Help... Dog attack

[jaimslee4u]

Pellets are OK to mash too it will just take a bit longer to get mushy. Same idea just put a bit of Pedialyte in a cup or dish and put some pellets in and let them sit. shouldn't take too long. Also try mashed up boiled egg and a bit of yogurt. Can't hurt to get the extra vitamins.

How is she doing today?? Is she a bit more alert than after her ordeal? R you putting some antibiotic ointment on the wounds? You might want to try an antibiotic too since it was another animal thier mouths usually have a lot of bacteria. You usually can get Penicillan at your local feed store. (they will keep it in the fridge section, usually), call first just incase.

 

[monicaei1]

She is doing better. Much more relaxed. But still not moving around, which worries me a lot.

For some reason the spoon offered pedialyte works. She won't drink on her own. So this afternoon i found myself sitting on my patio, half inside a dog kennel, spoon feeding pedialyte to a chicken. And getting so excited when she drank That I sent a picture of it to three people. And my hands are STILL purple. This is beginning to feel a bit surreal.

 

[GwenDellAnno]

Quote:
Been there done that. It took my roo about a week before he started drinking on his own. I also fed the mash from the spoon from about the 5th day on until he started taking it on his own. She will start on her own.... don't worry!!

 

[monicaei1]

Thanks everyone. She's laying down still and breathing hard, but closed beak. She is still drinking the pedialyte from a spoon. My partner just got home from a work trip, and is concerned that we won't be able to save her and are causing unnecessary suffering. But as long as she is drinking and alert I have to try. Got the yogurt, gonna try that today. From the pain and suffering angle, what can we give her?? Dosage? I am a veritable vet pharmacy, We have a 10year old Doberman with arthritis. . I really don't wNt her to suffer.

 

[jaimslee4u]

I think you can give them aspirin in water. Not positive so you might want to confirm from someone else before you try it. Just make sure the wound stays dry & clean. keep the faith you are doing a good job!

The funny thing is I really do think chickens like to be pampered & love getting fed by a spoon!

 

[jaimslee4u]

any updates?

 

[monicaei1]

Actually, yes!! And thanks for asking!!! she is doing great! Actually limping around, quick enough to try to dart out of the kennel when I change out her food. She's a mean ole bird, but We like her!! Eating her pellets today, not soaked, and drinking plenty. Still mixing the antibiotic from our vet with baby food, but I can't be sure she is taking it all. Not worried about MRSA bugs, or anything to that effects, in my isolated flock of four, so if there is a debate to be had about overuse of antibiotics, it doesn't belong here. I *heart* my vet, since we have a long history in Dobe rescue, they just make us pay the eight bucks for the drugs, and not like I have to bring the chicken to the vet.

Missing a lot of feathers, and due to the blue kote applied twice daily, she and I are a matching shade of purple. That's cool though, since LSU is four and oh, it's easy to explain!

Now it's a question of how soon to integrate her back into to flock. They spend all day hanging out with her, which is pooping up my patio. She was the bottom chicken to start with. But at the moment, she can't protect herself. So I figure, more isolated quiet time is in her best interest.

 

[jaimslee4u]

So excited for you that is awesome!!!! It is so good to hear good outcomes and totally worth all the work! I agree with giving her a bit more time isolated and perhaps a bit of supervised visits to start. It is a good thing that you have her in the dog crate because they still get to see each other and "hang out" together. This will make for an easier re-introduction.

Keep up the good work !

 

[GwenDellAnno]

Glad to hear!! Also, she doesn't need to be completely healed before you put her back in (as long as the blue kote is protecting the wound and she's not getting pecked). But you do want to wait until her energy's back up. Although.... my roo was really anxious to be back in with the hens. I think he healed faster once I put him back into the pen. Good to hear your vetting is working!!!

 

[Dora'smom]

MRSA is a concern for everyone. I am glad your bird is doing well, but you don't want to use antibiotics if you don't have to and you want to use the full dose for the full time intended. I have over 30 years experience as a nurse, and MRSA is a huge concern. I saw some of the first cases in a major medical school over 25 years ago, and we are hypervigilant about it now. I don't mean to jump on you, but I caught your comment and felt I needed to respond. I often hear casual recommendations for antibiotic use, (other than just neosporin) and it does trouble me.