Large flesh wound! NEW PICTURES ADDED.

[Smoochie]

Good job for taking such good care of her. I'd probably give it a really good soak and clean tomorrow and then pack it with sterile gauze afterwards, then butterfly bandage. Do you have any iodine on hand? I would rinse with that if you have it. Right now it is highly susceptible to getting infected.

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

Oh yeah, she will recover. I have a hen that had that happen a month or so ago. The skin has grown back and is starting to get new pinfeathers coming in. I had to put saddles on a couple of my girls that my rooster prefers.

 

[hurricanearran]

Thanks! No, she didn't seem to have much pain! I wasn't sure how rough I could get but will have a better go at it tomorrow. I was reluctant to force the edge of the skin from the muscle but if that's the way to go, I'll persevere.
Unfortunately, I have no iodine or polysporin. Went to he store but they were out! I live in a crazy remote community but can probably find a friend with something. If I have to, I can raid the first aid at the fishing lodge
Oh yes, I am beginning the chicken saddle production line!!!

 

[Chickenfan4life]

*Tears at my eyes* I think it is amazing that you saved her life, instead of disposing of her like my parents would. I am sure she is grateful.

 

[cowcreekgeek]

Thanks! No, she didn't seem to have much pain! I wasn't sure how rough I could get but will have a better go at it tomorrow. I was reluctant to force the edge of the skin from the muscle but if that's the way to go, I'll persevere.
Unfortunately, I have no iodine or polysporin. Went to he store but they were out! I live in a crazy remote community but can probably find a friend with something. If I have to, I can raid the first aid at the fishing lodge

Oh yes, I am beginning the chicken saddle production line!!!

After all this, you probably won't want me discussing this in such manner, but ... you've prepped store-bought chicken before, haven't you? There's that thin transluscent white layer that's difficult to pull loose, which covers the muscles, which is called fascia. The more loosely attached part that comes off easily w/ the fat? That's the superficial fascia layer, which is the one you're gonna wanna disturb. It's sorta binding to the skin, like glue that's beginning to cure, but while the skin is in the wrong position.

Again? I've never stitched a chicken, but it can't be that much different in this regard -- the skin can be stretched slightly, but must be loosened back enough around all edges to allow for the movement required later.

But, before you even consider slippin' somethin' under there? You have gotta clean it out ... warm (not hot) soapy water will help. Epsom salts are a good choice. And, finally, the hydrogen peroxide until the wound is to be closed. Table salt most often has iodine in it, and could be dissolve in hot water, and allowed to cool, as your final rinse. Alcohol or Vodka is useful for cleaning around the wound, but not w/in it.

If there's nobody to help you hold her, you can literally strap her down w/ ace bandages, panty hose or other materials w/ some amount of give to 'em.

Cleaning w/ alcohol/vodka where the bandages will go will help keep your suture strips in place, which I would apply on opposing sides in close pairs, so that I could tug from both directions at the same time. Or you can place a spot of superglue back away from the edge of the skin, adhere strips of some non-porous and sterilized material, and then place spots on the opposite sides to tug the strips onto -- it only sounds crazy, 'cause it'll hold for quite a few days before the skin naturally releases the glue.

After what you've done today? I can't imagine tomorrow is gonna be too difficult for you.

 

[hurricanearran]

No, this is great! My boyfriend keeps looking at me like I'm crazy and thinks we should just get rid of her but for me this serves as an excellent First Aid exercise. I work in search and rescue and have had this sort is training but no practical hands on experience. Besides, when I mentioned she laid an egg yesterday, despite everything, he seemed to change his tune

We have a small oval bathroom sink and I found that when I set her in there with a towel over most her body and her head she wasn't inclined to go anywhere.

Okay, I'm off to find some tools and begin sterilizing.

 

[cowcreekgeek]

No, this is great! My boyfriend keeps looking at me like I'm crazy and thinks we should just get rid of her but for me this serves as an excellent First Aid exercise. I work in search and rescue and have had this sort is training but no practical hands on experience. Besides, when I mentioned she laid an egg yesterday, despite everything, he seemed to change his tune

We have a small oval bathroom sink and I found that when I set her in there with a towel over most her body and her head she wasn't inclined to go anywhere.
Okay, I'm off to find some tools and begin sterilizing.

I know this sounds bad, and I apologize if this offends you (as it will most women, for that matter), but I was guilty of assuming there was a guy workin' on this bird -- hang on, folks: In all fairness? It is mostly the females that get all squeamish over frogs in biology classes. You're proving well my belief that once a woman, on her own, overcomes the hinderances she once allowed to interfere? She can do accomplish anything she truly wants to do ...

After all this, you might consider becoming a Veterinarian, or a Surgeon ... either way? I do expect a discount ~'-)

Boil water, and then drop your tools into it. Be certain to use clean cloths, and disinfect the bathroom; wipe surfaces down w/ a 5% bleach solution, and allow it to air out by using the exhaust fan. Remember to touch nothing else while you're working, and ... have at it!

 

[hurricanearran]

Ha ha. I love this! I've always tended to take easily to things that some might typically assume "man's work". Fiercely independent (and stubborn) am I!

For the record, I assume the cowcreekgeek is a woman... how'd I do?

In any case, I believe I was successful today. Admittedly, I did not bleach the bathroom but I keep a clean house... I did boil all the tools for several minutes. I had on hand warm-soapy water (which was previously boiled), water with 10% hydrogen peroxide, salt and water (as I had no iodine on hand), rubbing alcohol and clean gauze, q-tips etc.

I was able to flush out a lot of dirt and small bits of bedding I missed yesterday dipping the tools in full strength hydrogen peroxide solution between each touch to the hen. With much patience, I was able to free the skin from the muscle and close the wound quite well. I went a little crazy with the butterfly band-aids but i was having a difficult time keeping them to stick despite cleaning her skin with alcohol and drying it out!

Thanks again for all your help! Below are some pics of the results. She was an awesome patient.


The hospital.




This image is sideways but you get the idea. I will keep my eye on the lowest part of the wound (which nearest the top of the image) as it was the dirtiest and most difficult to clean and pull together. I was about 2 hours flushing the wound, digging out dirt and bedding and suturing the wound.



My first chicken saddle. It required some mods but fits quite well and should help to keep clean while she's healing.

 

[cowcreekgeek]

Ha ha. I love this! I've always tended to take easily to things that some might typically assume "man's work". Fiercely independent (and stubborn) am I!

Takin' to it just like a chicken on a surfboard ~'-)
Nothin' more attractive to any man who's secure in his own skin that a woman that holds her own ...

For the record, I assume the cowcreekgeek is a woman... how'd I do?

Not even close ... I'm a man (who is secure in his own skin ~'-)

In any case, I believe I was successful today. Admittedly, I did not bleach the bathroom but I keep a clean house... I did boil all the tools for several minutes. I had on hand warm-soapy water (which was previously boiled), water with 10% hydrogen peroxide, salt and water (as I had no iodine on hand), rubbing alcohol and clean gauze, q-tips etc.

I was able to flush out a lot of dirt and small bits of bedding I missed yesterday dipping the tools in full strength hydrogen peroxide solution between each touch to the hen. With much patience, I was able to free the skin from the muscle and close the wound quite well. I went a little crazy with the butterfly band-aids but i was having a difficult time keeping them to stick despite cleaning her skin with alcohol and drying it out!

Ridiculously successful ... this was an aging wound, and a very difficult one. Anyplace that appear to blister w/ infection can be opened cleanly w/ the point of a very sharp blade (wrapping it w/ layers of tape prevent accidentally goin' in to deep).

I was smilin' the whole time I read this response; wouldn't have expected any better result from anybody I can think of ...

Thanks again for all your help! Below are some pics of the results. She was an awesome patient.

It's been a pleasure, and one of mine was as well ... had a few losses, and poisoning by the toxins produced by botulism. The worst of the survivors is peckin' my keys as I type, and has already pooped in my lap twice (my usual payment from birds for services rendered ~'-)

Apple Cider Vinegar in the water is one of the only effective treatments, and it's something I want you to put all your chickens on (but, most especially this one). The concentration is 4 teaspoons to each gallon of water, but never in galvanized containers. The tannin in the ACV reduces the viscosity of mucus and 'cuts through' any coating in the mouth, throat and intestines, which improves uptake of nutrients/vitamins, and any medication(s) that you may have to give. It also boosts their immune systems, and creates a hostile environment for internal parasites. And, a bunch of other good things, and w/o any chance of harming the first feather of any bird.

Again? It's been an honor to assist, and a pleasure to witness such a remarkably good effort ... holler, any time ~'-)

 

[hurricanearran]

Ha ha! Well, there you go. I'm surrounded by men who have a, "It's just a cat!?!" approach to farming, so I never expected such thorough and caring advice to come from a man, especially where a chicken is concerned. Food for thought on our assumptions and expectations in our increasingly anonymous internet world.

I'll whip out this ACV first thing tomorrow morning!

Thanks again and I'll keep you posted on her progress. I've begun "following" you.... oooo, scary!