Dog Mauled Chicken

[amandathewatergirl]

The head of my little band of ladies, Ramona, was chased and mauled by a friend's dog (basenji). The dog had her by the neck at one point and chased her through the yard into some serious blackberry brambles. It took my partner and I an hour to find her hiding in the tall grass (it was a very hot day). Needless to say she was in serious shock and we had to chase her again as she ran from even us to get her back in her pen/house. She stayed in there the rest of the day and all night as well. She came out to eat and play a little this morning when I fed them, but she is definitely not herself. She keeps getting skittish and returning to the hen house during the day (which she usually doesn't do).

It appears she may have lost a claw/toe (just the tip) on her left foot and has a gash on the side of her head near her ear opening. As she is still in a bit of shock, I don't want to go in the pen/house and handle her anymore than I need to. However, I am worried about potential infection with the toe loss, possible internal gashes, etc.

Help or suggestions anyone? We leave for a long festival on Wednesday and am hoping this heals or the medical issue presents itself before then so we can handle it. Would love some insight from anyone!

 

[amandathewatergirl]

Follow up.... Ramona isn't really doing much other than sitting in the hen house... she did eat some banana I left for her, but she is acting much less active than usual and won't come out to graze like she usually does.

Does anyone know if I can possibly give her something for pain? Crushed aspirin in gatorade or the like?

Thanks!

 

[amandathewatergirl]

FYI she is a leghorn, about 13 weeks old. Usually the most independent of the flock!

 

[Imp]

Amanda...

Here's a link to a thread about using aspirin in chickens. I think you'll find the info you want.
Sorry about your chicken getting hurt. I'm not very good about emergencies, but common advice is bring her inside. Keep her warm and quiet. Treat her wounds with neosporin with out the pain relief.
Post pix if you can. and answer the questions in the sticky at the top of the emergency forum. Good luck.


Imp


https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=30036

 

[jjthink]

You must bring her in and gently examine her from head to toe. Topical neosporin (without pain relief ingredient) for mild surficial wounds. Anything more significant (e.g. puncture wounds) may well require oral or injectible antibiotics for her to survive the infection.

Wounds can be cleansed with a 9 part water 1 part betadine solution before applying antibiotic.

Electrolytes for shock/stress. Poultry version or in a pinch a bit of pedialtye or gatorade. If getting her to take by mouth will stress her you can put a bit on fresh watermelon or something she really likes.

Rescue Remedy - drop or two in her water - for stress. It may be beneficial for her to have RR before the careful exam.

If no active bleeding or suspicion of internal bleeding, for pain you can try giving 1 baby aspirin (no substitutes unless confirmed to be okay for chickens) crushed per cup of water. Fresh batch twice daily ideally. Pain can interfere with a bird eatinga nd drinking enough to stay strong.

Be sure she stays hydrated and has a very peaceful, comfortable time ahead. She should be kept indoors to heal safely (especially if too hot in her normal quarters - she can't deal with any stressors right now), with a feathered friend if she has one she is especially bonded to, or carefully tended to in her usual quarters if the conditions are good, but be sure no one picks at her injuries. Your planned departure does not time favorably with the amount of time she may need meds - start immediately in any case.

JJ

 

[amandathewatergirl]

Imp and JJ, thanks for the replies. I will try the aspirin route.

I believe I have answered all of the questions necessary to get the most info out there about the situation. She still appears bright eyed at the moment, still able to move, she is just opting not to do so as much. I want to get in the house and take a closer look at her but she had such a trying experience yesterday that I am giving her some room to breathe. I figure since she is still eating, she is doing better than I thought.

Her fellow flock is really rallying around her in a supportive way. They go in the hen house and sit with her for a half an hour at a time. It seems to be making her a bit more calm. Am going to give her some watermelon (gave her bananas earlier for the potassium) and get her some gatorade or similar when I head into town. Then make a full survey of her body after she has had a little more time to rest. Thank god I just cleaned out the hen house yesterday before the fiasco so I know things are as clean as can be in there at the moment.

If I can get a picture I will put it up. Appreciate the help!

 

[write2caroline]

My Sweet loving cocker Spaniel tried to play with our chicks. The door of coop fell open and in he went. We lost my fav and the other two were in shock - he got to them all! One was hurt but no wounds acted really funny. I fed her water on a spoon, watery growth mash every hour. It took a day and a half - you could not tell now that they were mauled except there are two instead of three. Like people in shock -rest, dark, warmth, and hydration are key. You are going to have to see she is okay. I would not wait on that. wrap her in an old towel and hold her if you must till she calms down.
Good Luck - hope she is better.
Caroline

 

[amandathewatergirl]

I have been monitoring her and the entire flock all day. Ramona is a little skittish, but she comes out to eat and drink if I am there cooing to the ladies. Good sign, I say! She is still limping a bit, but I can't see any bleeding at this point. Her eyes are still bright, she isn't panting or breathing with her mouth open, and she is retaining her skin color.

Thanks again everyone! I will let you know what happens.

 

[Cetawin]

But have you cleaned the gash near her earlobe? It needs to be cleaned and some ointment put on it...a simple infection can kill so better be safe than sorry later.

Have you talked to the dog owner yet? I would let them know and give them a stern warning about keeping the mutt at home or else.

Word of caution on bananas...because they are high in potassium... summer is not the best time to eat or feed them. Mosquitoes are drawn to potassium which they smell when it is emitted through the pores of the skin. Also works the same for humans. Go outside after dark with two people...let one eat a banana before going outside an the other not. The one who ate it will get eaten alive but the other person will be primarily ignored.