Raccoon attack HELP!!! Photos

[micstrachan]

I think she has a decent chance if she is a fighter. Are those the current photos? I’m wondering if antibiotic ointment and bandaging, changed regularly with continued wound washing, might be in order. I agree she looks like she is in pain. I’m sorry. Please keep us posted.

 

[Lydia Avery]

You are doing all of the right things. I had the exact same thing happen to Ameraucana last winter. Along with all of the things you are doing, I would also use Gentian Violet. Although it stains the feathers and skin, it did wonders for my hen. And make sure to get in the pocket where the flap is to avoid further infection. After a certain amount of healing, you will want to stop covering the wound. (this is the stage I would use the Gentian violet at)

 

[Hyper_Chicken05]

Don’t kill her, Fight for her life so she can live.

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings @Hyper_Chicken05

Though trying to prolong life is laudable and encouraged, it is not always the right thing to do. If the hen has a reasonable chance to recover and lead a full chicken life, that's one thing. If the damage is such that it will end up being a losing battle, then it is in the animals best interest to euthanize it rather than put it through the prolonged torture of "forcing" it to try and live where failure is pretty much a foregone conclusion.

Based on the pictures above (which are not entirely clear and indicative of the full scope of damage, IOW cleaned up wounds, readily visible) I would say the next few days will determine the outcome. The OP is presently doing just about everything that can be done, and further recommendations have been posted. Aside from all that, it will be up to the chicken in the end, to decide to make it or give up. If it gives up, the time it takes to pass on can be determined by the OP.

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings and welcome to BYC @Motherhen93 I'm so sorry that this attack on your hen brought you to us but I'm happy that you've found us. Since you're 5 days post attack, it is far too late to attempt to suture the wound closed. Chickens are unbelievably able to survive some pretty nasty damage. The fact that she's still with you after 5 days is a testament but you're not out of the woods quite yet.

Please do NOT use bluekote on wounds of that magnitude! It is designed for minor cuts/scrapes/minor damage, NOT for huge open wounds. and it HURTS when applied. If you doubt this, next time you have an open wound, try it on yourself.

Below I have posted a picture of a product that I have used before on huge open wounds and it is like a miracle. It requires no prescription and can be found at many farm stores or purchased online. From my understanding, this same product (main ingredient is collagen) is now being extensively used for human application with burn victims to assist in regrowing skin. It is a very thick gel/salve and as such I would apply it liberally to the exposed flesh with a gloved hand/fingers. (gently of course). I keep it handy as part of my emergency medical kit.

Please let us know how it turns out. While we wait, I hope you'll browse around and make yourself at home. There are wonderful chicken/poultry/waterfowl folks here and a wealth of shared knowledge and experience. Good luck!

 

[Motherhen93]

Wow! thanks so much everyone. i'm oddly optimistic. so i didnt do blue kote...i dont want any additional pain. i'm following safe guidelines for aspirin. although i wish i could relieve her more. i immediately thought...wow how similar to a burn victim so i will check into the EMT gel. those pics were taken last night right after detailed cleaning so she was in alot of pain and internalizing and thats my clue to let her rest on her hot water bottle. tomorrow i will take more pics of the neck because i want to treat it efficiently. PLEASE HELP more with NECK ideas when i post again!!!!

this has been very hard on me as well and everytime i have to treat her i have to build my courage. i had to take today off. back at it in the morning. im going to see how she continues to improve. At any given moment our local animal hospital will euthenize her if thats what we need done.

she eats alot...soaked oats, mashed pear and sunflower seeds. pooping plenty. maybe not drinkng as much as i'd like because i put the aspirin in her water. i will try to get her take baby aspirin.

thank you so much. breaks my heart to see a friend hurt

 

[Motherhen93]

You are doing all of the right things. I had the exact same thing happen to Ameraucana last winter. Along with all of the things you are doing, I would also use Gentian Violet. Although it stains the feathers and skin, it did wonders for my hen. And make sure to get in the pocket where the flap is to avoid further infection. After a certain amount of healing, you will want to stop covering the wound. (this is the stage I would use the Gentian violet at)

gentian...great idea

 

[Motherhen93]

It appears you're following all the wound care protocols - daily cleansing and keeping them moist with an antibiotic ointment. The flaps are immaterial. They will eventually dry up, turn black, and fall off.

My main concern is with her eyes. That indicates a patient that is burdened heavily with pain and attempts to heal. You're wise to be considering ending it for her.

Don't rush into the decision. Give her a bit more time. You certainly may give her aspirin. The dose is one baby aspirin twice a day. But, if she doesn't perk up in another day and a half, say by evening tomorrow, euthanasia is the kindest thing.

her eyes! i know. she had just gone through a detail cleaning and she was starting to shut down. thats when i choose to back off a bit and offer her some pear to get her blood sugar back up. so much pain i know. i'm rooting for her.

 

[Latestarter]

If you feel you can do so without hurting her further, stretching the damaged skin too much, or cutting off circulation and breathing, you MIGHT consider using medical tape in conjunction with the EMT gel and try to pull the cut neck skin at least closer but NOT completely closed. The gel will help her to grow skin across the opening and seal up her trachea (hopefully). The dead skin fro the flaps will turn black, dry up, and eventually fall off.

 

[Latestarter]

Oh, and one more thing... Hang in here! You're doing great considering.