Chicken leg injured by leg band, abx for over 2 weeks, still not looking good. Help?

[chicknmom]

I was away for a month and a housesitter was caring for my girls. When I returned, I found one with an extremely swollen, infected and bleeding leg where the leg had swollen so much the band was now half way through her flesh. It was awful. Poor girl.

I cut the band off and pulled out the section that was through her leg. I tried to disinfect the leg, but knew that there was no way I could thoroughly clean it - it was too big and much of the infected tissue is inaccessible.

So, for the first time, I am using antibiotics: For 2 weeks, I gave 125mg amoxicillin twice a day (per Merck vet manual). I was worried about that high dose for so long, but the wound is still not looking great, so I am now giving her one dose daily (3 days at this dose so far).

I kept her indoors for the first 48 hours, but she constantly was freaking out, so I have her back outside and she seems happy and does use the leg.

I hoped that the draining and antibiotics would enable healing. However, it still has a big black broken-looking scab over the wound, and it dribbles blood/lymph daily.

I kept it covered for the first week, and then thought it might be better to have it open so that it could drain better. The swelling is way down. Today she felt hot again (although the weather is warm, so I don't know if she has a fever again).

Really unsure what to do now. Options I see are:

1. Put her down (She only just started laying a few months ago - I would really like to save her)
2. Keep her on high dose amoxicillin (supply is not simple, however) - 125mg twice daily
3. Keep her on lower dose amoxicillin - 125mg / day (worried about superbug development with this option, though)
4. Try to get a different antibiotic for her (suggestions?)
5. Stop antibiotics and see how she does
6. Search for a vet to clean the wound properly and prescribe treatment (really cannot afford this)
7. Try to find a brave soul who might be willing to try to clean the wound for me (I am a wimp - being very honest here - so I just cannot face trying to cut into the wound to clean it.)

Please share your wisdom - I would truly value it.

Thanks!

(On another note - I have discovered that these leg bands are generally a very BAD idea for chickens. HOW are those leg bands even legal!?! Has anyone ever successfully sued the company that makes and distributes them?? What can be done to remove them from the market?)

 

[pennyJo1960]

are you strong enough to wash in a warm salt water bath to draw out the wound apply antibiotic ointment then bandage to the cleaned leg keep covered 24 hours

 

[pennyJo1960]

I agree leg bands can be scary but most often we that do on occasion use them keep a very close watch I like nail polish myself

 

[pennyJo1960]

if you have a feed store close there are stronger meds this was through the leg?
you may have to seek a vet's help if your unable to soak it then clean through it..
going to call another member into this @KikisGirls

 

[feistyoldbird]

I agree leg bands can be scary but most often we that do on occasion use them keep a very close watch I like nail polish myself

Could you explain your nail polish method. I have rubber bands and leg bands to keep my BCM's chicks seperated. I not fond of of the above mentioned or zip ties either. I want to try wing bands that go around the wing but that's months away. So I would like to try another method, like yours. Any suggestions welcomed.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sometimes debridement is needed in helping to clean a wound down to healthy tissue. Epsom salts soaks to the leg and then gently scrubbing the wound to get it bleeding slightly may help. This may take a few days, and I would apply plain neosporin/triple antibiotic ointment to it after the soak.

 

[pennyJo1960]

sure as peeps I will paint a band on the leg using many colors but not red

 

[chicknmom]

Anyone else have any input? Thanks.

 

[WVduckchick]

Epsom salt soak would probably loosen the scab some. Then I'd dry it well, and slather it with antibiotic ointment and maybe wrap loosely, mainly to keep more dirt out. She may have a permanent lump there, but looks to me like it will eventually heal over.

How's it looking today? And can you get a pic of her and the wound with her standing?

As far as the bands, I would guess that they caution any user to check often on birds that are still growing, to make sure they don't get too tight. Not trying to be mean, but honestly, its up to you to keep an eye on the bands.

 

[feistyoldbird]

Vetericyn
I've not had to use it on chickens but successfully used it on dogs, cats and horses.
Iodine wash: soak in a tub to penetrate the wound.