[RPF]

Hi can anyone give me some advice on oral canker?

I've isolated the hen, been syringing live yoghurt with cider vinegar and garlic and putting Caniston cream on the infected area. The canker is somewhat large on the side of the mouth and she stinks like a sort of puss-like smell. She seems fine otherwise, still chirping and perching.

Robin

[chrismahon]

It's caused by a parasite RPF and is transmitted to the rest of the flock via saliva in the communal drinkers and feeders, so the whole flock has it. Oral canker is not initially fungal, just the skin's reaction the the parasite, so an anti-fungal cream will have no effect. It manifests when there is something else wrong and her immune system is depressed. It starts in the mouth but will then migrate to the crop and the airways. The treatment is Flagyl from the vet. The only DIY treatment that works is probiotics, so you could get Avipro Avian. Probiotics take about two weeks to become effective and she may not have that long unfortunately.

[RPF]

Thank you very much for your reply, Chris. I think I'll take her to the vets as don't want to loose due to her being a stock hen. I gathered that the whole flock may have it, I read on a forum that 14g of copper sulphate added to a 30l plastic drinker over 7 days with Apple cider vinegar (that I always use anyway) would cleanse the rest of the flock?

[chrismahon]

We have this parasite in a flock of Orpingtons- the only flock we have with it. It came with birds we bought in, so whenever one is very sick cankers can be seen forming. The best treatment is to isolate them and machine hatch a new separate flock from their eggs. It doesn't transmit in the eggs but will be given to chicks by a broody. Of course it could also arrive from wild birds using the feeders and drinkers unfortunately. Don't know about the Copper Sulphate and what side effects may come with using it, but perhaps the vet knows?

[RPF]

Hi Chris, just thought that I'd keep you updated and to thank you for your help. I swung by the vets as I've got an account with the agricultural department for our sheep. The vet examined her and it looked more like a tumour so I've dispatched her this evening. Shame to lose a stock La Bresse but at least it wasn't anything contagious to the rest of the flock. Regards, Robin