Chicken Trauma and Wound Debridement After Predator Attack for Long Island Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic

Case Study #27: Chicken Trauma (Raccoon Attack)

Patient: Chicken (Age 6 months) Location: Nassau County, NY

Backyard chickens are becoming increasingly popular pets in Nassau County and the outer boroughs of NYC. However, with urban farming comes urban predators. Raccoons, foxes, and even domestic dogs pose a significant threat to flocks.

A 6-month-old hen was brought to Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic after a raccoon entered her coop overnight. She presented with visible wounds on her wing, but as is often the case with bite injuries, the surface wounds were only part of the overall concern.

The Patient: Assessment of Traumatic Injury The patient was quiet and fluffed on presentation, with superficial blood visible on her right wing after a raccoon attack. Predator attacks are complex because they involve two types of damage:

• Mechanical Damage: Crushing of bones, tearing of muscle, and ripping of skin.

• Bacterial Contamination: Raccoons carry a host of dangerous bacteria in their mouths, which can lead to rapid, fatal sepsis in birds if not treated immediately.

The Treatment: Debridement and Wound Management We treated the patient with pain medication and fluids. Once she was stable, we proceeded to clean the wounds.

The Importance of Debridement Simply washing the cut is not enough. We performed surgical debridement, which involves removing dead tissue, feathers, and debris from the wound.

The Discovery: Upon lifting the matted feathers and scabs under the wing, we discovered the wounds were much deeper than the owner realized. The injuries penetrated deeply into the muscle, creating spaces where infection could easily take hold.

Documentation: We took photos of the deep wounds to educate the owner on the severity of the injury and the necessity of the treatment plan.

Systemic and Topical Therapy The patient's treatment plan was multi-modal:

• Systemic Antibiotics: To fight the infection from the inside and prevent sepsis.

• Topical Therapy: We utilized Silver Sulfadiazine (SSD) cream and Medical Grade Manuka Honey. Manuka honey is exceptional for avian wounds; it keeps the tissue moist, acts as a natural antibacterial, and promotes granulation (healing) of the skin.

• Bandaging: The wing was bandaged to immobilize it and keep the wound clean.

Recovery: A Survivor's Journey The patient required dedicated nursing care at home. Her owners returned to our clinic regularly for bandage changes. With each visit, the wounds showed improvement. As the damaged tissue healed, it gradually shed and was replaced by healthy new tissue.

The hen made a full recovery. Her feathers grew back, and she returned to her role as a beloved pet.

Why Specialized Care for Chickens Matters At Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic, we treat chickens as valued companion animals and apply the same advanced trauma care used for other household pets. With prompt wound management, thorough cleaning, and appropriate antibiotic therapy, even severe injuries can heal successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

My chicken was attacked but looks fine. Should I bring her in? Yes. Bite wounds from mammals (cats, raccoons, dogs) inject bacteria deep under the skin. Even a tiny puncture wound can close up, trapping the bacteria inside and causing infection. Antibiotics are almost always necessary.

Do you treat egg-binding in chickens? Yes. Egg binding is a condition we commonly evaluate and manage in chickens, depending on the individual case.

I live in Queens. Are there predators here? Yes. Urban and suburban areas throughout New York are home to a variety of predators that can pose a risk to backyard poultry. We recommend ensuring coops are fully predator-proofed with secure materials and construction to help keep birds safe.

Contact Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic: Website: https://www.birdexoticsvet.com/ Phone: (516) 482-1101