my hen has a swollen oviduct

[mixedchickenguy]

we went to the vet yesterday where they did x-rays and determined that her oviduct is swollen and pushing on some of her other organs, causing all the symptoms we were seeing. she's been prescribed an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory, but it might not resolve itself without surgery or hormones. the surgery is extremely high risk, and the hormones only work for 3 months.

so my questions are, has anyone experienced this with their hen before?

i know we can't eat any eggs produced by this hen while she's being treated with the antibiotics, but how long does this last? does the type of antibiotic matter? it's called Enrofloxacin if that helps.

lastly, does the anti-inflammatory also call for withholding the eggs? it's called Meloxicam.

 

[FowlProtector]

we went to the vet yesterday where they did x-rays and determined that her oviduct is swollen and pushing on some of her other organs, causing all the symptoms we were seeing. she's been prescribed an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory, but it might not resolve itself without surgery or hormones. the surgery is extremely high risk, and the hormones only work for 3 months.

so my questions are, has anyone experienced this with their hen before?

i know we can't eat any eggs produced by this hen while she's being treated with the antibiotics, but how long does this last? does the type of antibiotic matter? it's called Enrofloxacin if that helps.

lastly, does the anti-inflammatory also call for withholding the eggs? it's called Meloxicam.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this with your hen. It sounds like a tough situation.
Yes, reproductive issues like a swollen oviduct (salpingitis, egg binding complications, or impacted oviduct) are unfortunately common in high-production breeds. Some hens respond well to antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, while others may need more intervention. Hormone implants (like Suprelorin) can help stop egg production temporarily, but as you mentioned, they only last a few months.

Egg Withdrawal for Enrofloxacin & Meloxicam​

1. Enrofloxacin (Baytril) – This antibiotic is not approved for use in poultry that produce eggs for human consumption in many places, meaning that technically, there is a permanent egg withdrawal. However, in practice, many people follow a 14-day withdrawal period after the last dose before consuming eggs. It depends on local regulations and personal comfort.
2. Meloxicam – This anti-inflammatory is often used in chickens, but egg withdrawal recommendations vary. Some sources suggest a few days to a week after the last dose, while others say it isn’t necessary. Again, it depends on the regulations in your area.

If you want to be extra cautious, you can extend the withdrawal period or feed the eggs back to your flock or pets (as long as you’re comfortable with that).

 

[mixedchickenguy]

I'm sorry you're dealing with this with your hen. It sounds like a tough situation.
Yes, reproductive issues like a swollen oviduct (salpingitis, egg binding complications, or impacted oviduct) are unfortunately common in high-production breeds. Some hens respond well to antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, while others may need more intervention. Hormone implants (like Suprelorin) can help stop egg production temporarily, but as you mentioned, they only last a few months.

Egg Withdrawal for Enrofloxacin & Meloxicam​

1. Enrofloxacin (Baytril) – This antibiotic is not approved for use in poultry that produce eggs for human consumption in many places, meaning that technically, there is a permanent egg withdrawal. However, in practice, many people follow a 14-day withdrawal period after the last dose before consuming eggs. It depends on local regulations and personal comfort.
2. Meloxicam – This anti-inflammatory is often used in chickens, but egg withdrawal recommendations vary. Some sources suggest a few days to a week after the last dose, while others say it isn’t necessary. Again, it depends on the regulations in your area.

If you want to be extra cautious, you can extend the withdrawal period or feed the eggs back to your flock or pets (as long as you’re comfortable with that).

thank you for this information, i appreciate it. I'll call my vet to see what they say about the enrofloxacin withdrawal period.

it's just strange because she isn't a high production breed, she's a mutt so i just call her an easter egger as she lays bluish/greenish eggs and has fluffy cheeks. i just don't know what would've caused this to happen.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry that you are dealing with this. Your hen could have oviduct cancer or salpingitis (lash egg material inside her oviduct.) Both are common in hens unfortunately. Some vets do the expensive hormone implants to stop laying. Spaying is even more expensive and risky. Or you could see how it goes, and let nature take its course. I would wait at least a month to eat any eggs she might lay after antibiotics. Here is some reading with a good picture of an oviduct filled with lash material:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2114e/

 

[mixedchickenguy]

Sorry that you are dealing with this. Your hen could have oviduct cancer or salpingitis (lash egg material inside her oviduct.) Both are common in hens unfortunately. Some vets do the expensive hormone implants to stop laying. Spaying is even more expensive and risky. Or you could see how it goes, and let nature take its course. I would wait at least a month to eat any eggs she might lay after antibiotics. Here is some reading with a good picture of an oviduct filled with lash material:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2114e/

thank you. I don't think it's lash egg material as she lays normal eggs every few days. and after the x-ray, the vet said it's most likely buildup of egg material without the shell. so basically just shelless eggs being formed but not expelled.

i will wait at least a month then to eat any eggs. any ideas on what to do with any laid eggs in the meantime?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would just toss them, since you don’t want your other animals to get any other antibiotic residue. Lash material is just egg parts, and it forms into layers like an onion. I hope that she recovers.

 

[mixedchickenguy]

I would just toss them, since you don’t want your other animals to get any other antibiotic residue. Lash material is just egg parts, and it forms into layers like an onion. I hope that she recovers.

alright thank you. sorry i might've misunderstood the vet. when he said "buildup of egg material" i took that as basically egg white and yolk just sitting in her oviduct. he didn't mention anything about an infection/lash material. could he have meant lash material instead? sorry I'm not good at interpreting certain things.

 

[chickachicka12345]

are you in the us

 

[mixedchickenguy]

are you in the us

yes i am

 

[chickachicka12345]

It sounds like your hen has a chronic oviduct issue that may not fully resolve without further intervention.

About Enrofloxacin (Baytril) and Egg Withdrawal:

• Enrofloxacin is banned for use in food-producing poultry in many countries (including the U.S.), meaning the egg withdrawal period is indefinite due to potential antibiotic residues. Technically, you should never eat the eggs again from this hen.
• Some people choose to feed the eggs back to their flock or give them to pets, but that’s a personal choice.

About Meloxicam and Egg Withdrawal:

• Meloxicam (anti-inflammatory) doesn’t have a set withdrawal time for eggs in the U.S., but some sources suggest waiting at least 7 days after the last dose.

Management Options:

• If antibiotics and anti-inflammatories don’t resolve the issue, options are limited:
  • Hormone implants (Suprelorin): These stop egg production for about 3 months at a time, reducing stress on the oviduct. They can be expensive but are much safer than surgery.
  • Supportive care: A lower-protein diet (less than 16% protein) can help slow egg production, and calcium supplements may support her system.
  • Drainage (if fluid builds up): Sometimes necessary for comfort, but it’s not a cure.

Long-Term Outlook:

• If the swelling doesn’t go down, complications like egg peritonitis may develop.
• If she’s eating, drinking, and acting normally, you can keep managing her conservatively.
• If she worsens or struggles, euthanasia may be the kindest option if surgery or hormone therapy aren’t viable.

You’re doing the right thing by treating her and monitoring her condition. If you want to extend her life, hormone therapy is probably the best bet. Hope this helps!