Dog attack, difficult decisions

[mahossard]

Hello,
Friday night my dog attacked our chicken flock he killed 8, left 2 unharmed, 1 mildly injured--it's eye looks foggy, I am putting vetermicyn on it, and 2 severely hurt. My rooster is one of the severely hurt, all the skin was taken from his face and he lost one eye, he is wheezing, and has a pocket under his eye that keeps filling with pus, and I keep draining it. He can walk and will drink water if I show him where it is, one of his eyes might make it, I can't tell yet. He has diarrhea. Is there any chance of recovery, I'm thinking I should have had the courage to end his life, but now I don't know what to do. I spend about 3 hours a day tending his wounds and giving him water/pedialyte. I have three little girls that I homeschool, so I can't keep this level of care up indefinitely. My other hen that survived is also missing an eye, her remaining eye is cloudy and she keeps it close a lot, she will only drink when her beak is touched to the water, has a little wheeze as well, and will eat food mixed with water if I hold it to her beak, her neck muscles seem to be injured and she can't walk straight, she also has diarrhea. Any advice or success stories? How long might healing process take? The chickens are all safe from dogs, but not getting enough outside time.

 

[LaceyMae]

I am so sorry that you are going through this. If your children are old enough, maybe you could let them help. There would be alot of life lessons in caring for a critically wounded friend, even if it is not sucessful. If they are not old enough, you have to decide how much time you can spare and see if that will be enough. Also, you have to weigh the discomfort of the birds and the quality of life each can have if partially recovered. Finally, if you have to euthanize, see if there is someone who could do it for you or check back for humane methods. Keep in mind that chickens have a remarkable ability to heal and some of the worst cases pull through with minimum support. Keep your chin up and remember that we are here for you. Good luck to you and your birds.

 

[mahossard]

I have a two year old, who needs a lot of supervision--the other two girls are helping some. Regarding quality of life, that's what I'm wondering about, I am hoping some one on this board would have been through something similar and could tell me, if the chickens were ever able to have a regular life. One thing I'm concerned about is having to keep them separate from the rest of the flock. We now have no good fenced area, as our dog demonstrated to us, let alone two separate areas. Thanks you for your reply and compassion.

 

[realsis]

I have read on this forum miraculous stories of recovery! depending on what is damaged he might have a good chance with proper care. if your willing to give it. this is a choice only you and you alone will have to decide. if he heals there is no reason he can't live a good life with one eye. I wish you the best. good luck and I really hope he pulls through.