Deep wound care: GRAPHIC IMAGES*

[Susan Skylark]

The muscle turns black as it dries out and is exposed to air, go by smell and how bird is feeling as well as spreading of blackness to gauge necrosis. That wound will heal much faster if stitched but it won’t hold sutures at the moment, you missed the initial window, but you’ll get another chance in a few days to a week, what you want is a nice bed of granulation tissue (proud flesh to you horse folks), a moist pinkish stuff that will cover the raw surfaces and will heal together if it touches other granulation beds. Have somebody hold the bird, cut away the dried and dead edges (you want skin or muscle, fat and granulation tissue won’t hold sutures) until they bleed. Use thread or fishing line. Pull edges together but don’t put too much tension on the string or they’ll break. Use single sutures and secure with two square knots. Aim to cover the deep exposed muscle first don’t worry about little skin defects. Continue good wound care until the skin covers everything.

 

[Chickidychick777]

You are quite right. The chicken was attacked by a coyotes and now has exposed muscle—did the vet prescribe any antibiotics? Why are they not answering? Coyotes have significant bacteria in their mouths.

I’m a bit confused as to why stitches weren’t used, since leaving the muscle exposed like that increases the risk of drying out, bacterial contamination, and possible tissue necrosis.

I really appreciate your input. We were able to get in touch with a second farm vet.Who will be advising us this afternoon with a treatment plan. She is alert However the wound Is like a deep pocket.So I fear that is a little harder to manage just with over the counter medications.

 

[Chickidychick777]

More photos to show progression... On stand by for farm vets call back

 

[NewcoopNewpoop]

Keep us posted if possible.

 

[Chickidychick777]

The muscle turns black as it dries out and is exposed to air, go by smell and how bird is feeling as well as spreading of blackness to gauge necrosis. That wound will heal much faster if stitched but it won’t hold sutures at the moment, you missed the initial window, but you’ll get another chance in a few days to a week, what you want is a nice bed of granulation tissue (proud flesh to you horse folks), a moist pinkish stuff that will cover the raw surfaces and will heal together if it touches other granulation beds. Have somebody hold the bird, cut away the dried and dead edges (you want skin or muscle, fat and granulation tissue won’t hold sutures) until they bleed. Use thread or fishing line. Pull edges together but don’t put too much tension on the string or they’ll break. Use single sutures and secure with two square knots. Aim to cover the deep exposed muscle first don’t worry about little skin defects. Continue good wound care until the skin covers everything.

Your knowledge far exceeds mine and i appreciate your thoughtful reply. Do you know if can provide some kind of pain reliever for the site or just as general care after doing the stitching?

If it scabs do I have to take that off first? Do I use any hydrogen peroxide to clean needle? What kind of needle is best for this injury site?

Thank you so much for your helpfulness

 

[Chickidychick777]

The muscle turns black as it dries out and is exposed to air, go by smell and how bird is feeling as well as spreading of blackness to gauge necrosis. That wound will heal much faster if stitched but it won’t hold sutures at the moment, you missed the initial window, but you’ll get another chance in a few days to a week, what you want is a nice bed of granulation tissue (proud flesh to you horse folks), a moist pinkish stuff that will cover the raw surfaces and will heal together if it touches other granulation beds. Have somebody hold the bird, cut away the dried and dead edges (you want skin or muscle, fat and granulation tissue won’t hold sutures) until they bleed. Use thread or fishing line. Pull edges together but don’t put too much tension on the string or they’ll break. Use single sutures and secure with two square knots. Aim to cover the deep exposed muscle first don’t worry about little skin defects. Continue good wound care until the skin covers everything.

Initial vet thinks that covering it with Bluekote and washing it with saline is enough for it to heal.The second vet says a suture is required to close up the wound. I think I will do the latter myself (as you suggested as well)...as the vet requires us to go to them (3hr trip one way) and asking $300 for this small surgery. Yikes!
Cab you recommend a stronger otc antibitic or should I do another course of tylan 200 after I stitch it up?