uncture wounds are not uncommon in wild birds or birds actively hunting. Birds can even puncture themselves with their own talons. In general, treating it immediately with Nolvasan or Neosporin and getting her to a vet as soon as possible is the best course of action. Keep the wound site moist, clean, and warm. Allow the site to drain - bleeding out of the site cleans out debris and germs that were pushed into the wound site. To keep the site clean, place the bird in her hawk box or cover the area with Tegaderm or even a simple Band Aid to prevent dirt from entering the wound. Be aware of any swelling or fever in the area and get to a vet immediately if these develop. Always feel around the bird to determine if there are other puncture sites.
If the wound was caused by a cat, get the bird to the vet immediately. Cats can carry Pasteurella multocida which can become lethal in as little as 24 hours.
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A puncture wound after the leg was gently scrubbed with antibiotic soap. This bird's foot and leg were washed in her own blood from this wound. The bleeding action did have the effect of cleaning out the wound site. This wound was then treated with Neosporin after this photo was taken. |
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The same puncture wound 24 hours after the first picture was taken and after another foot scrubbing. The bird had another treatment with Neosporin 12 hours before this picture was taken and the wound was treated again after this photo.
No fever developed at the wound site and no swelling through the leg. |