dog bite

[Wyorp Rock]

The skin is open an inch or more in two places (both side of the back where the dog grabbed her). She seems alert, standing, walking, sitting and eating. I think she is drinking, but not sure. So far no pus or foul odor.
And thanks for your interest and suggestions. I am new to this forum and so far I like it very much.

Look forward to your photos.

Did you happen to check underneath her and under her wings for any puncture wounds that may be hidden?

 

[mikehjkl]

Look forward to your photos.

Did you happen to check underneath her and under her wings for any puncture wounds that may be hidden?

Yes we did, and only see the two large wounds where the dog grabbed her.

 

[Eggcessive]

Glad that others have given advice. I agree that peroxide in not good to keep using. Initially in a puncture wound or abscess, it may help to fizz out the bacteria. But it can keep the tissue from healing. Your wound can be cleaned with saline, weak Betadine or Chlorhexidene, and just put the BluKote or some antibiotic ointment on it. The BluKote may hide the wound so the other chickens won’t pick at the wound, but just keep an eye on it. Let us know how she is getting along, and if she is eating, drinking, and having normal droppings.

 

[mikehjkl]

Well we cleaned her wounds today, warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly with warm water and things look pretty good. At least as good as you can tell with that purple s_ _ t on there. No hope with taking a picture. All you can see is purple. I have to try something else so I can see better whats going on. But she was very calm thru the whole process. She is walking, eating & drinking as though nothing is out of the ordinary. Tough creatures I guess. I was sure we were going to loose her. Thanks again for all your help and advice. I will give updates as things progress.

 

[ShannonR]

Thanks for your quick reply. She is awake and alert and standing (in isolation). The wound appears to be only skin seep, but the skin is ripped open. Nor much bleeding at all, and really pretty clean since it was done on our porch and I intervened before the dog could leave the porch. We sprayed the cut areas ( all on her back where the dog grabbed here)with "Dr. Naylor's Blu-Kote veterinary antiseptic spray". Turned everything purple so now it's hard to see how bad things are. And yes we are in the US, Colorado to be exact.

Sorry your dog did this! I am guessing it was your own dog, since this happened on the porch?

 

[MissChick@dee]

Well we cleaned her wounds today, warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly with warm water and things look pretty good. At least as good as you can tell with that purple s_ _ t on there. No hope with taking a picture. All you can see is purple. I have to try something else so I can see better whats going on. But she was very calm thru the whole process. She is walking, eating & drinking as though nothing is out of the ordinary. Tough creatures I guess. I was sure we were going to loose her. Thanks again for all your help and advice. I will give updates as things progress.

Chickens are amazing when it comes to surviving. I have one that just hit her 1yr anniversary. Continue to monitor her. Make sure she eats and drinks. Hope it all ends well for you and your hen. Best wishes

 

[Eggcessive]

You can use plain old saline to clean her wounds or get a bottle of Vetericyn Wound Spray. Keep some antibiotic ointment on the wounds twice a day. Saline is made by adding 2 tsp of table salt to a liter/quart of water. Sounds like she is doing well.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Well we cleaned her wounds today, warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly with warm water and things look pretty good. At least as good as you can tell with that purple s_ _ t on there. No hope with taking a picture. All you can see is purple. I have to try something else so I can see better whats going on. But she was very calm thru the whole process. She is walking, eating & drinking as though nothing is out of the ordinary. Tough creatures I guess. I was sure we were going to loose her. Thanks again for all your help and advice. I will give updates as things progress.

Glad to hear that she is healing up!

 

[mikehjkl]

Well our patient is doing well, like nothing happened. We clean the wounds daily with warm soapy water (no more hydrogen peroxide) and rinse really well with warm water. Pat her dry and then spay a chicken disinfectant. We have covered her back with one of those chicken aprons to help keep debris out, and she seems happy in her isolation ward. Eating & drinking just fine. How much poop should I expect from one hen like this ?Just want to be sure all systems are working.
And again thanks for your help & support, all of you.
mikehjkl

 

[wyoDreamer]

I am not sure, but I think you should stop washing it, let it heal without being disturbed. It sounds like she is in a clean dry place and you have it covered so it shouldn't be getting too dirty.
Just keep an eye one it, so if infection starts you can catch it right away.