Dog Attack advise for Hen (Graphic Photos)

olbupp

Chirping
7 Years
Mar 30, 2014
67
6
89





Neighbor's dog grabbed one of my girls on the back and behind her wing....worst is a large piece of flesh completely open and with what I believe is "fat" due to it's yellowish color. She has some smaller pierced wounds but her leg on that side is not working properly. It's been 3 days and I've kept her inside, warm and sprayed the wounds with Vetricyn and applied Neosporin cream. The first night she even laid an egg...she has continued to poop but no add'l eggs. She was drinking and eating but isn't drinking as much today. From the wounds weeping, her underneath side was caked and nasty so I gave her a warm bath, trying to not let that water touch any of the wounds. I've trimmed her feathers back to keep them out of the wounds and to keep down infection. I've also added Probiotics and Electrolytes to her water. The weeping that the wounds have done is clear and I think we've managed to keep infection at bay - however, I am very worried about the loss of use of her leg. I'd guess it's the connecting tissue that controls that leg is damaged as I don't feel any breaks, but I guess it could also be dislocated and I don't realize it.

After her bath I applied the Vetrycin and then applied Neosporin and covered it with a non-stick sterile pad and Vetwrapped it. I should have taken some pics and will after I unwrap if you guys think I should keep trying. Hubby is most concerned about the leg and I agree as how would she get around and life would just continue to be miserable.

Any advice, please!!!

PS - Thanks to all who have posted her about their experiences....otherwise I would have been looking up the most humane to take her to the Rainbow Bridge.
Debbie
 
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It takes a long time to heal, but chickens are SO resilent. I had a partridge Cochin attached by an English setter. She had gaping holes in her flesh as well and she didn't walk for a few weeks. At some point the wounds turned purple/black and yellowish colors and had an odd odor. I thought she had gangrene. It sounds like you are doing everything right.

Not sure of your location, but word of advice, watch for maggots.

Also I gave a hen to a neighbor & sadly he brought her to us months later and said "I'm so sorry, but my dog attacked her & I just can't put her down." I took her out of the box, put her on the grass & she fell to her side. She tried to hop on one foot, but was not using the other leg at all. I put her in a small cage to limit her mobility for a week or two.

Both of my chickens made full recoveries. Keep a close eye on her, as long as she is eating, drinking, and pooping, the outlook is good. Keep us posted:D
 
I had a hen get attacked by a fox last summer it wasn't pretty. It tore her side open pretty bad. I washed her w warm water dried her w my hair drier :) and applied blue kote b/c I end have vetracyn and she was back to herself in a few weeks. I also had another hen get picked raw on her back and I repeated the above on her as well an she made a full recovery too. Chickens are tough.
 
Thanks for yous encouragement....since bathing her earlier and wrapping the wound she has been very lithargic....she will from time to time peck at the wounds and dressing. argh....I just don't have the heart to end her life yet. Trying to give her a little quiet time after the trauma with the bath and then I'll attempt more water and food. So far today she's had little.

Deb
 
Thanks for yous encouragement....since bathing her earlier and wrapping the wound she has been very lithargic....she will from time to time peck at the wounds and dressing. argh....I just don't have the heart to end her life yet. Trying to give her a little quiet time after the trauma with the bath and then I'll attempt more water and food. So far today she's had little.

Deb

Sometimes it takes a few days of rest and quiet before a hen snaps back from an attack. Keep her warm and clean the wounds and hopefully she will turn the corner.
 
I've now posted some graphic photos....so sorry for anyone to have to view but I did put a disclaimer in the title.....the white stuff is Neosporine Cream but as you can see there is a gapping hole that has gotten worse....I think it is associated with the loss of the use of her leg, too.

I'm feeling more and more like this is a losing battle and that I am asking her to endure too much. If someone has some input or has seen an injury this bad recover I will continue....otherwise it breaks my heart to think I am putting her thru so much for naught.

I hope someone can help me out on this.

Thanks!
Debbie
 
I can't tell how deep....I flushed with saline and it is draining clear, but gosh it is gross....I feel like it's part of what holds the leg to the body....I'm just amazed she still eats, just wish she'd drink from her cup - only takes fluid off my finger when I put it against her beak....prefers to eat food that is in my hand vs. the cup...I've been moistening her pellets and gave her cooked yolk....had a little grit in her food as I figure she'd need that too.

I read some info on Baytril and it sounds pretty strong...not sure how I'd administer and then there is information that eggs from poultry should NEVER be eaten which defeats the purpose and I'd have to put this hen in a different pen if she healed.

I wish I could close my eyes and this would all go away....so sad.

Thank you fellow chick lovers.
 

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