Chickens can fracture their legs in any number of ways: being stepped on (by horse, goat or human); experiencing a hard landing from the roost bars predator attacks or being caught by a slamming door. I’ve previously posted two cases involving such breaks. This one was novel – the unknowing culprit was a fellow flockmate.
What Is A Spiral Fracture?
A spiral, or torsion fracture, is a complete bone break caused by a twisting force applied along the bone’s axis. Unlike a clean break, a spiral fracture coils around the bone resembling a corkscrew or spiral staircase. These injuries commonly occur in long bones like the tibia or fibula during sports, falls, or accidents.
Punchy, 4-year old Backyard Mix (Dominique x Olive Egger)
Day 1: During evening chores, I shooed a number of chickens off a door frame. One of them flew down awkwardly and landed on Punchy, who was standing on the floor. I immediately knew she was hurt, but had no idea how bad. I isolated her for the night.
Day 2: I got her into an emergency appointment at the vet. The x-ray looked horrible, with the break very near the knee joint. Additionally the break was complete and a spiral. The prognosis of a good outcome was only 40%. A pin was placed during surgery, but the surgeon was not able to place a stabilizer because of the location and the spiral break. It was imperative that Punchy had to remain immobilized.
Week 1-2: She spent the first 10 days in a padded area in our house that I made for her. She only had enough room to turn around and no way to fly or jump up.
Week 2-3: I gradually began taking her out for short periods, first on my lap and then in the grass for short periods under a watchful eye. It was mainly to give her mental stimulation and ward off boredom and depression.
Week 4: Punchy graduated to a sick pen that I have in the barn where she could see and talk to my other chickens.
The pin migrated out on its own about a week ago. While the bone is not knitted together perfectly it is healing and she is beginning to put some weight on the leg. The vet was very happy with the results considering the severity of the injury.
Medication Aftercare
- Tramadol 50 mg every 12 hours for 5-7 days
- Meloxicam 1.5 mg/mL 1.4 mL every 12 hours (still on the Meloxicam @week 4)
- Gabapentin 50 mg/mL .44 mL every 8 – 12 hours for pain
Cost
- Surgery $2462
- Emergency visit $531
- Two progress exams and x-rays $445 + $360
- Pending: one last progress exam at Avian & Exotic Vet Clinic in Indianapolis, IN
I recognize some of you will be taken aback by the total cost to save Punchy’s life. The mantra of “It’s just a chicken” doesn’t apply here. Clearly she is a beloved pet and warrants being offered lifesaving care.
Thanks to Lisa Hall for sharing her story and photos, used with permission.
“Because every chicken deserves a comeback story.”
Bitchin' Chickens 
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