Won't put weight on foot after body injury

[Ethanalex]

One of my black laced wyandottes was mauled by a dog, and had a cut on her body under her wing.....my son who is a doc put 11 stitches in with dental floss after sanitizing a needle and the floss in vodka. The wound looks like it is healing fine, and she is eating and drinking. But she won't put weight on the foot on that side.....and when she tries, she is off balance and has to steady herself with her wing. I have felt her leg and foot and see no bruises, or feel any swelling or breaks. Could it be that putting weight down agravates the injury somehow?

 

[Eggcessive]

It is hard to know, but she might have suffered a sprain to her hip or a joint that cannot be seen. Do you have her separated near food and water? A wire dog crate is good for keeping them with their flock, but close to food/water without being hurt. Some chickens may sense an injury or weakness when lame, and try to hurt the other. Glad that your son was able to help close the wound.

 

[Mutchi]

it prob hurts when she puts pain on it.

 

[Ethanalex]

It is hard to know, but she might have suffered a sprain to her hip or a joint that cannot be seen. Do you have her separated near food and water? A wire dog crate is good for keeping them with their flock, but close to food/water without being hurt. Some chickens may sense an injury or weakness when lame, and try to hurt the other. Glad that your son was able to help close the wound.

Yes, I rigged a spot in the coop surrounded by wire so they can see each other, but they can't get to her. She's eating and drinking well. She got scared once when I had put her in the yard when the other hens were out.....and she scuttled right under the coop. But mostly, she won't walk on it.

 

[Eggcessive]

The best thing for an injury is to rest it. Hopefully, it will get better. Could your son get an xray on her leg and hip?

 

[Ethanalex]

No, he's gone now.

 

[Ethanalex]

Thanks for your wisdom!