multiple attacks by our dog

[laurenkh]

We just noticed yesterday that one of our chickens, Ms.Bob, had multiple wounds to the legs. We aren't sure when it happened. Our dogs have always been fine in the backyard with the chickens, but we think recently our border collie has been periodically biting her legs. She had a lot of dried blood, some black tissue, puncture wounds, and a green area. We took her to an emergency vet last night. They prescribed an antibiotic for 10 days (don't have them on me right now or remember the name) and advised us to leave the wounds alone. The vet said chicken skin is too fragile to clean, and that the nasty parts will slough off on their own. Is this right? I feel like we should be flushing the wound and trying to keep it moist, applying ointment, etc.. I was thinking of letting her soak in a saline or epsom salt bath to try and loosen some of the dried stuff. I thought she was a goner, as the tissue seems necrotic, but the vet said the green part is bruising or resorbing of the blood. We have Ms. Bob inside and she is quite alert. She is eating and drinking a lot. Also, her legs are very hot to the touch.

Does anyone have any advice?

 

[horsejody]

If the vet seemed knowledgeable, I would follow his/her advise.

 

[keljonma]

Border collies are known ankle nippers. It can happen again unless you keep the chickens penned, the dog penned, get rid of the dog, or get it trained. Even with training, this problem may not be resolved.

Do you have another chicken? Go feel it's legs. Now does Ms. Bob's legs still feel hot to you?

If she is eating and drinking that is a good sign. Are you giving her the antibiotic the vet prescribed? Antibiotics take time to work. Keep her isolated and make sure she is out of any drafts.

Is there some reason you aren't trusting the advice given you by the vet?

 

[laurenkh]

I trust the vet but I'm thinking she probably hasn't had much experience with chickens. And everything I've read online says the wounds should be flushed and kept clean.

We did start the antibiotics...just took her in last night. Her legs are definitely hotter than normal.

Yeah, the border collie, as well as our lab, will not be allowed access to the chickens ever again.

 

[mypicklebird]

Green bruise is normal for birds.
It is natural to want to DO something- pick at, clean, daub things on...
The lower chicken legs do not really have much soft tissue- they are mostly skin over bone. If the vet thought there was deep puncture over muscle or fat, they would likely be having you do wound care. If these are more superficial skin wounds to the lower leg, and the bird is on an appropriate antibiotic- this should be fine. Epsom salt soaks sound very nice, and might be helpful- call and ask, now that they know the patient- they will should be more comfortable in offering additional advice. Vets don't usually like recommending to clients to wash wounds at home- as a wet/damp wound can lead to infection- but if you are soaking in epsom or dilute betadine- and pat drying, it shouldn't hurt the healing process, and might help.

Anti-inflammatory medications would also help with pain/heat/inflammation. Ask them about Meloxicam, it is used in birds, including poultry with good safety record and works well too- it is an NSAID.
jess

 

[laurenkh]

thanks for your thoughts jess. the wounds do go all the way up the legs, and look worse over the more muscular area. also, there is one under the wing that looks pretty deep.