Close Call, letter I sent to dog owners -UPDATE -Ellie just attacked

[BeardedChick]

My hen that I lost was like that - could not bear weight on one leg. Post mortem I found a deep cut right between her legs in a location that was very difficult to see. I had wrongly attributed her lameness to her other wounds. Have you tried wrapping her in a towel, rolling her over, and taking a *very* thorough look? I thought I had checked my hen over well enough, but I hadn't. It's very difficult to see a gash in that area, especially if she's heavily feathered as mine was.

 

[Nikki28]

Quote:
I am not really knowledgeable on the effects of medication with chickens but mixing metacam and aspirin is a no-no with other animals. You may want to ask your vet about it.

 

[jjthink]

Hi, and thank you. I can't seem to find an injury on Ellie other than the ones we knew about - it really is a challenge looking because she wriggles and feathers keep getting in the way. I'm worried that I could be missing something. When the vet did surgery last Tuesday I asked him if he'd look her over closely while she was out to make sure we didn't miss any injuries - he said he would and hopefully he did.

I just left a message for the vet that her right side is still collapsing this morning - it's as though her leg gives out. We are now having an hail/ ice storm that will turn into a snow storm. Vet is closed on the weekend.

I decided against putting aspirin water out, in favor of seeing if the Metacam does anything. So far I see no improvement - if anything she's worse with that right leg giving out. I have them snuggled in a comfy coop so she can rest - it's wicked nasty out. One of my questions for the vet was whether I should be seeing any improvement yet with the anti-inflammatory - if so, and there isn't any, then it's something bigger than just a pulled muscle or whatever. Poor Ellie seems so troubled. And BJ worries enough for both of them.

JJ

 

[BeardedChick]

Hugs for you and Ellie.

 

[Lunachick]

Judy - I hope Ellie recovers soon. I will be thinking of you and your birds. How's your cat? Gosh 2009's gotta get better!

 

[jjthink]

Thank you

It's so sad - it seems like she gets a terrible pain and then crumbles in response. It's heart breaking. People who let their dogs wreak havoc like this ought to have to watch the fallout.
The anti-inflammatory does not yet seem to be helping. If it's nerve damage I guess it wouldn't work - I don't know what would, if anything.
JJ

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

Is there anyway to immobilize her? If it is something deep tissue it might help to give it time to heal. Dunno. Seems like if there is damage that she runs the rish of constantly re-injuring it if she tries to use it.

to your chickies.

 

[birdlover]

Judy,
Do you think it would help to communicate with the famous Dr. Peter Brown who has advised/helped so many on here (including Zane)? I don't have his phone number handy but maybe somebody else does? Here is his website:

www.featherfanciers.com Join, go to the forums and send out an SOS. I'm pulling for you ALL along with everybody else.

 

[chilling in muscadine]

Judy, I am so hoping everything comes out with a happy ending. I'm sending prayers from Alabama. Hang in there girl and don't forget to take care of yourself along the way, something I forget to do half the time. Keep us posted.
SARA

 

[SpottedCrow]

If it's nerve damage, you just have to

...

she could still heal up okay.

This weather's a bummer up and down the east coast.
I agree with Ellen on this. Call Peter Brown and see what he says.