Indraloka Animal Sanctuary helps rescued hen

A hen that Indraloka Animal Sanctuary rescued from a commercial egg farm recently underwent an emergency surgery to save her life.

Bridget is one of 43 hens that Indraloka recently rescued after a commercial egg farm in Orangeville, Pennsylvania, lost its egg contract. Thousands of hens needed placement, and sanctuaries and rescue organizations mobilized to save as many as possible.

But last week, animal caregivers noticed something was wrong with the hen. She appeared frightened and in pain.

Staff immediately transported her to Indraloka’s on-site vet clinic. An examination and diagnostic testing revealed an obstruction serious enough to require surgical intervention.  During the procedure, Dr. Leslie Interlandi removed a large amount of inflammatory material commonly referred to as “lash eggs.”

Despite the name, lash eggs are not actually eggs. The term commonly describes inflammatory material associated with disease of a hen’s reproductive tract. For Bridget, the obstruction had become a medical emergency.

“Bridget is a powerful example of why rescue is only the beginning for hens coming out of commercial egg production,” said Dr. Leslie Interlandi, Indraloka’s resident veterinarian. “Even after they reach safety, their bodies can continue to experience serious reproductive problems. Bridget was in significant distress when she came into the clinic, and without intervention, the obstruction could have become life-threatening. She doesn’t need to produce anything for us now. Our only concern is helping her heal and giving her the chance to live comfortably as a hen.” 

Bridget successfully underwent surgery. She remains under close veterinary supervision while the team determines when she is healthy enough to return to her flock.