Large mass above tail

[Cinco pollos]

The purpose of the cover was to keep dirt and debris from getting in the wound. Since I am keeping her inside, I don't think I need to cover it, either. Wish us luck!!

 

[aart]

Best of cLuck!!
I've seen some horrible wounds here heal up with minimal care...just takes time and deterring infection.
Take pics every day or two, more for you than us, I find it helps to look at stuff in photo...it will be good documentation for severe wound treatment/healing.

 

[Cinco pollos]

The vet had instructed me to get the cover for the wound at Walgreens, in order to protect it from dirt and debris. However I am keeping her inside, so I'm not covering it. The meds I got for her are:
Silver Sulfadiazine cream to apply once a day, after wiping off the wound with a warm wash cloth.
SMZ TMP (Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) orally once a day
Metacam (anti-inflammatory?) orally once a day.
She has been a real trooper. I let her wander around a bit during the day under supervision, then bring her back into her house kennel. She is eating and drinking well and seems happy sitting on my lap. She's great about taking medicine.
Good chicken, Lucy!

 

[micstrachan]

Poor Lucy! I’m so glad you caught it and are taking good care of her. I’m rooting for both of you!

 

[Cinco pollos]

Update: Lucy has been getting oral and topical antibiotics for a week now. I keep Lucy inside at night and put her outside in the sun in her own pen (so the other hens don't peck at her) during the day. She seems happy and bright-eyed, eating and drinking fine. The infected wound is scabbed over, but still looks awful and smells bad. I think it's just a large surface area involved that needs to heal. We have a follow-up appointment next Friday.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Update: Lucy has been getting oral and topical antibiotics for a week now. I keep Lucy inside at night and put her outside in the sun in her own pen (so the other hens don't peck at her) during the day. She seems happy and bright-eyed, eating and drinking fine. The infected wound is scabbed over, but still looks awful and smells bad. I think it's just a large surface area involved that needs to heal. We have a follow-up appointment next Friday.

Glad to hear she is getting some time outside!

Your mention of the wound having a bed smell is concerning. If possible it would be a good idea to move your appt. up sooner if you can.

 

[Cinco pollos]

Good news! She still looked and smelled not so good up till a few days ago. But now - after finishing the oral antibiotics and starting to clean the area with betadine before applying topical antibacterial ointment, she is much better. She never acted sick, even with that monstrous infection. I'm so glad that necrotic smell is gone. The wound is scabbed over and new tail pinfeathers are coming in. She's still staying in the house, because I'm afraid the other chickens will peck at her wound. Have a follow-up vet appt. later today. Thanks for all your info. and support!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Good news! She still looked and smelled not so good up till a few days ago. But now - after finishing the oral antibiotics and starting cleaning the area with betadine before applying topical antibacterial ointment, she is much better. She never acted sick, even with that monstrous infection. I'm so glad that necrotic smell is gone. The wound is scabbed over and new tail pinfeathers are coming in. She's still staying in the house, because I'm afraid the other chickens will peck at her wound. Have a follow-up vet appt. later today. Thanks for all your info. and support!

Glad to hear she is healing!
Thank you for the update. I hope your appt goes well

 

[aart]

Good news! She still looked and smelled not so good up till a few days ago. But now - after finishing the oral antibiotics and starting to clean the area with betadine before applying topical antibacterial ointment, she is much better. She never acted sick, even with that monstrous infection. I'm so glad that necrotic smell is gone. The wound is scabbed over and new tail pinfeathers are coming in. She's still staying in the house, because I'm afraid the other chickens will peck at her wound. Have a follow-up vet appt. later today. Thanks for all your info. and support!

Great News!
Have you been taking pics of the progress...care to share them?