Injured deer in the garden,is there anything I can do?

[ganesh]

There's a very lovely deer that practically lives in our garden and has for some time. Recently I've seen her limping and this seems to be getting worse,she's quite young,and she runs off if I attempt to go near her.Is there anything I can do?

[WendyS]

Short of phoning the RSPCA for advice, I'm not sure there's much you can do, unless the land near you is privately owned and there is some kind of warden or gamekeeper responsible for its upkeep. It's very upsetting to see wild animals in physical distress but unfortunately unless they can be caught and treated, it's dificult to intervene, except in certain circumstances, where putting suitable food out for them at least reduces the pressure on them to need t forage for survival.

[ganesh]

She looks very healthy and is eating all the time,it's just that the leg appears to be getting worse.
There's only fields and farms around us so there isn't anyone responsible.

[warpig1]

sorry ganesh, have no advice but sincerely hope that the deer is ok, sadly the only way to get close is when it is too injured to move away, so possibly the fact that she runs off is, in some way, a good sign. Is there a gash or cut that is visible or is it more like a sprain, just thinking that if its a cut could you get something from a vet to put in some food or something, some kind of animal antibiotics perhaps. Apologies if this is a bit vague but am not an animal person just hate to see them suffer.

[Cetti]

It is distressing but as Wendy says there is really not much you can do in this situation.

You live in a rural area which means there must be one or more vetinary practices around, so if you don't get any help from the RSPCA then try your local vet as they would specialize in larger animals. Bodies such as English Nature etc. are also worth a try.

[ganesh]

Thanks all,..can't see any cuts or anything,more like a sprain than a break I guess, as she is puttin her weight on it,but just hobbling quite badly.
She looks well apart from that,not that I'm a deer expert. Maybe it bothers me more than it bothers her,I'll keep an eye on her,though I don't see her every day.
If I managed to get someone to look at her I probably wouldn't be able to find her,anyway.
It's horrible seeing wild animals suffer-if I put something in food for her,some other animal would probably eat it.

[Cetti]

Just keep your eye on her ganesh, as you will do, and if she gets any worse, or appears to be in very real distress, then a vet must be called. Keep us posted, won't you?

[horsestache1]

Call a large animal vet for advice, if you live in the country they will have an equine vet they can direct you to. My horse vet deals with deer all the time, they can dart her if they think she needs treatment. Don't bother calling the RSPCA I've tried on several occasions and they are worse than usless.

i do hope she is OK, do keep us informed

[ganesh]

Will do guys,thanks.

[gelda]

Try asking your vet if there's a wildlife rescue organisation in your area they are very helpful, they will come out and dart it and find out what is wrong with the leg and treat it, they are also very patient and will wait for the deer to appear. Try googling Tiggywinkles wildlife rescue and give them a ring. Gelda

[ganesh]

Well they would have had to wait for a long time,I haven't seen her for a week.I hope she's OK.Probably didn't help having noisy dogs from our local hunt coming into my garden!!Maybe that's another question for the law section.