A few weeks ago, one of my hens (2 year old, Rhode Island Red) started having issues with poop being stuck on her & potentially blocking her vent. I also noticed around that time that her belly looked a little swollen. I thought she may be egg bound so I gave her an Epsom salt bath & she seems much better within a couple days. 

Last week around 7/4 I noticed she was standing like a penguin & sitting down a lot. She is dragging her belly on the ground while she walks. Her belly seemed a little squishy when I touched it. I gave it a few days & she seemed more lethargic but still eating, drinking & exploring outside. 

I called a local vet who specialized in farm animals & he told me that it’s either cancer or egg yolk peritonitis. He said both are bad prognosis’s & antibiotics only work less than 20% of the time with the peritonitis. He explained I can drain the fluid to help her symptoms but she will pass within a week to a few months depending on the diagnosis. 

Can anyone share their experiences with this? I don’t want her to be in pain & prolong the inevitable but I’m afraid I’m calling it quits too soon. Today she seems to have perked up & is being more active with the other hens. I appreciate any insight I can get. She is my favorite chicken & I’m devastated. I wish I had called the vet sooner. 

Please help me make the right choice