guinea hit by a car.

[EllieMaeKs]

Help....I have washed it's head injury down with some warm water (about a .05% peroxide solution) and saline. We used Vetricyn on the wounds and gave it about 2ml by mouth along with some electrolyte solution to try to hydrate it to help with some of the blood loss. She is alive and is just wanting to snuggle and rest (understandable). I would like to give her some antibiotics any ideas?? Novobiocin? penicillin? Erythromycin? My vet is not avian or exotic so he usually says "eat them" and I figure out what to do and he gets me the meds. OMG....I am freakin out, she just hatched her keets out and ....good lord! Any ideas...suggestions....HELP!!!!!!

 

[PeepsCA]

Keep her warm and hydrated, and let her rest and heal, see how she does. Guineas are pretty resilient so she may pull thru fine. Unfortunately if it's a serious head injury she may end up passing from the swelling, and she may have internal injuries as well, so prepare yourself for losing her...

If you don't think she has any internal bleeding then you can give her 1/2 of a baby aspirin (or the equivalent in liquid form) 2-3 times a day if you want to help with her pain and inflammation. Make sure it's aspirin, not tylenol or advil or aleve, aspirin only.

I wouldn't start antibiotics, they are hard on the system, especially on injured birds that need all their body's energy to heal/recover. Just keep her wounds cleansed and medicated topically each day as you've already done... if they seem infected in a few days and she has perked up some then see if you can get some baytril from your vet. That would be the antibiotic of my choice to use.

I'd also offer her some high protein treats like meal worms or scrambled egg with her normal diet, plus some greens if she's used to getting them.

Good luck with her.

 

[EllieMaeKs]

ok...tear tear. I am trying to be prepared (is that possible). I so appreciate the advice. I think I will do the baby aspirin it might help with the swelling. I don't know the details of course only that I want to whip my neighbors ARSE!!!!!!!!!!!! I am going out now to try the aspirin. I have baytril on hand, how much??? I will wait to see what tomorrow brings. Thanks sooooooo Much!!!

 

[JLeigh]

How long ago was she hit? I would think the first 48 hours will tell all. I'll be watching for more info, and hoping for recovery.

poor little guinea........

 

[PeepsCA]

ok...tear tear. I am trying to be prepared (is that possible). I so appreciate the advice. I think I will do the baby aspirin it might help with the swelling. I don't know the details of course only that I want to whip my neighbors ARSE!!!!!!!!!!!! I am going out now to try the aspirin. I have baytril on hand, how much??? I will wait to see what tomorrow brings. Thanks sooooooo Much!!!

Baytril comes in tablets, liquid, and injectable form... in different strengths, so you'll need to check what you have, then ask your vet what dosage the Hen will need. You may be able to find an approximate dosage in the chicken forum section here on BYC if you do a search. An average sized Guinea Hen weighs about 3.5 lbs, so she'll need less than an average sized chicken would. I wouldn't give her the baby aspirin and Baytril at the same time either, I'd space them out at least a couple hrs apart. Giving her some plain yogurt or some probiotics after you are done treating with the antibiotic is a good idea too... and keep her well hydrated, especially if she gets diarrhea from the Baytril. (I'm not a big fan of using antibiotics unless I know the bird actually has an infection that it's own system can't fight off).

 

[JLeigh]

Ellie - how's your guinea doing today? I hope the news is good.

 

[EllieMaeKs]

u guys r awesome...thanx for caring! she is holding her own. her eyes are swollen shut but she is allowing us to give her food. she's breathing good, her mouth seems 'funny' but we r keeping hope alive and she is one tough lady.keep praying for her thogh i know its helping!

 

[EllieMaeKs]

she was hit on thursday afternoon. i was on my way out of town on fri and my husband took over care on fri pm. he has done a swell job, i am home now and shes hanging in there

 

[JLeigh]

That's GREAT news. Good reason to hope for the best!

 

[EllieMaeKs]

cautiously hopeful. our ladies are really lovers...they come up to be patted and think the world belongs to them. I guess this is a pretty serious lesson that it "don't".