Foot injury, advice please

[ErinsFlock]

I have this hen with an injury to her nail, the nail is bent to the side. She doesn't want to walk on it and when she does I can tell she is in pain. The foot looks healthy except for some swelling of that toe. I removed her and have her in a dog crate in the garage right now. Can anyone give advice on what I should do next?

. I have gloves on because I have a nasty cut on my thumb and I am trying to avoid and infection

 

[Judy]

If she were mine, I would soak it in warm water for about 15 minutes, with just a little Betadine or whatever you wish in the water. Then I'd goop it up good with Neosporin, and reapply the Neosporin twice a day. Maybe wrap the toe with vet wrap for a day or two, securing it around the ankle. But any number of basic first aid approaches would probably help. Just avoid any topical med with a "caine" drug in it, such as cetacaine or banzocaine.

Keeping her comfortable and inactive, and reasonably warm, on a clean surface might be the most important thing to do -- which you are already doing.

 

[ErinsFlock]

Thank you very much! I have her in a small crate so that she has to lay down for now. I am going to go but something for wrapping now. Do you think I should cut that toenail or leave it like that?

 

[Judy]

I'd probably leave it, at least for now, if only because it wil probably hurt like crazy to trim it. If you do decide to wrap it, that should prevent her bumping the nail and aggravating it.

 

[ErinsFlock]

That makes sense, thank you again for the advice. I really appreciate it!