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Layer Hens and Reproductive Problems:
The conditions listed below, were discovered in our hens primarily
through necropsy (which is an animal autopsy). After having
seen so many similar cases, we are now often able to diagnosis
these conditions while the hen is still alive, either during
our monthly health check of the entire flock or when an individual
becomes noticeably sick and is brought to our hospital for
treatment. Despite recognizing what is wrong, treatment and
care of these girls remains frustrating, as we are often limited
to antibiotics for secondary infections and supportive care.
Many of the hens live months or even years after being diagnosed
and can live comfortable, happy lives, even with the developing
masses. Hopefully in the future, treatment advances will coincide
with an increase in healthier, better cared for hens. Below
many of the problems we are seeing, and the secondary treatments
we use to prolong the life of our hens.
Oviduct Impaction: This is often initially caused by
a bacterial infection in the oviduct. At necropsy the oviduct
is occluded by masses of yolk, albumen, shell membranes, or
fully formed eggs. Sometimes a large quantity of thick, cloudy
fluid is distending the oviduct. Most commonly, large solid
masses of yolk-like material having a layered appearance will
be found in the oviduct. Aside from surgery, treatment is
generally restricted to antibiotics for secondary infections,
but is unable to clear the impaction, which will continue
to build up, causing sickness and eventual death. If diagnosed
in time, some of the masses can be removed, but usually the
hens cannot withstand this very invasive surgery. Antibiotics
clear up the signs of illness and the hens lead a normal life,
until the masses take over their systems. These masses can
reach an astonishing size, to the point of not only filling
the abdominal cavity but extending up into the chest as well.
Naturally, this compresses the intestines and internal organs,
damaging them and impeding their function.
Ovarian Carcinoma: After finding this during necropsy
and doing a little research, it was discovered that is the
most common tumor of unknown origin in hens. It is associated
with advancing age, which is why most vets are not exposed
to it. Often fluid will accumulate in the abdomen. As the
tumors spread, the intestine becomes constricted and the hens
become emaciated. At necropsy there are countless white, firm
tumors on the surfaces of the intestinal wall and oviduct.
Birds that are forced into laying by additional light sources
had an increased incidence of the tumors. In the experience
of one poultry disease researcher, "birds began to die
at 3 ½ years of age, and all had died of ovarian carcinoma
by 9 years of age." (Helmboldt and Fredrickson, Diseases
of Poultry 6th edition) Since most production birds are not
allowed to live that long, it is not commonly seen. We have
not been able to find any treatment that will reverse or stabilize
this condition. Because the hens at Farm Sanctuary are treated,
and have a much longer life-span then they ever would in a
factory, we are seeing this more often. To keep the hens more
comfortable, we drain the fluids in their abdomens when necessary.
Cystic right oviduct: Female chickens have two ovaries
and oviducts-usually only the left is functional. If both
are functional, the right oviduct may be cystic. Large cysts
are ballooned sacs containing clear watery fluid, which can
range in size from a pea to a softball. A large cyst, which
may contain a pint of fluid, causes the vital organs of the
hen to be compressed and produces pathological conditions
involving these organs. We can generally drain these cysts
without surgery, which gives the hen a healthy existence.
Internal layers: These birds have an accumulation of
eggs in the abdominal cavity at necropsy. This is a result
of eggs that have reversed direction and been discharged into
the body cavity, instead of progressing down the oviduct and
being laid. Yolk in the abdominal cavity will often be reabsorbed
by a healthy hen, but shell membranes or hardened egg masses
will cause secondary problems. For severe cases surgery is
required to save the hen.
In a factory situation, any of these conditions would not
be treated, and the hen's already short life would be taken
away. Cassandra and the other hens here at Farm Sanctuary
are given an opportunity to live comfortable lives, and to
receive any medical treatment necessary, to prolong the life
here. Most hens are not so lucky, and suffer greatly for their
entire life. To learn more about the plight of these hens
click here: http://www.factoryfarming.com/eggs.htm
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