Hen attacked by dog, open wound help

[coach723]

Pictures would be very helpful. Is she picking at the wound or just doing normal preening and trying to clean up the feathers around it? I would, in addition to the veterycin, apply some plain neopsporin or triple antibiotic ointment to the wound. That will help keep it moist and help prevent any infection from taking hold.

 

[crumpton]

The angle of the shot makes it look off to the side but its dead center on the back. Its missing quite a large area of skin and possibly some muscle? The edge to the lower left is skin, that is about 1.25" in length. It is very open in my opinion.

She is being tough, she has even eaten some feed.Its been flushed and treated twice now.

 

[coach723]

I would continue doing what you are doing, with the addition of the ointment. Trim back those feathers that are getting in the wound, just use a small pair of scissors. That will help keep it clean and make it easier for you to see and apply ointment to it. I would flush it and apply ointment twice a day until it begins to heal. It's usually better to leave them uncovered if at all possible. As long as it doesn't get infected she has a very good chance of recovery.

 

[Diana_burns04]

Hello, I am new here but postponing my introduction for sake of urgent care. I had the ordeal all typed out nicely but the page errored and I cannot find the draft :-( in short-er....
We have four hens. Yesterday at 6pm one of our two Americaunas was attacked by a large dog. Sunshine suffered a laceration to the back with a puncture wound and a puncture underneath, near the vent. She was in shock and at first I didn't think she would make it. Not knowing what do to at the time I put her in a pet carrier in the basement while I took care of my human babies. By 730pm she was alert and responsive and got a saline rinse on the wounds and an epsom salt bath. She can put weight on both legs, wings seem fine, stool has been normal. The wound is bad but not terrible, from what I can SEE.. I put her in the carrier overnight with a bowl of sugar water and some food. She possibly drank some water overnight but the food is untouched.
I've been looking at the forums all night but my head is spinning with info. Please advise, do I need to rinse the wound regularly or only if needed?
Husband went to get Neosporine ointment without pain reliever and I plan to apply. Is the wound drying ok or do I keep it moist?
How often will I need to feed her if she won't eat? Drink?
I want to bring her to see her girlfriends but I'm worried about flies laying eggs/ getting maggots. Is there a way?

Thanks for your help. Sunshine is a special girl (they all are ) and deserves a chance

Have you heard of blue kote.. I use it in my hens!!
Also wear something that you don't wear all the time!!
It stains

 

[coach723]

I would not use blu kote in this instance right now, it's best used on superficial wounds or skin issues, not on deep wounds. Once this bird has healed up it could be used to disguise the area until feathers grow back to cover it, to prevent pecking of the area by others in the flock. And yes, it's messy and stains.
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0eac2ecf-e454-59fe-3bb1-a409a182f969

 

[crumpton]

Thanks for the responses. Hoping for the best.

 

[crumpton]

Its much worse than we thought. Picked up her wing, she is missing at least 6-8"sqr of skin...

 

[Eggcessive]

How is she acting? Is she able to eat or drink anything yet? How is her breathing? Sorry that her wounds are more serious, but I would try to clean those up as well. Hibiclens and water, Betadine (Equate First Aid Antiseptic,) or the Vetericyn are good to use, followed by the antibiotic ointment twice a day. Squeezing or crushing can cause internal injuries, but hopefully she will recover. Pictures of the newly found wound could be helpful when you have times.

 

[crumpton]

Its hard to hold the camera and expose the wound. Would actually require a 3rd person at present. She is acting surprisingly good, eating and drinking a tad bit. 3 normal poops.

Just so much exposed flesh.

 

[coach723]

This may help give you some encouragement, pictures below of a large wound, same treatment as you've been recommended. This was a raccoon attack, the bird fully recovered, these are the only pictures I saved from the healing process (this wasn't my bird-original link to site is broken), but after several months it looked almost normal.