Fox attack - limp neck

[Loona]

Our only EE laid balled up laying still, feathers everywhere as the fox ran out. This happened in the middle of the night last night. My daughter was awakened by the horses and chickens clucking. I carried Olga to the house and laid her down. Her neck is so limp and she just lays there with eyes closed. I've nursed her all night cleaning her wounds. Bite marks to the neck and her vent is torn. She is miserable and I feel she is suffering.

She has gotten a few spastic moments. I did have some Metacam on hand and gave her 2ccs. I have no idea what to do. It's breaking my heart. I don't know whether to give her some time or figure out a way to put her to sleep.

The worst of the attack is her neck. It can't be broken, or she'd be dead, but I imagine there is the soft tissue damage, just don't know how extensive. There are puncture wounds and I have cleaned them several times and they're not bleeding anymore.

Taking her to a vet is not an option as they will just put her down because of her appearance. She's still alive though and she is a tough hen, the biggest too, top of the pecking order. I just love her so much and hate to see this and I just don't know what to do.

I have her laying on her side with a soft towel around her to keep her feet warm. I've flipped her to the other side once. It's about 8am and I've been up since 2am. I'm exhausted, worried and feeling sick over the whole ordeal. She just lays there with eyes closed. Won't open them. Her breathing isn't labored, it's normal. I have put some ml's of water into her mouth a couple times, but not sure if that's good or bad. IDK what to do. I'm not sure if theres a chance of recovery or not.

I would really love to here if you've been through this before . Is this a common reaction after surviving a fox attack? Thank you so much in advance for any thoughts.

Marsha

 

[Cindysrescue]

Oh Marsha I am so sorry! I don't know much about fox attacks. Someone brought me a hen that had very similar behavior to your hen. She had been kicked by a teenager and her neck was broken. She didn't live through the night. My husband thought we should put her down as soon as he saw her. I said no, she's still fighting for life. There have been chickens survive decapitation, surely we can help her through this. He was right though, we should have just euthanized her and not prolonged her suffering.

I don't know how to advise about your hen. I'm just so sorry this has happened to her.

 

[biophiliac]

So sorry, . Let me try to tag a few members to see who might be on line -
@rebrascora , @Wyorp Rock , @Pyxis , @casportpony ?

@centrarchid ?

keep her warm.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

So sorry, you are having to go through this. Always a hard decision. Does she move at all on her own ( not spasms ). Since it's been 6 hours?

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Thanks, biophiliac, just a question from an old nurse, but it might help make an informed decision.

 

[Loona]

So sorry, . Let me try to tag a few members to see who might be on line -
@rebrascora , @Wyorp Rock , @Pyxis , @casportpony ?

@centrarchid ?

keep her warm.

At about 5am I put a towel in the dryer to warm it up because her feet were cold. She seemed to welcome it. She's now retaining her own heat and her feet feel good.
Thank you for calling on some people. Thank you so much!

 

[Loona]

So sorry, you are having to go through this. Always a hard decision. Does she move at all on her own ( not spasms ). Since it's been 6 hours?

She 'seems' to have that ability but does not want to. I have wondered if she is paralyzed, but when I turned her to her other side it made me think she was not. I'm grabbing her feet to see if she curls her toes around my finger or test for any strength, but there is none. I'm really wondering the same thing. I would like to have my daughter hold her head/neck as I get her in an upright position and see if there is any coordination there or any ability to stand. I will get back to you in just a few. Thank you!

 

[coach723]

If you can post any pictures of the injuries it may help. She is likely in shock, probably severe. Keeping her warm and hydrated is important. If she is swallowing, drip water with electrolites (sav-a-chick) into the end of her beak and let her swallow. Electrolites will help with the shock. Try to get her to take some every 20 minutes or so. Keeping her in a low light area can also help. It's also possible she has internal injuries or neurological damage, and only time will tell. Chickens can recover from some pretty severe wounds with supportive care, but it just depends on what kind of damage there is. You can use vetericyn wound and skin care spray on her wounds to clean and help healing, or plain neosporin ointment. As a last note, you really need to secure the rest of your birds. The fox will very likely be back. Predators will continue to return to a place they have been successful.
Best of luck.

 

[biophiliac]

Thanks, biophiliac, just a question from an old nurse, but it might help make an informed decision.

Good point.... Spasms = neurological?

metacam is good for pain i assume its okay for birds, i'v only used on mammals.

Advice you have been given so far is all good. Warmth, hydration, etc Probably some antibiotics if she hangs in there.

Dk if she can make it - but if you're interested in an alternative treatment to see if she can show some improvement, I use homeopathic remedies for injuries and trauma. First, if it were my bird I would give Aconitum Napellus [monkshood in a homeopathic dilution]. this is indicated for injuries when the patient experiences significant fear/panic and shocky type symptoms. Best given ASAP or within 24 hrs. If she responds at all [ like within an hour] then I would give Ledum Palustre [base substance Marsh Tea] indicated for puncture wounds.

No other injury? Lacerations? Swelling? A third remedy if there is swelling, bleeding [even unseen internal bleeding, if not too severe] would be Arnica Montana .

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Coach723, how long will a hen stay in shock, without moving, and still be okay? For my own edification.