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Wry Neck Other Names: Torticollis, Stargazing, Twisted Neck
Wry neck, also known as torticollis, twisted neck, stargazing, limber neck and crooked neck is a clinical sign where the chicken's neck is bent and twisted so that their head is oriented towards the left or right side, upwards or downward. It is associated with disorders of the vestibular system. It can be caused by genetics, vitamin deficiencies, trauma, tumors, viruses, bacteria, parasites, protozoa, toxins and fungi.
Congenital-associated
Nutrition-associated Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin E and thiamine deficiencies.Ergotism Soybean or lupine based diets: Wry neck has occurred in flocks fed soybean and lupine based diets.Infectious Bacterial infections: Ear infections , Salmonellosis (S. Pullorum, S. Typhimurium ), Streptococcal Infection (Streptococcus spp ), Avibacterium paragallinarum , Listerial encephalitis (Listeria monocytogenes ), and Enterococcus durans .Viral infections: Marek's disease virus , Avian encephalomyelitis virus , Newcastle disease (Avian paramyxovirus type 1), Enteric reovirus strains, and Avian influenza .Parasitic infections: Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii ), Sarcocystisis ( Sarcocystis spp ), Tapeworms , and Baylisascariasis ( Baylisascaris procyonis ).Fungal infections: Pneumo-encephalitis aspergillosis (Aspergillus spp ), Mycetoma (Curvularia geniculate ), Mucormycosis (Rhizopus spp ) and Dactylariosis (Dactylaria gallopava ).Other reasons
Treatment depends on the cause. The chicken will require supportive care and should be closely monitored.
Abnormally positioned head/neck
History Clinical signs Physical exam lab tests
Name Summary Supportive care 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. Treatment depends on the cause Provide supplemental Vitamins E and B
Feed a well-balanced diet appropriate for chicken age group and type Biosecurity
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