DEEP WOUND!!!

[Anne4596]

I finally was able to acquire some Vetericyn hydrogel spray today. I just put it on and I noticed some oozing. Does this mean that it is already infected?

 

[Eggcessive]

I doubt it, since has been such a short time. Wounds ooze or weep for a day or two, and if a scab forms, it can crack and ooze. Look for a bad odor, pus, or redness and swelling.

 

[azygous]

Oozing isn't necessarily something to be concerned about, but redness and swelling is. I doubt you are going to have any problems with infection, though. Just cleanse the wounds every day and use the Vetericyn and keep the wounds moist with the antibiotic ointment.That will insure against infection.

 

[Anne4596]

I actually don't have access to antibiotic ointment. Is the Vetericyn good enough to prevent infection?

 

[Anne4596]

Update: I just noticed that there is a lot of pus draining out of the wound. Should I be concerned? Is there anything I can do about it?

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you have saline, chlorhexidene, or Betadine? You could flush the would with one of those, or you could use a kitchen fawcet with warm water to spray the wound well. Dry it with a clean cloth. Then spray on the Vetericyn.

 

[azygous]

How does the skin look adjacent to the wounds, especially near the pussy area? If it's not red and swollen looking, pus is normal in the healing process. Pus is made up of white blood cells that are hunting down and expelling bacteria. When the intact skin around the wound turns red and swollen, it's a sign that the chicken's immune system is being overwhelmed by bacteria and probably needs help from an antibiotic.

As long as you continue to flush the wound every day, you are helping your hen to fight bacteria. The Vetericyn and antibiotic ointment should be plenty to tackle any bacteria that is still trying to colonize the wounds.

Remember, as long as you don't see any red skin, your hen is doing well. Keep an eye on the comb and wattles. If they change to a bright, cherry red, it's indication of a fever, which could indicate infection. You might want to phone a vet tomorrow and ask for an antibiotic to be safe, just in case you need it.

Also, make sure your hen is drinking water. It's easy for her to get dehydrated with large, deep wounds. Electrolytes in the water can't hurt.

 

[Anne4596]

Thank you so much again for the replies!

 

[tinakevin]

u can buy neosporin triple antibiotic over the counter. Just make sure it doesn't contain pain relief. But as azygous suggested u may want to call the vet.