[goosepimple]

One of our little Marsh Daisies came down a problem about 4 weeks ago - vet was here at the time on other business and I had him take a look at her - he says it is a middle ear problem as she has lost her balance when walking about.  She can sit fine but walking about she's drunk and falls over a bit confused by her actions.  He said she may recover. 
 
I isolated her in a little coop on her own but she looks more or less the same 4 weeks on.  As she's a rare breed and a pretty little young thing I want to give her a chance so am happy to keep her like this for a while.  Otherwise she's healthy.
 
Has anyone had any experience of this and how long was the recovery period, if any.  Thanks in advance.

[chrismahon]

Is there an infection Goosepimple? Or it could be ear mites if she is scratching. Or something else in the ear.

[goosepimple]

At first I thought she'd had a stroke or similar, can't see anything on inspection, it was vet that diagnosed middle ear problem but did say she could recover - poor thing seemed to be totally confused as to why she couldn't walk about as normal.  On inspecting her yesterday, she does seem to be better than she was.  We are keeping her isolated just in case. 
 
Think it may just take more time, but that's ok, we're not the type that necks them as soon as they don't look 100%, we all get ill sometimes. 

[chrismahon]

We're the same Goosepimple. Amazing how many times they seem beyond saving and yet simple treatment like TLC and they are laying again before you know it -the best 'thank you' it's possible for them to give I suppose .

[fsmnutter]

Hi there
As a vet, I just have to ask how much poultry medicine your vet does, as I am a mixed practicioner, and I don't see chickens very often, but do see a lot of dogs and cats off balance from ear problems.
However, I have seen chickens do something very similar in terms of balance when they have Marek's disease, which is a type of tumour of the nerves. They can be very unbalanced and unwilling/unable to get up and move normally, though may be able to sit happily.
I am very much the same as you with my animals and try to give a bit of TLC to nurse them through things rather than assuming the worst, but if it was Marek's disease, there is nothing that can be done.
I think if she's improving, then keep at it, and she could well come right, so  for you both
Suzanne

[goosepimple]

Thank you both.  That's part of what's nice about smallholding - you can take your time with things, you're not under pressure like farming.
 
She is quite happy to sit Suzanne.  I will give her a 'test' in a few days walking about in a coop and examine her.  It's too cold outside and I've got bronchitis just now so hibernating and OH is doing the animal duties, so will check it all out.
 
Mareks - hadn't thought of that, I'll report back when examined.
 
Many thanks.

[Daisys Mum]

Hope you and the little chook are both feeling better, now I feel a bit guilty culling some of mine but in fairness they were very old.

[goosepimple]

Don't feel guilty Anne, you're much better at making this smallholding thing stack up than me, I've got too many hangers on