Old girl has laid a lash egg

[Aussiechickener]

So I've had this australorp for a little over six months. I suspected she was older when I bought her, and she hasn't laid properly the entire time I've owned her. She has occasionally laid soft eggs every month or so, and still likes to sit in the box. Today I found what I suspect after some googling is a lash egg.

I've never dealt with this before, even in my older girls, so I'm not sure what to do. She seems fine otherwise and is still her bright, happy self. Should I be worried, or just see how she goes and keep an eye on her? Is there a way to treat this at home before she starts showing symptoms?

 

[Duckee]

Ive never heard of a lash egg. I googled it and found this site.
https://the-chicken-chick.com/salpingitis-lash-eggs-in-backyard/

I hope any BYCers who have experienced this will respond.

 

[Shezadandy]

Unfortunately there's no treatment for lash eggs. Hens who lay them and are otherwise healthy looking can go on for quite a long time, though. If someone came up with an effective treatment they'd be a billionaire from all of us who lose our older hens to some stage of egg yolk peritonitis and lash eggs. Hopefully she can continue to expel the icky stuff. I wish I had better news to share. So, just love her and be happy for every good day you have with her!

 

[pennyJo1960]

I agree as a child it meant soup time have not had to deal with it on my flock

 

[coach723]

I have lost several to salpingitis. Some say that early treatment with antibiotics may work, I personally have not had one recover. They hide the illness very well so it's usually advanced by the time it's known. Some birds hide it so well that death is the first clue. They often feel better for a while after passing a mass of lash material, but it will continue to build up. She likely feels like she needs to lay, which may be why she sits in the box, or she could be beginning to isolate herself. Some material may pass, some may stay inside and build up, in some cases it can cause a complete blockage. I've had some die very quickly once I knew they had it, I've had some last 18 months or so.
If it progresses slowly and she lives awhile she may start to waddle and slow down, the matter building inside may cause her legs apart so she will have a wide stance. The abdomen can get quite bloated and hard. It can make it hard for them to pass droppings, so dirty vent feathers can be an issue. It can cause difficulty breathing in later stages due to the pressure in the abdomen, and also digestion can slow or even stop causing crop issues. They can lose a lot of muscle mass but still feel quite heavy due to the material in the abdomen. Handling them can make them pretty uncomfortable due to the pressure, so try not to put more pressure on the abdomen.
In my flock now, if I know it's salpingitis, I will sometimes try to treat if I really feel it's early, if I can't really feel any abdominal bloat. Otherwise I leave them with the flock until they are obviously unwell, go off food and water, isolate themselves, or get attacked by the flock. Then I euthanize. So sorry, the prognosis is usually poor. If you do want to try to treat it then the help of a vet would be best, they can test to see which antibiotic might be most effective. Usually Baytril (enrofloxacin) is the most common recommendation. I've used it and not had a positive outcome. It's notorious for not responding to treatment.

 

[Aussiechickener]

So I've booked her in for an appointment with the vet so hopefully I can get some treatment going. For the time being I'm going to keep her immune system up and give her some some scrambled eggs and garlic, and some apple cider vinegar and oregano in the water. I know its not guaranteed to work but I'll try anything at this point. I haven't had her very long but she's a great girl, really protective of my littles ones and a good head of the flock.
I will try to keep updated as much as possible and let you know how she's going.

 

[Aussiechickener]

Sorry of the late update, been pretty busy. The vet confirmed she has an infection although it's relatively mild so she's on some painkillers, and antibiotics, plus a calcium suppliment. It's been over a week now and she seems to be doing well so I think we caught it in time.
They have also suggested a hormone implant to stop her egg production. I'm not rushing to do that just yet but I'll keep it in mind if I think it's putting undue stress on her body. Since I'm not entirely sure of her age I'm unsure if she will start laying again anyway or if shes too old.
I'll keep updating as she progresses but for now I think she's going to recover fine.

 

[coach723]

Glad you were able to have her seen. Best of luck with her, I hope she does recover.

 

[Aussiechickener]

Another update after seeing the vet again. She still has a little bit of an infection that she can't kick, so we decided to go with a hormone implant to give her system a break so it can heal properly. So she's back on the antibiotics for another two weeks or so and we'll see how she goes.
I know alot of people wouldn't put so much effort into treating a chicken but my girls are my pets, I really love them and I don't think I could let one go without a fair go. I havent had cat very long but she's a gorgeous girl who's very protective of everyone.
I'm hoping she pulls through, and the vet seems confident so far so I hope I can update with some good news soon.

 

[Sally PB]

Sending positive waves and hugs for you both.