Mauld by dog, concern on her not eating!!

[Matildathegreat]

I guess I will start asking my question here. My best chicken Matilda(Americauna) hence the user name, was recently mauld by my neighbors dog three days ago. Not sure what happened but I think she got out of our yard and was scratching for food in theirs. She was scalped down to the muscle(head, neck and upper back). Thought she was dead but the neighbors found her in their bushes. I took her in and cleaned her up. She definitely was in shock, but alive. I have isolated her and been cleaning her wounds daily. She is slow and I am forcing her ( if necessary) to drink water with a multi vitamin mixture. My concern is that she is not eating. I try to give her some of the younger chicks food, and really small bits of apple. Any suggestions or thoughts would be very appreciated.

 

[ten chicks]

I guess I will start asking my question here. My best chicken Matilda(Americauna) hence the user name, was recently mauld by my neighbors dog three days ago. Not sure what happened but I think she got out of our yard and was scratching for food in theirs. She was scalped down to the muscle(head, neck and upper back). Thought she was dead but the neighbors found her in their bushes. I took her in and cleaned her up. She definitely was in shock, but alive. I have isolated her and been cleaning her wounds daily. She is slow and I am forcing her ( if necessary) to drink water with a multi vitamin mixture. My concern is that she is not eating. I try to give her some of the younger chicks food, and really small bits of apple. Any suggestions or thoughts would be very appreciated.

Make sure wounds are cleaned a minimum of 4 times a day,treat with antibiotic ointment or vetericyn spray is amazing. Give electrolytes and vitamins for shock. You can get Metacam from a vet for pain relief or apparently baby aspirin(80mg) can be used also(on forum people are using aspirin) believe the dose is 25mg per body weight of chicken(only concern is that aspirin does thin the blood,so make sure she is not bleeding from wounds. I use baby aspirin for my dogs and cats if they need it. She may not be eating because of pain,try and give her some of her favorite foods,in small pieces. If she is not eating or drinking,you may have to tube feed/hydrate her. Other than taking her to a vet,this is about all you can try. I hope she starts to feel better. Keep posting updates. Make sure no flies get into wounds,keeping her inside would be best.

 

[CherishHolland]

Hi I recently read a thread of a lady going through the same thing https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...bites-i-have-baytril-but-not-sure-what-to-use definitely worth the read lots of advice and tips. Best of luck with your hen.

 

[Matildathegreat]

Thanks, I read that once a day was good. Her wounds don't look infected but maybe I will try to clean her twice a day. I do have her inside most of the day and during the evening. She definitely doesn't like to feel separated from the other girls. Though she is slow, she still tries to get out. I just started putting her portable cage outside next to the other girls so that they stay familiar with her still separated by chicken wired for an hour or two. The wounds look dry, not moist or seeping. I wil try the baby aspirin. Thanks

 

[ten chicks]

Thanks, I read that once a day was good. Her wounds don't look infected but maybe I will try to clean her twice a day. I do have her inside most of the day and during the evening. She definitely doesn't like to feel separated from the other girls. Though she is slow, she still tries to get out. I just started putting her portable cage outside next to the other girls so that they stay familiar with her still separated by chicken wired for an hour or two. The wounds look dry, not moist or seeping. I wil try the baby aspirin. Thanks

Dogs wounds are terrible,they are puncture wounds and carry lots of bacteria,that is why cleaning wounds is so important. Good sign that there is no weeping and wounds are dry.

 

[Matildathegreat]

Crazy question here, my wife read from one chicken owner that she puts Turmeric(spice) liberally on and around the wounds to repel flies. Seems to be working, but just looking for other opinions about this natural remedy.

 

[ten chicks]

Crazy question here, my wife read from one chicken owner that she puts Turmeric(spice) liberally on and around the wounds to repel flies. Seems to be working, but just looking for other opinions about this natural remedy.

Interesting,if you find the answer,please post.

 

[Matildathegreat]

Will do. Thanks for your input.

 

[Matildathegreat]

Question on administering the baby aspirin. Do I force it down whole depending of the dose or crush it and mix it with water?

 

[GranmaEm]

I would dissolve in a small amount of water. With my injured chicken I found that way is best to make sure she gets the dose she needs.