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Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition that occurs when the heart isn't pumping blood efficiently. All chickens are at risk of heart failure but the fast-growing chicken breeds ("broilers") such as the cornish have the highest risk, especially if they have continuous access to feed.
Congestive heart failure can cause fluid buildup within the tissues and body cavities, contributing to rapid weight gain in the chicken. It can involve the heart's left side, right side or both sides.
Case 1: Right heart failure in a Penguin A 19-year-old male African penguin was presented with coelomic distention after a 6-week history of lethargy and decreased appetite. Results of radiographs showed loss of coelomic detail, and ultrasound and computed tomography results revealed coelomic fluid and dilated hepatic veins. Echocardiography revealed moderate right atrial enlargement. Findings were consistent with right-sided cardiac disease. Treatment with furosemide initially reduced ascites, but the clinical condition worsened weeks later and enalapril, pimobendan, and sildenafil were added to the medical therapy. At 12 weeks after presentation, results of an echocardiogram revealed persistent right atrioventricular valve regurgitation, moderate ascites, and dilation of hepatic veins. Clinical signs of right heart failure were managed through adjustments in medical therapy and coelomic fluid aspiration, but the bird died 18 weeks after initial presentation. Gross and microscopic findings were consistent with valvular insufficiency and right-sided heart failure. Ref
Isolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm location (your own chicken "intensive care unit") with easy access to water and food. Limit stress. Call your veterinarian.
CC Greenacre and T Morishita. Backyard Poultry Medicine and Surgery: A guide for Veterinary Practitioners, First Edition.. John WIley & Sons, Inc. (2015)
