Crop wound

[Jkelley2025]

I found my girl with the large opening to her crop yesterday. I got it cleaned out and sprayed with disinfectant spray but I’m not sure what should be done from a caring for her at home standpoint. Can this heal on its own or does it have to be sutured? I read where some say they tried to glue their wound closed, please advise how to clean prior to gluing it shut if this could be an option.
Thank you

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad to have you here with us in this fun and poultry loving community. I've never sutured before but I want to hear what others have done. I hope you are able to give her a speedy recovery.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

I moved this thread to our Emergency forum for more help. I hope she will be ok!

@Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock @azygous

 

[Jkelley2025]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

I moved this thread to our Emergency forum for more help. I hope she will be ok!

@Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock @azygous

Thanks so much

 

[Turkens13]

Here's what you can do to help her recover:

1. Cleaning: You did the right thing by cleaning the area and using disinfectant. Be sure to continue gently cleaning the wound with saline solution or an antiseptic solution that's safe for birds. Avoid using anything too harsh like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as it can damage the tissue and slow healing.
2. Assessing the Need for Sutures or Glue: Whether the wound needs sutures or can heal on its own depends on the severity of the injury. For larger or deeper wounds, it's generally recommended to consult a veterinarian. A vet can assess the injury and determine whether stitches are necessary. If it's a smaller wound and appears to be a simple tear, you might be able to use medical-grade tissue adhesive (such as Vetbond), but this should ideally be done by a professional.
3. Gluing Option: If you opt to glue the wound, you should clean it thoroughly first (using the saline solution or a gentle antiseptic). Then, you can apply the glue, being careful to avoid any excess. Ensure that the edges of the wound are aligned and that no food or bedding gets caught in it. Again, I recommend this only if the wound is not too large or deep.
4. Monitor for Infection: Keep a close eye on the wound for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If these symptoms appear, or if she's having difficulty feeding or acting lethargic, seek veterinary care immediately.
5. Feeding and Hydration: Ensure she’s eating and drinking properly during this time, as good nutrition and hydration are key to recovery. You might need to provide softer foods or hand-feed her if the wound is affecting her ability to eat.
6. Avoid Stress: Keep her in a quiet, calm environment, and avoid handling her too much while the wound is healing to reduce stress and allow the injury to close properly.

If you're unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it's always a good idea to contact a vet, as they can provide the best care and treatment plan for her injury. Would you like assistance finding a vet or getting more advice on her recovery?


I am so sorry and hope she gets well!!

 

[Eggcessive]

If possible for the best outcome, I would try to see a vet, farm vet or avian vet for suturing or gluing. They can clean out the crop contents and flush it with water before closing the 2 separate layers of skin and crop muscle. Do you have any idea how her crop was injured or torn, or did the crop burst open on its own. Was she attacked by a dog or hawk?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would try very hard to see a vet for help. If not possible, here are some good threads to read. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/hole-in-crop-food-coming-out-help.1391650/#post-22841491

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/possible-esophagus-or-crop-puncture.1302708/