Gasping for air

[cgreese]

Please help! My 2 yr old hen barely escaped a raccoon attack 3 nights ago. She has visible wounds that I have been treating. One is a deep puncture wound in her neck area. I have her separated and have been force feeding her water and food. This morning, she is gasping for air. Please see video and tell me if there is anything I can do for her. She is doing this with every breath. She does not have a gape worm and she was not sick before the attack.

Note: no video. It won’t let me upload it.

 

[peckpeckpeck]

I'm so sorry about your chicken!
It sounds like damage to her lung.

Calling some more experienced folks to chime in. @azygous @rebrascora @casportpony

For videos, you have to upload onto YouTube & then add it as a link
Tthe icon is above where you type your message:

Hope that helps

 

[azygous]

Go post it on You-tube, then copy the URL to your post. The video will then download here.

Your hen likely sustained critical injuries to her respiratory system. The lungs are very vulnerable on the back. Her trachea also is likely injured from the attack on the neck.

However, she also could be suffering from severe stress and electrolytes and heat might help stabilize her. Infection is also likely from deep puncture wounds so an oral antibiotic would be called for. I recommend amoxicillin if you can find it.

 

[cgreese]

Thank you. I don’t think she is going to make it. I hate to see her struggling.

 

[azygous]

Chickens are delicate. They are usually the losers in a confrontation with a predator. There is no shame in providing a compassionate end to her suffering.

 

[cgreese]

Go post it on You-tube, then copy the URL to your post. The video will then download here.

Your hen likely sustained critical injuries to her respiratory system. The lungs are very vulnerable on the back. Her trachea also is likely injured from the attack on the neck.

However, she also could be suffering from severe stress and electrolytes and heat might help stabilize her. Infection is also likely from deep puncture wounds so an oral antibiotic would be called for. I recommend amoxicillin if you can find it.

I don’t remember my you tube password and I don’t think I have time to do the forgot password route... Pretty sure she is not going to make it much longer. But thanks for the instructions on how to do that. Next time, I’ll know.

 

[cgreese]

I'm so sorry about your chicken!
It sounds like damage to her lung.

Calling some more experienced folks to chime in. @azygous @rebrascora @casportpony

For videos, you have to upload onto YouTube & then add it as a link
Tthe icon is above where you type your message:
View attachment 1310255

Hope that helps

Thank you so much.

 

[cgreese]

Chickens are delicate. They are usually the losers in a confrontation with a predator. There is no shame in providing a compassionate end to her suffering.

Thank you. It’s just so tough watching her. Would it cause her more stress if I were to just hold her close until she passes or leave her be in peace?

 

[cgreese]

I'm so sorry about your chicken!
It sounds like damage to her lung.

Calling some more experienced folks to chime in. @azygous @rebrascora @casportpony

For videos, you have to upload onto YouTube & then add it as a link
Tthe icon is above where you type your message:
View attachment 1310255

Hope that helps

I think you’re right.

 

[peckpeckpeck]

Thank you. It’s just so tough watching her. Would it cause her more stress if I were to just hold her close until she passes or leave her be in peace?

If it were me, I would hold her. I would think she'd appreciate the warmth & caring.