Chicken's head is swollen. Injury/disease?

[chrissysue]

Hey All,

About 10 days ago Peep's head appeared to be bleeding and I assume that she had been pecked at. We washed the wound and put a large glob of antibiotic ointment on it. I gave the wound a week and it appeared it wasn't healing so we have been spraying Vetericyn on it once daily for three days. Yesterday I noticed that her head looked a little swollen and today it is even worse. She is behaving normally and laying as normal.

The scab is very dark black and to me her head is very swollen. Is it infected... or is this something else going on like a detached comb or a disease?

Any suggestions on what is going on and how to treat her? Let me know if there is any other info that would be helpful. Thank you very much for any info!

Chrissy

 

[Chickeroonie keeper]

Wow, that sure looks painful. I don’t know how to help, but hopefully my commenting will increase this post’s publicity!

 

[cherrynberry]

Do you have neosporin with NO pain killer? I would apply that on right away.

 

[chrissysue]

Do you have neosporin with NO pain killer? I would apply that on right away.

I do - I will put that on right away.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I would assume the swelling is due to the injury.

Is vet care an option?

 

[chrissysue]

I would assume the swelling is due to the injury.

Is vet care an option?

I asked around for quotes and it would cost $130 just for the exam!
I have a neighbor who is a vet tech who is going to help me lance it tomorrow.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Let us know how that goes.

 

[Eggcessive]

Is it really abscessed or just swollen from the injury? Vetericyn wound spray, chlorhexidene, or Betadine, are fine to put on the wound. Plain antibiotic ointment can be applied twice a day.

 

[chrissysue]

When my neighbor looked at it and felt it she had the suspicion it was a tumor. We soaked it and gave it a small lance and she was correct. We made the choice to cull her My only guess about the black scab is that the other chickens pecked at her because of the growth.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss.