URGENT HELP PLEASE!

[Lacy Blues]

Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment. You probably have something similar there at any drug store. Your girl sounds like she'll be fine. They really do heal remarkably well. I would keep flushing the wound but I would use a saline solution. You can make it yourself... a little salt in some warm water and put in a spray bottle, you can cleanse the wound well. You need to be sure it doesn't close up on the outside before it heals on the inside or it will seal in bacteria that will cause problems later. You need to keep her warm and by herself as your other girls will really go after her wound and make it worse. Good luck. Just keep it clean and she'll be fine.

 

[TeamChaos]

If she's not actively bleeding out of the wound and she can walk and there are no, uh, bits hanging out then it sounds as if it's not a life threatening injury but the part to pay special attention to will be that she doesn't get an infection from the dirty dog mouth! Really, the only benefit of the neosporin mentioned is that it's an antibacterial salve so it's got some staying power and it kind helps to cover the wound. Dirt, filth, bugs etc. won't help healing matters any, so a biological seal would be a benefit once you're sure the wound is clean. My girl, Georgia, got bitten just under her wing- deep puncture on both sides (from top and bottom jaws of dog) but thank goodness her lungs weren't punctured and no muscle got torn away. These are some tough birds to be sure.


I'm glad she's moving about and acting normally, sounds like she's quite the trooper!

 

[Blondiechic]

good lord! the chemist won't sell me anything antibiotic without a prescription - really?! I have in the cupboard some Neotopic-H lotion - would that help? Its from when our youngest dog was de-sexed

 

[Hyline]

I'd take her to the vet ASAP, mine visit our avian vet frequently and I swear by them! They can monitor her vital signs and assist her if she is going into shock too. I hope your poor little chicken is ok - rotten stupid dog!!

 

[Hyline]

Stockfeeders often have antibiotic ointment for horses and cattle, but the best for birds is Flamazine ointment that your vet can provide. I had a hen get attacked by a nasty rooster (he is no longer with us ) ages ago and she was bleeding and torn all along the back of her neck, nearly to the bone! Vet gave her antibiotic tablets for 10 days and Flamazine cream to be applied twice a day.

 

[Blondiechic]

Thank you all so much. The vets who aren't chicken ones are booked out tonight but said that the betadine is the right thing to do - I didn't think about the other girls having a go at her - will it stress her too much to put her in a cat carrier and then do I put her in the house or leave her in that with the other girls? I am booked to see the bird vet tomorrow...
she is sitting quietly now but not bleeding still.
God! i would have been a manic mess without this forum - although I am certain the vets I have called this afternoon think I am a neurotic woman - I kept telling them I needed a vet who specialises in chickens as the forum I am on all say so!

 

[Hyline]

YOu are doing a great job - whereabouts are you? Are in WA or over east?

 

[kidcody]

Just to ease your mind, one of my hens were attacked very badly by the neighbors dog. The wounds across her back left huge flaps of skin and flesh. She was a mess. It broke my heart to see her like this. Chickens will act like nothing is wrong. It is a survival instinct to act this way. My little hen healed up just fine. I had to keep her separated from the others until her feathers started to grow back around 4 weeks. You can't even tell she was ever injured. The biggest worry will be infection from the dog bite. I'm sure your vet will give you some antibiotics and she will be just fine. Please let us know how she does!

 

[Blondiechic]

Thank you - I just put her in the cat carrier so she can sleep next to the other two - they found it most shocking to have that there and had quite a chat about it - not as much as Onslow who shouted at me about it!
I am in Sydney - on the Northern Beaches, apparently the man about half an hour away is an excellent chicken vet...he was also recommended to me by my feed girl...
Thank you all so very much for your help - no doubt I will have an update in the morning and after the vet - I really appreciate all your advice.

 

[Hyline]

Ah ok if you were in WA I would have directed you to a good avian vet but you have one already, so no need! Please let us know how Onslow is after her vet visit, she is a very well loved hen