Need advice, encouragement on post-surgical (wing amputation) wound healing

[jessierae_3]

Hi, I'm new here but have been lurking for a little while. Two weeks ago my coop was raided by raccoons, who killed all but one of my hens. The remaining bird, Stella, had half of her wing torn off. The bone was completely exposed, and after about 2 days of first aid it became evident that an amputation would be required. I have a very kind friend who is an equine surgeon, and he agreed to amputate the wing. We put her under anesthesia on my kitchen counter and he amputated the entire wing. The surgery went well and she has been recovering nicely. I've been doing wound care three times a day. Vetericyn followed by triple-antibiotic ointment. On Saturday I stopped her antibiotics, because she had been on them 10 days and the wound was healed enough that subsequent infection was unlikely. I don't know if I can upload pictures, since this is my first post. I have photo documentation of the wound healing process every day, which has been a pretty cool learning experience. And then... on Sunday evening she started pecking at the two remaining sutures, which opened a portion of the wound back up. To make matters worse, she ripped the protective scab off. So in response I used an old pair of sweater tights and fashioned her a sweater to prevent further self-mutilation in order protect the wound, which is now bandaged to keep moist. She's eating and drinking well, comb and wattle are bright-red. She's lonely and fed up with me messing with her, but otherwise ok. I'm keeping my friend apprised of the situation, but he's a busy clinician (so I don't want to take advantage of him). My concern is that there is a small pocket of the wound that has the slightest bit of odor to it, and it looks like it might not be healing normally. Anyway, my friend has a lot of wound healing expertise, but this is all new area to us both. Anyway, I'm just getting a little worn out and discouraged. I have a full-time job, 4 kids, and now a hospital in my garage. I've gotten pretty attached to this bird, but I have no idea what to expect in terms of time, progress, set-backs (other than infection and self-inflicted harm), prognosis, etc. Some been there done that advice would be great. Tips for making sweaters or other devices to prevent self-harm (my sweater technique isn't the best, and I definitely don't know how to sew).

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Kudos to you for having your vet friend do the surgery. I would probaby get some Hibiclens (chlorhexidene) or Betadine (Equate First Aid Antiseptic at Walmart) and use as directed on the package to clean the wound twice a day, and use the antibiotic ointment afterward. You could do another week of antibiotics if the wound looks like puss or smells foul.

Vet wrap is good to use for bandaging, as it can be removed and replaced because it is a cohesive bandage. The sweater idea was fine too. Some use old Tee Shirts and make covers for busy beaks. Posting a picture could help us make suggestions.

 

[jessierae_3]

Attached is the most recent photo, taken this afternoon at lunch. It's the upper right margin of the wound I'm concerned about, as that's where the malodor is starting.

 

[jessierae_3]

And this is what it looked like on Saturday, before she went to town on it.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would use the hibiclens and warm water or the betadine and flush the wound with a bulb syringe, syringe, or turkey baster getting into the nooks and crannies. I might send your vet friend a PM or text and tell him what you are planning, a pic, and ask if you need to repeat the antibiotic. What antibiotic did you use? Clindamycin, cephalexin, and Baytril are ones I am familiar with for serious wounds or bone wounds. It might improve just with a good cleaning with the disinfectant.

 

[jessierae_3]

I flushed last night with very dilute chlorhexidine. I used a 19 gauge needle and a 10 ml syringe to flush with enough pressure that it loosened up some of the exudate, but not enough that it appeared to cause any distress. Then I packed the pocket of the wound with medical grade honey, applied a non-stick bandage, and put her back in the stocking. Consulted with my friend who agreed that medical honey has some additional benefits over triple antibiotic ointment. First, it's more broad spectrum. Second, it's not petroleum based, which can harbor Pseudomonas and inhibit healing. Third, it helps debride wounds. He said that flushing with dilute betadine would be preferred to chlorhexidine. Non-diluted antiseptic have some toxic effects on the cells involved in the wound healing process. I wasn't planning on changing her dressing until this evening, but when I went home for lunch I noticed that the non-stick pad had slipped out from underneath her stocking. So I redressed it, and am feeling a bit more optimistic. The smell is gone and the exudate appears to have dried up some too. Will keep y'all posted.

 

[Eggcessive]

Honey is very good for wounds. Glad that the wound smells better, and it sounds like you have things well covered.

 

[jessierae_3]

Three days of progress. The honey is amazing!

 

[jessierae_3]

Pics wouldn't upload together

 

[Morrigan]

Sorry about the loss of your flock, but kudos on taking such good care of your remaining hen. Really nice job healing that wound. Is medical honey the same thing as manuka honey?