Headchicken Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Hello, I'm still shaking and covered in blood as I type. Please help me care for my girl. My RIR, Carmella, was just attacked by my neighbors dog. She has a couple of puncture wounds (don't appear too bad) and a very large gash right above her tail on her back-- it is very deep. I have irrigated the bites and the gash with saline and placed a saline soaked gauze inside the large wound, covered by a dry gauze. I wrapped the whole thing in cling dressing; around her body. I gave her some Bach Rescue Remedy, as she seems in shock, though she was able to walk away from the point of attack, while I was vacating the dog from the area. I placed her back in the nest box of the cube with her mates (and obviously closed the run door, in case further dogs get into the chicken pen). Money is a problem right now for my family. I have phoned a vet in the area for advice and am waiting for a return phone call. What else can I do for my girl? Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 You have done well with her Shock is the issue so keep her warm, quiet and dark to allow her to recover. Unless gaping it is not a good idea to stitch bite wounds as they get infected - so depends how large her large wound is. Keep the wounds bathed in saline and encourage them to 'ooze' if they want to. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 How awful hope she makes it. Some veterinary wound powder doesn't cost much and will help prevent infection in it. I think you must have a good case for asking the dog owner to pay for the vet costs for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Gosh, you poor thing and poor her . Sounds like you've done a brilliant job tending to her wounds already . I hope she pulls through - keep us posted . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headchicken Posted January 28, 2011 Author Share Posted January 28, 2011 Thank you all for your kind words. Unfortunately, Carmella is no longer with us. I spoke with my old vet and he had extensive experience with chickens-- he grew up with them. We took her to see him and he determined her spinal cord had been severely damaged and one of the puncture wounds was questionable in invading the peritoneum (abdominal cavity). We determined that it would be best to euthanize. My children were terribly distraught, but understood that she couldn't recover and would just be in pain. We were able to say goodbye to her and tell her what a beautiful and wonderful girl she was. Very traumatic-- I'm still crying. Thank you all for your help, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 So sad I'm sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Oh, I am so sorry you lost your lovely girl in such terrible circumstances, really feel for you and your family. Am lost for words except to say thinking of you and sending lots of hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckers Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I'm so sorry to hear this. I lost a rabbit in a similar attack a couple of years ago and it's so traumatic. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 So very sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 So very sorry to hear that, but glad you were able to get veterinary advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I'm so sorry for your loss.xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Sorry to hear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henslaved Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Carmella but I am shaking with fury at the dogs owner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I'm really sorry too and for your children. If it's any consolation my first 3 omlet girls were attacked by a fox last year, 2 survived (one is now too chook and fine) but the other couldn't walk, the vet gave her the night to see if it was shock but the next day agreed she was paralysed and she was pts. She also had a big wound on her back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Very very sorry to hear about your little girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlo Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Only just caught up with this. So sorry to hear about your wee one. What a horrible thing for you and your family to go through. Sending hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rhode Island Red Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Carmella but I am shaking with fury at the dogs owner My thoughts are with you and your girl God bless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
