Dog attack on year old chick and now won't walk

[Hugo Santana]

hell'n is our 15 month Millie fleur. After co existing with one of our bull dogs for 11 months and 3 months with the other, the newer dog attacked her. We saw the whole thing from our kitchen and ran to her rescue. It was brief but a few seconds but instantly saw her not using her legs and just flapping away.

We rushed her to the emergency vet and after oxygen, x rays and exams we were left with no answers. No obvious fractures or punctures. We took her home and few days later took her to a bird hospital as she was egg bound and we had no luck removing it ourselves. Fast forward two weeks since the attack she's still in a crate in our office.

She eats well and drinks ok. Has now some movement on her legs but still won't stand (glad to see it's not paralysis) she sometimes flaps off from our make shift towel donut we have in crate to keep her legs under her.

I'm guessing she has a pulled or torn muscle or tendon. Any ideas or suggestions? Chances of healing and time frame? Any and all help is appreciated. I made a sling but she doesn't stay in it long.

 

[MommaHen2Many]

I dont really have any help for you, as I've not experienced that, but I wanted to say you have done a wonderful job (hats off to you!) trying to get her the help she needs. Sometimes its hard being a chicken parent! I'm hoping some of the more experienced folks will chime in. The closest thing I have had like that was a limping rooster who pulled something (I know it wasnt a break) and it took something like 3-4 weeks to show improvement. It has been about 8 weeks now, and some days I still see a slight limp...but I'm looking for it....I dont think anyone else would see it.

Is your hen on any vitamins or other meds?

 

[Hugo Santana]

Thanks. I'm optimistic she will be ok. I'm hoping time will halo her heal on her own but curious on what I can do to help to make sure she can recover faster and better.

 

[chicks are life]

Put her on chick feed for more protein

Put electrolytes homeade or store bought in her water

Keep her in the sling

Great job at what you have already done!!!!!!

 

[Hugo Santana]

Thank you. I'll try that. Would you suggest putting something over her in her sling to keep her from trying to get out?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She may have some nerve damage, time will tell whether she will fully recover.
Provide her with poultry vitamins, see that she is eating/drinking well.

 

[DesertBird]

I agree with @chicks are life and as for the protein, peas work well! If she's willing to eat them, I'm sure it'd also double as a nice little treat for her. I was told that on a thread I posted yesterday, I believe.

I'm sure she'll pull through, good luck!

 

[chicks are life]

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