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Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition where the heart chambers enlarge and lose their ability to contract. It can lead to congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden death.
Clinical signs of DCM in chickens occur secondary to decreased delivery of oxygenated blood or to congestion of blood in the lungs.
Treatment For Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Chickens
Treatment involves controlling associated arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and preventing heart failure with cardiac medications such as diuretics and ace inhibitors.
Case 1: Dilated cardiomyopathy in a Chicken Congestive heart failure (dilated cardiomyopathy) was diagnosed in a 1-year-old Faverolle hen who died after a brief period of respiratory distress and diarrhea. Necropsy revealed severe ascites, dilation of the right heart, pulmonary congestion and edema, and fibrotic liver. Ref
Case 2: Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Atherosclerosis in a Indian Ringneck parakeet Dilated Cardiomyopathy was the cause of death in a 10-year-old female Indian Ringneck parakeet who died suddenly. The bird had severe ascites, and liver and lung fibrosis; the three lesions were considered to be secondary to heart failure. In addition, the bird also had atherosclerosis of major vessels and urate deposits in the kidneys, both of which were considered incidental findings. 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.
Beaufrère, Hugues, and Nobuko Wakamatsu Diagnosing cardiovascular diseases in backyard poultry. Backyard Poultry Medicine and Surgery: A Guide for Veterinary Practitioners (2014)
