Hoping for some help from this wonderful community.

[farmsail]

I've been frantically searching online to try to find some answers about how to care for my 5 month old hen, Avena, who was attacked by a dog one week ago. Luckily I spotted the attack and was able to pull the dog away before it became worse, but damage was done and it's really breaking my heart! Feathers were pulled out and her right leg was punctured and bleeding and perhaps broken. I was able to get her inside stop the bleeding quickly with a styptic pencil. After it had dried and the bleeding had stopped, we were able to clean the wound thoroughly.
We have her in a box in the house lined with a nice soft towel and she's eating and drinking regularly, but can't put *any* weight on her leg without stumbling. She regularly perches on the edge of the box which I take as a good sign? I just don't know what to do... I'd do anything to help her and just hate the thought of her suffering, although at the moment I can't afford a hefty vet bill.
I'm so grateful that I found this forum and hope that someone might have a little advice for me.
Thank you in advance,
Evan, Alecia, and sweet Avena

 

[Bonkerelli]

That leg looks broken. Did you take her to a vet? Without medical confirmation it is hard to give advice.

 

[SpicyDisaster]

Aww poor girl! I'm not a vet or highly experienced but the angle of that leg does not look right. It looks like the leg was broken and needs to be splinted.

 

[SpicyDisaster]

From another thread (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/broken-leg.1502641/#post-25146717):

Be careful to check circulation in the foot to make sure the splint is not too tight, since tape and wrap can move. What part of the leg is injured? Is there any swelling, redness, or green bruising? Pictures may help. For a sprain forcing rest in a wire dog crate with food and water may be all that is necessary. For a broken bone, the area above and blow the fracture should be splinted if the bones are aligned. This splinting manual below shows the skeleton and bones of the legs and splinting techniques:
https://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Duerr_Splinting_Manual_2010.pdf

 

[farmsail]

Aww poor girl! I'm not a vet or highly experienced but the angle of that leg does not look right. It looks like the leg was broken and needs to be splinted.

Thanks, I think you're right. I'll try to find some info. I guess all of this is difficult without taking her to a vet. Be well and thanks for the comment.

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

Omgoodness poor baby! I'm sorry you're going through this, this place has a lot of knowledgeable people and I hope you're able to find the answers you need. Have you posted this in the emergency section of the forum?https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures.10/

 

[cherrynberry]

@Wyorp Rock @Eggcessive @azygous

 

[farmsail]

That leg looks broken. Did you take her to a vet? Without medical confirmation it is hard to give advice.

I haven't been able to take her to a vet yet and I completely agree that it's difficult to be certain without having an expert examine her. I was hoping that I could mend her myself, but that may be extremely difficult and I fear that I could make it worse.

 

[Eggcessive]

The leg is obviously broken. Splinting early on may have helped. When the bones puncture the skin like that, it is a compound fracture, which can allow bacteria to enter the bone and cause major infection. I am not a vet, and I don’t know if the leg can be saved, but I would try to see a vet for care, for splinting and antibiotics. Here is some reading about splinting legs in birds:
https://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Duerr_Splinting_Manual_2010.pdf

With splinting, padding is important, then something stiff on each side, and wrapping with vet wrap or tape. Disinfect the leg with Chlorhexidene or Betadine. Be careful getting vet wrap too tight. Since her leg is crooked, the bones need to be aligned which is best done by a vet or medical person. Here is a video that may be helpful:

 

[Mrs J]

Aww poor girl..you have come to the right place a warm welcome