# From Livestock to Companion: Admission Causes, Diagnostics, and Clinical Findings in Chickens Admitted to the Avian Clinic of the Vetmeduni Vienna, 2009–2019

## TL;DR

This study examines health issues in pet chickens, identifying common problems like respiratory infections and egg-related diseases, and highlights the importance of diagnostic tools for effective treatment.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive overview of clinical findings and treatment outcomes in pet chickens, emphasizing the role of advanced diagnostics in avian veterinary care.

## Key findings

- The most common health issues in pet chickens included respiratory infections, egg peritonitis, and soft tissue trauma.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed conditions such as ascites, salpingitis, and skeletal abnormalities in chickens.
- Approximately two-thirds of chickens survived and were discharged, while one-third died or were euthanized.

## Abstract

This study looked at health problems of 419 backyard (pet) chickens treated at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna from 1 May 2009 to 30 April 2019. The chickens were mostly young hens, averaging 1.5 years. Most animals were brought in for individual health problems; a smaller number had issues affecting the whole flock. Common reasons for visits included general sickness (such as sleepiness and poor appetite), breathing difficulties, and mobility problems. To diagnose the issues, veterinarians used various tests, including imaging techniques like sonography, radiography, and CT scans. These revealed several conditions, such as fluid buildup, reproductive infections, and broken bones. Many chickens also had parasites, such as coccidia and roundworms, as well as bacterial infections caused by Escherichia coli and Pasteurella multocida. The most common health issues included respiratory infections, diseases related to egg production, and injuries. In terms of treatment outcomes, around two-thirds of the chickens survived and were discharged, while one-third either died or were euthanized. Some chickens needed surgery, like removal of infected reproductive organs or treatment for wounds. This study highlights the variety of health problems pet chickens can face and emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment. It also shows how crucial diagnostic tools, such as imaging methods and laboratory tests, are in identifying and addressing these health issues. Understanding common conditions and providing proper treatment is indispensable to ensure the well-being of this special group of pet animals.

This retrospective study investigated the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment outcomes in 419 backyard (pet) chickens admitted to the Service for Avian and Reptiles at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna from 1 May 2009 to 30 April 2019. The median age of the chickens was 1.5 years, with 83.8% being female. The majority (80.0%) presented with individual clinical issues, while 20.0% were diagnosed with flock diseases. The most common admission causes included unspecific clinical signs (57.3%), respiratory tract issues (18.4%), and locomotor problems (16.2%). Diagnostic imaging modalities such as ultrasonography, radiography, and CT scans revealed pathologies, including ascites, salpingitis, and skeletal system abnormalities. Parasitological examinations found a high rate of coccidia, Capillaria, and Ascaridia, while microbiological analysis identified Escherichia coli and Pasteurella multocida as common bacterial pathogens. The most prevalent diseases were upper respiratory tract infections (13.8%), egg peritonitis (9.9%), and soft tissue trauma (9.4%). Treatment outcomes showed that 67.5% survived to discharge, while 32.2% died or were euthanized. Surgical interventions were performed in 25.3% of cases, with the most common surgeries being salpingohysterectomy and wound debridement. This study highlights the wide range of health issues faced by pet chickens and emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment in avian veterinary care. It also underscores the role of various diagnostic tools, such as imaging, pathogen detection, and histopathology, in addressing the health challenges of backyard chickens.