12/11/2024
Salpingitis is a condition commonly seen in adult laying hens, it's usually characterized by inflammation of the oviduct, though commonly associated with bacterial infection it can result from respiratory or systemic infection, some of the pathogens responsible include mycoplasma, pasturella, E-coli, salmonella and Streptococcus.
What are the symptoms of Salpingitis?
Symptoms can be quite vague making it difficult to diagnose, but typically in the earlier stages hens will show mild depression, abnormally shaped eggs and decreased egg production, as the infection progresses it can lead to reduced appetite, lethargy, abdominal distension, difficulty walking and perching and adopting a penguin like stance. Advanced stages can include abdominal distension, oviduct impaction with potential for rupture, coelomitis and septacemia.
It's not uncommon for habitual soft shelled eggs to be layer or lash eggs to be produced , lash eggs are basically a egg shaped ball of hard caseous material containing rather nasty bacteria, so these should always be disposed of using gloves and washing hands well after.
Treatment:
In mild cases salpingitis can resolve with supportive care though often times by the time it's discovered, it's in the more advanced stages meaning that aggressive supportive care with IV fluids, Thermal and nutritional support, depending on the cause, antibiotics may be required. Sometimes a hormone injection or implant is placed aswell to give the reproductive tract time to rest and to prevent production of eggs for a while, in severe cases a salpingohysterctomy may be required which is basically a chicken spey.
If you notice that one of your chooks may be suffering from salpingitis it's important you seek Veterinary attention immediately. Often times this can be discovered on yearly health checks before it progresses to far!
As you can see, this little lady got help quickly and is doing well, enjoying her heated room with room service around the clock
