Dog got my baby chick

[haychicken]

My dog got ahold of a baby chick and dropped her. She won't walk but I don't think leg is broken. Her side is swollen & looks red under the skin. She seems to have a crackle when she breathes. Help!

 

[coach723]

Pictures would help. It may possibly be a ruptured air sac. Does the swelling feel like air or fluid?
The crackling makes me think air. If the chick is stable and breathing OK then it may resolve on it's own. If the chick is having trouble breathing or the swelling is getting worse, you may need to release the air. This is done by sterilizing a large sewing needle, and the area, and inserting the needle just under the skin to release the air. Here are a couple of links, one explains how to use the needle to release the air.
http://pigeonrescue.co.uk/rupturedairsac.htm
https://www.poultryworld.net/Breeders/General/2009/11/Rising-pressure-from-air-sacculitis-WP006961W/

 

[haychicken]

I think it is air, but it is dark red in color, I'm not sure if that means blood or just bruising.

 

[coach723]

I really can't tell from your pictures if it's air or not. It doesn't look terribly large, so if it's not getting bigger and the chick seems to be breathing OK I would just watch. When they are so small sometimes it's very hard to tell what's going on with them. Also unknown how hard it may have been squeezed before it was dropped, and if there may be internal injuries. If it's having trouble staying upright you can try putting it in a chick chair for periods of time to see if it helps, and lets it eat and drink, many examples here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/#post-18353109
If there are no internal injuries then it may improve with time and care, it's very hard to say.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your chick. Make sure that your dog cannot get to the other chicks. Even my dogs who are used to yard chickens will grab and kill young chicks who escape fencing. I would keep the chick warm and offer water and food often. Wet chick feed with a little egg mixed in can be good. Poultry NutriDrench 1-2 drops orally is good as well. The chick chair or sling can help to keep it upright and in reach of food and water. If it has a leaking air sac, it will feel like a pouch of air under the skin. Look for any puncture wounds. They are so delicate at this age, but I hope it gets better.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I am so sorry about your sweet chick! I certainly hope she pulls through for you! With dog bites, internal injuries are a major concern. Best wishes!