Injury question.....

Hello all - it's been a little while since I have posted - hope all is well with everyone. Ok, my problem child - Faline - has an injury and I am not too sure how it happened. It's located in the "armpit" area - front right leg. I noticed she was limping and having some trouble laying down - then when she made it down she would grunt and grind her teeth - which sounds like an indication of pain. We had some rain and she tried to "shake" but didn't - only her head - not the body. Upon examination I noticed blood in the area and tried to get a better look but she doesn't want me ANYWHERE near the area. When she walked away I noticed she had a pretty bad cut - skin flappin. I have no way of sedating her to get a good look at it. She keeps licking the area and I sprayed it with peroxide - which she didn't like. She is walking fine, just with a little limp. She is eating & drinking as well. I am worried because I do not want it to get infected and turn into staff. It's been cold and rainy. Should I just let her keep nursing the area herself? I hate that the injury is located in an area that is not exposed - like I said it's in the fold - like her "armpit" area. ANY advice would be helpful. I can't for the life of me think of what could have happened. I think she may have been playing in the rain & slipped because her right hip area seemed to bother her as well. she may have cut herself with her hoof. Again, any advice would be great. Should I go ahead and treat her with antibiotics to prevent infection?



Thank you

Gail

Where in Ohio are you?

South Point

I am about 5 miles from Ashland KY.

359 miles from me...One way

Do you have a vet near...Or another deer farmer close?

Not that I know of. There is one "farm vet" that has helped me with meds in the past - but he has told me that he has no idea of how to care for deer. Oh boy....... I HATE this! I am almost thinking that the cut is to the bone - may not be, but when she walked away from me it sounded like suction - does that make sense? It's weird though because you would think there would be a lot of blood - but there's not. Even after she has layed down - when she gets up - there is a little blood mixed with a little yellow discharge. It doesn't smell - but the dogs keep sniffing the area as well.

As much as you love her...I think she needs looked at....Is Mitch or any of those other Ohioins around you?

I have a migraine right now and someone getting deer tomorrow or I'd come down and look at it....I would not use peroxide on it...It can sting and burn the wound...doing more damage.

You are sweet! However, I am really worried now. My husband and I walked the fence tonight and found a place where the fence was busted up -I am sure by a wild buck. The metal pole was bent and had fur on it - I am sure it was Faline's - she may have tried to get out and in the process cut herself. There are a few things I am worried about - the main worry is tetanus. What is the best med for that? Those crazy bucks - they/he really did a number - I am VERY lucky Faline & Nina did not get out. Have you ever had probs with wild bucks trying to get in?

M2G - can you get a picture? Are you able to give her shots at all, or do you need oral meds that you can hide in treats? There are a couple of broad spectrum oral antibiotic options, but the injections are easier to come by. I agree with Painted, peroxide can be harsh on an open wound, and can encourage scar tissue growth. Take a little betadine/saline mixture and try to spray the wound with that, unless you think she is keeping it clean on her own. I know it is your baby, but if it is just a flesh wound, nature might have her doing more for it than you can.

Thanks Robbie I would rather give her oral meds because she KNOWS what's gonna happen when she sees the syringe. Nina on the other hand is fine with shots - she jumps when stuck but doesn't take off at the sight of a syringe like Faline. I will go to Tractor Supply in the morning - what oral med would you recommend? And, will it help with tetanus - if that were to become a problem? I don't think I will be able to get a picture because all I have to do is bend down next to her near the wound and she walks away from me - which is unusual. However, I guess because of the peroxide maybe she thinks I am going to do something to her. I barely touch the fur in the area and she shivers. I have noticed her licking the area a lot and tonight she was running and playing with Nina so maybe it's not as bad as I am thinking it is. BUT - the flesh is definitely flapping. I will see what I can do tomorrow. I now have to think of a way to keep the bucks away - I would have thought with 3 dogs in the pen it would not be a problem - guess again.

My thoughts, without seeing a picture - if it is a flap of skin, not bleeding, not meat hanging out, just a flap of skin, given the location you have described in the "armpit", and she is mobile and eating, leave it alone. Think about a dog or other 4-legged critter that you can put your hands on in the same area. If I have a good mental image of the spot from your description, there probably isn't any muscle, vascular or nerve damage, just skin and soft tissue, and the fact that it is a flap, not a puncture, means that for a good while until it begins to close up, any infection that tries to muster has an avenue to drain, and her licking will stimulate the circulation needed to encourage drainage. My thoughts, without seeing it or a picture, is to leave it alone for a day or two or more. You know your girls well enough, just like a mom can see fever in a child's eyes, you will know if an infection is becoming an issue, and we can talk meds then. Right now, it sounds like she has it under control, and you are just worried because she is your baby. Rightfully so.

Thanks again Robbie - I will try to do my best to get a pic - if she will let me. I took these pics this morning they are too cute - I have to share it with you, Painted Meadows and anyone else who is interested in looking Nina is to the far left, Faline is in the middle, Kane my Great Py. is - well obvious! My pit-mix Champ (we adopted him from a shelter as a pup - WONDERFUL dog is the one hovering over Nina. He LOVES getting baths from his sisters!

Awwwwww!! Who's the guardian here??? LOL

I just wanted to share a couple more pics that I think are cute I am in a couple of them - with NO make-up - soooo NO laughing!!! LOL!! I posted a single pic of Faline that I LOVE - it's adorable!! She doesn't look much like a deer - a lama maybe! LOL! First pic is me & Faline, second - me & Nina, last pic - Faline

kissamoose: LOL!! I know it!! The guardian is the one sleeping on the job! Just kidding - Both of them are wonderful guard dogs! Well, except for the fact that they let a buck tear up my fence. It could have been worse - he could have gotten into the pen and - holy moses - dont' want to think of how that would have went down. Thanks for the comment - I must say - they are adorable - of course - they are mine!! LOL

Adorable????? UNDERSTATEMENT!!! Just PRECIOUS!!! I agree with you... a little Llama mixed in!! Ha Ha !!! Thanks for sharing!!

I think she's saying..... "Look DEEEEEP into my eyes" !!!! LOL!! TOO CUTE!!!

Ha ha!! She has me wrapped around her hoof that's for sure!! LOL

LOL I can relate!! My kids have hooves, but they neigh and bray!! LOL