Yellowing tongue

[MilesFluffybutt]

One of my roosters in experiencing facial swelling, a yellowing tongue, occasional sneezing, has dirty nares, and some difficultly swallowing. He had a severe year infection a year ago so some puffiness on the right side (if facing him) that never fully left. His weight is good. A little light, but he is molting and we're coming out of winter. His voice is strong and he's still really active. His appetite is also good and he's drinking well.

None of his flockmates are experiencing symptoms so I'm wondering what could be going on with him.

For full disclosure, I do have a Marek's positive flock - confirmed via necropsy done on the only chicken I have lost to it.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

What does the inside of the beak look like, back of the throat?
Any bad odors?

Did you treat with any medications? What did you use and the dose?
He had an ear infection that never resolved? How have you been handling that?

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

The inside of the beak and his mouth are clear. The back of his throat looks good, but I'm going to look again this weekend and do a more thorough inspection because he drooled up his meds this morning.

I noticed this yesterday when was doing the usual monthly flock inspection. I started treating with Baytril at .25ml x2 a day.

Regarding the ear infection, I sought vet care for it. I was advised to remove the debris daily and treat with terramycin. The follow up showed it was cleared up. She expected a bit of puffiness in the face and cauliflowering because of just how bad it was. He hasn't shown any sign of a recurring infection since - no dirty ear feathers, no waxy discharge, no balance issues. I probably have a photo somewhere.

Do you suspect that might be what's going on?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I would give him a more thorough inspection as soon as you can. Make sure to look inside his beak really well, the back of the throat and roof of his beak as well.

Hopefully the Baytril will help. I do have to wonder if he has something like Canker, but you don't detect a bad odor.
Do look inside her ears again too.

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

I wonder if it could be thrush. The symptoms are similar to canker. The yellow hue of his tongue could be staining from the nutridrench in their water. I didn't think to look at his vent.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I wonder if it could be thrush. The symptoms are similar to canker. The yellow hue of his tongue could be staining from the nutridrench in their water. I didn't think to look at his vent.

Staining from the Nutri-Drench is a possibility.
Thrush is too, if there's no bad odor. The facial swelling is a bit concerning though.
Check him over really well and let me know what you see and find out.

 

[Chookiemom]

I don’t have any info to help with the situation but he is very a cool looking rooster. I hope he feels better soon.

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

I don’t have any info to help with the situation but he is very a cool looking rooster. I hope he feels better soon.

Thank you. He's my favorite, but don't tell my other favorites. LOL!

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

Staining from the Nutri-Drench is a possibility.
Thrush is too, if there's no bad odor. The facial swelling is a bit concerning though.
Check him over really well and let me know what you see and find out.

He gurgled up half the baytril this morning. It seems any pressure - even the slightest tug on the his wattles to encourage him to open his mouth - will cause him to gurgle and salivate.

I'm going to put a trail camera in the coop to better monitor his eating and drinking. I not convinced any more that he's eating the feed (pellets.) I can't bring him into the house and risk my two handicapped house roosters.

Do you think there's any harm in treating for thrush concurrently with the baytril?

Yes, the swelling in concerning. It's not improved since starting the baytril.

I've got help coming tonight for the exam since this weekend is going to be sloppy snowy, rainy mess.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'd examine first, then determine which course of treatment needed.
If it's canker, then you want to use Metronidazole, for thrush you want to use an anti-fungal (Nystatin, Miconazole, Fluconazole, etc.)

His crop is emptying completely overnight correct?