Hen filleted open!

[mbphotos09]

Still following her progress. It sounds like she will be OK.

If you let her range in the future you may want to give her a haircut so she can see danger better.

I have no crested birds and I still won't let them range unless I can be right there with them. I won't even leave them to go to the restroom unless hubby can spell me. Hawks are FAST.

That's a good idea. I had gotten really relaxed because I hadn't seen any predators in a long time. Before I put her back outside I will trim her "hair" so she can see better

I might need a pom-pom next time I get chickens....she so darn cute i just want to cuddle her!

Thank you! I'll be an enabler and say, yes you need one!
She can be a stinker at times but I love her!

 

[mbphotos09]

Quick update for everyone!

She is still doing good and is eating and drinking very well now! I think she was kind of sore today, though, because handling her was rough. Either that, or she just didn't feel like being held anymore lol. I need to get an updated picture of her because she's looking so much better!

I need some help from y'all on giving her the antibiotic ointment... I'm having a hard time finding the opening that the vet left for drainage. I am supposed to be putting antibiotic ointment inside it but, because I couldn't find the opening, I've been having to put it on the the outside of her wound and just gently rub into her skin. Any suggestions? I can post a picture of the stitched area if needed. Thanks!

 

[aart]

Quick update for everyone!

She is still doing good and is eating and drinking very well now! I think she was kind of sore today, though, because handling her was rough. Either that, or she just didn't feel like being held anymore lol. I need to get an updated picture of her because she's looking so much better!

I need some help from y'all on giving her the antibiotic ointment... I'm having a hard time finding the opening that the vet left for drainage. I am supposed to be putting antibiotic ointment inside it but, because I couldn't find the opening, I've been having to put it on the the outside of her wound and just gently rub into her skin. Any suggestions? I can post a picture of the stitched area if needed. Thanks!

I would like to see the wound and stitched area...but I would ask your vet about the drainage area and what to 'treat' it with if anything. Is there an actual drain tube or did he just leave part of the wound open(not stitched) so it could drain.

 

[mbphotos09]

I would like to see the wound and stitched area...but I would ask your vet about the drainage area and what to 'treat' it with if anything. Is there an actual drain tube or did he just leave part of the wound open(not stitched) so it could drain.

Okay let me try to get a picture real quick.

 

[mbphotos09]

Okay, sorry this took so long @aart !
I got a couple of pictures but I didn't have someone to hold her so they aren't that good

I labeled where the legs and neck are so you could get a better sense of where it is. Neither of the pictures show the entire wound, I will get someone to help me so I can take a better picture.

 

[mbphotos09]

Here is what I'm supposed to be injecting into the wound through the opening (that I can't find). I don't think there is an actual drain, I think he just left it open to drain by itself.

 

[aart]

Whoa, that's a big wound.
Great labeling.
Had you flushed it out before and now it's closed up?

 

[microchick]

No, I don't see a drain either, at least not in the pictures shown. Used to work surgical floors on occasion. A drain is generally a piece of rubber tubing. Width can vary. usually it is flat. Like a deflated bike inner-tube, maybe a half an inch wide total for a 'patient' that size. Human ones are a flesh tone of sorts.

I would look at either end of the wound or in the middle. Most on humans are at the lowest point in the wound so fluids will drain down.

I do say that the wound looks great. No nasty drainage, the skin is a good color and it looks as though it is starting to scab. You are doing a great job with wound care. That is one charmed little hen.

 

[mbphotos09]

Whoa, that's a big wound.
Great labeling.
Had you flushed it out before and now it's closed up?

Thanks! No, I had not flushed it but the vet did before he sewed her up.

No, I don't see a drain either, at least not in the pictures shown. Used to work surgical floors on occasion. A drain is generally a piece of rubber tubing. Width can vary. usually it is flat. Like a deflated bike inner-tube, maybe a half an inch wide total for a 'patient' that size. Human ones are a flesh tone of sorts.

I would look at either end of the wound or in the middle. Most on humans are at the lowest point in the wound so fluids will drain down.

I do say that the wound looks great. No nasty drainage, the skin is a good color and it looks as though it is starting to scab. You are doing a great job with wound care. That is one charmed little hen.

Thank you very much! I'm so glad it looks good, I am very inexperienced when it comes to injuries so I couldn't tell if it looked healthy or not!
I will look again for the opening, keeping all that in mind. If I still can't find it, do you think it's okay to keep putting the ointment on the outside of the wound like I've been doing?

 

[microchick]

I don't see what it would hurt. A certain amount of moisture promotes healing. Just keep the area clean and keep an eye out for drainage. If you don't find that 'drain' I'd give the vet a call on Monday and ask him where it is exactly and what does it look like. Some of the sutures are quite loose, others are pretty snug. The looser sutures will allow some drainage but in all honesty I don't see any swelling around the wound that would indicate any fluid build up so I would say the patient is doing well!

Are you giving her a little extra protein? That will help her with the healing process. Some chopped egg, or some tuna. Plus, what's a little extra spoiling while she is healing? That girl deserves it! What a trooper!