Please Help! My favorite chicken has been mauled by a dog!

[barredrockmama]

Hi everyone.

I've been reading everyone's advice on how to treat puncture wounds from dog attacks. Thanks for all the great info.

I wonder, though, about my poor Pretty Girl's leg. She was mauled by a dog yesterday and she has puncture wounds on her back and left side of her body and just behind her thigh. Her left leg is also injured. It doesn't appear to be broken anywhere--but it may be dislocated. My concern is that the foot/leg has been cold to the touch. Is this normal in cases like this? I can't seem to find any info on the internet about this. I fear she will lose the leg if it gets no blood circulation...

Thanks for your time.

 

[lovetocook]

Sorry to hear about your girl. Is she using the leg at all? Is she able to walk? Give us a bit more info and perhaps we can help you a bit more.

 

[barredrockmama]

She has no interest in walking, but can hobble around on the other leg. She is eating and drinking very little, and seems alert. When she lays down, her leg wants to stick out sideways and her foot stays all curled up. She doesn't protest when I examine her wounds or her leg.

 

[lovetocook]

I would clean her wounds & pack them with triple antibiotic. Her leg could be dislocated but it could also just be stressed from the wound on her thigh. Keep her comfortable and warm tonight & see how she's doing in the morning. Make sure she has water & food that she can get to overnight.

 

[barredrockmama]

Thank you for your reply! I have her inside in a box with some straw and some clean water and food. I guess time will tell on this one...

 

[barredrockmama]

The warmth has come back to her leg! Things are looking up. I'll just have to be diligent about those darn puncture wounds...

 

[easttxchick]

I am so glad! I hope things keep going well for her.

 

[Judy]

I would certainly offer some nutritional boost, like vitamins, cooked egg, and a bit of yogurt. I would probably also give penicillin. I'm not big on antibiotics, but since there are puncture wounds, I believe I would in this case.

 

[dlhunicorn]

In cases like this the electrolyte balance is disturbed (SHOCK) and you really need to give electrolytes in water for a few days.
be sure to flush out those puncture wounds with sterile saline (you can make this yourself by boiling 1/2 tsp of salt in a half gallon of water -roiling boil- for five minutes) > this is to remove any left over debris etc. Folow with chlorhexidine and then let airdry and then apply the antibiotic cream.
INFO on avian wound management:
http://dlhunicorn.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=practical&action=display&num=1158141893

 

[lovetocook]

Can you give us an update? How is she doing??