leukosis-leukosis-sarkoma-group

 

[Tiffytiff]

Are your vets experts on chickens?
In Wisconsin, we are a farming state but we don't have vets that are experts in chickens. I personally come here for help or guidance before I will go to a vet because of this.

I'm in Western Australia, Perth, in the inner city area. There are a couple of 'backyard chicken vets', and I've been going to a practice called 'Unusual Pet Vets' (been there once with another chicken). They see a lot of backyard chickens.
I'm getting my eggs tested privately at a lab.
I have family that do a little bit of chicken farming down south, but I have a feeling their answer will be the axe, and they would volunteer . I'm quite happy to help Crispy go a more relaxing way