Dog attack, rooster not standing up... no blood, but possible broken leg and/or back?

[caskay]

Sorry, I have no clue about anything when it comes to chickens so you'll have to be patient with me; my mother is a brand new chicken owner and I'm just trying to help her out because she's crushed that her chickens got hurt.
My aunt's dog recently snuck into my mother's chickens while we weren't looking and attacked them. It killed one, and another one refuses to stand up. When we first got to them and got them away from the dogs, we noticed the dog had bitten it on the back (although there is no blood whatsoever on the rooster, so I don't think it broke the skin; is it possible for a chicken's back to break from a terrier bite without its skin breaking first?).
The rooster's mouth was open and it was fully aware of its surroundings, but it wasn't making any sound. So fearing that it had maybe broken it's back, I tested out its legs. The right one moves in a full range of motion and can clutch with it's foot; the left leg has a full range of motion as well (and when I moved it around, the rooster didn't make any pained noises so I don't think it's in pain?), but the leg is limp and the foot doesn't clutch.
Eventually the rooster closed it's beak, and it didn't seem to open it more than a small bit when I tried out the limp leg a second time. It has made a small amount of sound since then, but for the most part is silent (it was a pretty quiet rooster before, so the only change is it being quiet and limp when picked up).
I felt along its back, and it does have a bump on its back that I don't think was there before (I don't handle the chickens much, so I'm not sure), but maybe it's just swelling from the feathers that got tore out; either way, the rooster has shed a few more feathers in the area it was bitten since then. But it's right leg works fine, if a bit sluggishly.
It's still a baby and hasn't even begun to crow yet, and my mother was devastated by the one that was killed so I'm really hoping that there's some way we can save this bird; she'd be miserable if she lost this one too, because she's seriously attached to these babies.
It's currently with a baby chicken and another baby rooster, but these birds seem to be acting very protective of their injured friend so I don't think they'll be an issue.
What's wrong with this chicken, and is there anything we can do to save it? I can include pictures, if needed.
Thank you for all of your help.

 

[chooks4life]

Sorry, I have no clue about anything when it comes to chickens so you'll have to be patient with me; my mother is a brand new chicken owner and I'm just trying to help her out because she's crushed that her chickens got hurt.
My aunt's dog recently snuck into my mother's chickens while we weren't looking and attacked them. It killed one, and another one refuses to stand up. When we first got to them and got them away from the dogs, we noticed the dog had bitten it on the back (although there is no blood whatsoever on the rooster, so I don't think it broke the skin; is it possible for a chicken's back to break from a terrier bite without its skin breaking first?).

Yes. However they have fused skeletons so generally even with force directly applied to the back the ribs and sternum smash before the spinal column does.

The rooster's mouth was open and it was fully aware of its surroundings, but it wasn't making any sound. So fearing that it had maybe broken it's back, I tested out its legs. The right one moves in a full range of motion and can clutch with it's foot; the left leg has a full range of motion as well (and when I moved it around, the rooster didn't make any pained noises so I don't think it's in pain?), but the leg is limp and the foot doesn't clutch.

The mouth being open and the alertness sounds like pain and stress but not outright shock, hopefully.

Depending on the circumstances, I wouldn't usually move a hurt animal's limbs, keeping still as long as possible is often the natural and best method for allowing healing to occur as correctly and rapidly as possible. It's not overly likely you've done damage, (you shouldn't feel bad, sounds like this case is appropriate for checking movement), it's just a general precaution/guideline. Depends on the case.

Eventually the rooster closed it's beak, and it didn't seem to open it more than a small bit when I tried out the limp leg a second time. It has made a small amount of sound since then, but for the most part is silent (it was a pretty quiet rooster before, so the only change is it being quiet and limp when picked up).
I felt along its back, and it does have a bump on its back that I don't think was there before (I don't handle the chickens much, so I'm not sure), but maybe it's just swelling from the feathers that got tore out; either way, the rooster has shed a few more feathers in the area it was bitten since then. But it's right leg works fine, if a bit sluggishly.
It's still a baby and hasn't even begun to crow yet, and my mother was devastated by the one that was killed so I'm really hoping that there's some way we can save this bird; she'd be miserable if she lost this one too, because she's seriously attached to these babies.
It's currently with a baby chicken and another baby rooster, but these birds seem to be acting very protective of their injured friend so I don't think they'll be an issue.
What's wrong with this chicken, and is there anything we can do to save it? I can include pictures, if needed.
Thank you for all of your help.

Pictures are always a very good idea.

For the time being, even if the others are friendly to it, I'd use something like a small bird cage i.e. for a finch and put it over him to restrict movement. Some chooks have the sense to stay still, others won't, and for the latter ones having other birds around can cause them to try to follow or act normal when they're unable to, causing greater harm. If the left leg is not working, but the right is, he can destroy the right in amazingly short order by attempting to get around on it and overcompensating with it until it gives out under the abnormal strain and usage.

The idea of the small bird cage is that he can see the others and they can see him, but he'll be safe and restrained. If you do put him in the house or something, bear in mind some will just give up on life if kept away from the flock, and the flock will forget him and attack him when he comes back if he does heal up away from them.

I'd give him water within reach so he doesn't have to get up to drink, in a small container he can't drown in, probably with electrolytes or honey or save-a-chick or whatever it is you can get where you are. At this stage fasting is best --- no solid food for 24 hours is generally ideal because then his body will direct all its resources to healing, rather than having them taken up by digestion. Normally most chooks will voluntarily fast but some lack the sense to do so.

Obviously he should be kept warm, kept in the correct position (legs folded normally under him) and not in a windy place. He may take some time to heal or may heal rapidly. Depends what's wrong. Could be a broken/fractured bone or a few of them, severe bruising causing loss of nerve/muscle function, strained or sprained muscles or tendons, or torn muscles/tendons, or a damaged joint. Time can heal many of these things.

But, if you're inclined and financially able, and there is an avian vet near you, might be worth getting him checked out to be sure. Eyes on the bird are usually better than thoughts from someone who can't inspect him.

Best wishes. Hope it goes well. Also, hello, and