Chicken mauled by dog

[AmyNic]

Hi, I am new to Backyard Chickens as I am also a fairly new chicken mama (my girls are about 5 months old). One of my girls was mauled by a dog and I was able to intervene before she was killed. Initially, I found one area, approximately the size of a quarter, that was gaping open on the right side of her back just under the wing. Her beak seems to have been scraped in one little spot and her comb has a tear in it. I applied antibiotic ointment to the areas and placed her in a box next to my bed. She is drinking water and will even eat little snacks occasionally. Since I am very concerned about the wound on her back, I purchased Penicillin injectable antibiotic and I gave her 0.2cc intramuscularly (she weighs 3.5 lbs). When I picked her up to do that, I avoided handling the area close to the wound, yet I ended up with foul smelling drainage on my hand so I realize she had an abscess that opened up. I believe I found the area and I applied abx ointment to it. During this ordeal, she became very still and wouldn't stand. When I put her back in her box she seemed OK again, even drinking water. I feel like I should bathe her and clean out the wounds and check more thoroughly for others, but I'm so afraid it's causing her a great deal of pain and I don't want her to go into shock. Will the antibiotic be enough? I'm distraught. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I would clean her wound and check for more. You can use a syringe with out a needle to flush the wound.
You would be surprised the injuries a chicken can survive.
Post some pictures and more people will chime in.
There are lots of treatment options. From antibiotic ointment to stitches.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/yikes-large-wound-on-hen.1141144/#post-17736677

I included a link to a thread I started when treating a hen with an injury.

@Eggcessive, @KikisGirls, @mobius, @WVduckchick

 

[WVduckchick]

So sorry about your girl! Glad you were there to intervene.

I would also go ahead and clean the wound and apply the ointment. Pics would be great, if you can get some. A quarter sized wound will not likely need stitched. As FNF said, they are amazingly resilient and heal quickly.

I'm curious, what breed is she, and is she laying yet?

best of luck for a speedy recovery!

 

[AmyNic]

Thank you so much. I will purchase some chlorhexadine solution tomorrow and wash out the areas and search for more. She seems pretty content in the box by my bed, evening answering me when I talk to her. Still eating and drinking. Fingers crossed! (I'll have to figure out how to post a picture here.)

 

[AmyNic]

I'm pretty sure she is an Orpington. And she is not laying eggs yet.

 

[AmyNic]

 

[micstrachan]

I'm so sorry. I am so glad you were able to intervene!
Yes, I agree she is an Orpington. I also think it is important you find and clean any wounds. Does her breathing seem OK and have you checked her over for broken bones?

 

[AmyNic]

She is breathing fine, she eats, drinks, talks to me...I will look her over more carefully tonight when I get home from work. She has been standing/walking but she is a bit unsteady. I am just so afraid of hurting her by pulling and prodding. I know she is already hurting. =(

 

[Chickassan]

Give her a good look over, don't be afraid of hurting her chickens have an extremely high pain tolerance.

 

[AmyNic]

I flushed the wound on her back which is either getting bigger or her feathers underneath are all wet so it looks bigger. When I lifted her, again I noticed drainage dripping to the floor. I tried to look her over but she squawked and wildly flapped her wings so I know it was hurting her. After I flushed the wound, I put some Iodoform packing strip in the wound to help absorb the discharge. If it's not looking better by tomorrow I think I'm gonna look for a vet who treats chickens.