July2015_OLD MILL ANIMAL HOSPITAL PET OF THE MONTH

A homeless chicken that was washed away from its family in the 2011 floods has made Queensland medical history recently.  Found after the floods by local chicken enthusiasts, Truffle made her home in Dayboro and quickly settled into their welcoming flock. 

However in May this year, Truffle presented to the Old Mill Animal Hospital with some breathing difficulties and general discomfort which didn’t improve with antibiotic treatment and pain relief.  A fluid sample taken from her abdomen revealed very low protein levels and we suspected cancer more and more. 

 

We enlisted the help of avian specialist, Bob Doneley, to increase the options available to Truffle.  Truffle’s dedicated feather-parents, Sally and Paul, challenged Bob to find some answers without putting Truffle through an exploratory surgery.  Bob had one diagnostic tool left at his disposal – a CT scan.  The diagnostic imaging team took a CT scan of Truffle’s liver, which was the first time the team had performed this procedure on a chicken.

Sadly, the scan confirmed the worst – Truffle’s liver was riddled with cancer.  However, rather than confirm that diagnosis in the surgical theatre and let her pass away whilst anaesthetised, the CT scan allowed Truffle’s owners to say goodbye to their special girl in their arms and she passed away being hugged and loved. 

Dr Bob and the team commented on how dedicated Truffle’s owners are, and that it was a first for everyone.  Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in chickens, so diagnostic tools like CT scans may be the way of the future for chicken owners.

Rest in peace Truffle.