Will she recover? Predator injury

[falmouthgirls]

I had my six week olds in a rabbit hutch closed by a sheet metal door. Something pulled bent the corner of the door to create a small opening (think must have been a racoon, but I have never seen any in the neighborhood), and one cuckoo marans taken and 1 welsummer is injured. Seems to have lost part of the right wing, and I think I can see an exposed bone. But she is moving, seems pretty active. I feel like the Kelly Clarkson song for her; "what doesn't kill her makes her stronger"? I don't know if I should just let it play out, or take her to the vet. I would love others thoughts. I can't capture a good picture, but at least you can see she is active.

 

[CMV]

I am sure there is going to be at least one person who disagrees with me, but I would recommend removing the wing up to the nearest joint, at the joint. The reason being that a damaged bone (especially one chewed up by the mouth of a predator) has the distinct likelihood of getting infected whereas if you remove the damaged bone you are removing the potential source of infection. If an infection gets into a bone, the game is over and the bird will die. When you remove the damaged bone, try to leave some extra skin behind to drape over the wound. The skin will likely heal over the open area and help to close it up. Clean the area and cover it in the wound dressing of your choice. Neosporin would work well as long as it has no -caine ingredients in it. I would not try to bandage it, but if you opt to try I would recommend using Vet Wrap. It sticks better than most dressings.

The bird will need to go on an antibiotic after the wing is removed. Pen G is available at the feed store. It is the antibiotic of choice when dealing with wounds. You should also be able to pick up some syringes at the same time. After you finish the course of antibiotics, you will need to follow it up with a course of probiotics.

The bird will need to stay separated from its peers until it heals. Keep it warm and dry in a quiet, dim room. You want to let the bird rest as much as possible in order to heal. You should feed a high protein diet to aid in healing.

I hope this helps.

 

[falmouthgirls]

Do you want to come up to Falmouth and help? I appreciate your advice, greatly. Thanks.