Vet says not bumble foot, but abscess.. What do you think?

Hey there! So here's what's going on:

We come from a week vacation and see (photo 1) on our Barred Rock's foot (her name is Pepper).

Pic 1: https://www.dropbox.com/s/jriy5wipo1j5z8w/File Jun 29, 10 01 47 PM.jpeg?dl=0



I call the most highly recommended avian doc in our city. He says it's not bumble foot, but a nasty abscess. We didn't see a plug on the bottom of the foot, either, but it was swollen a bit, and obviously revering.

He drained A LOT and pulled out what he could until nothing came out. The sac was deflated but he said it will get swollen again and gave us instructions on opening the cut, cleaning, and of course antibiotics.

That night I see the infamous plug on the bottom of the foot. Where did it come from? It wasn't there a few hours prior.. Maybe we missed it. I opened it and a bit of foul-smelling plus came out, but that's it. No cottage cheese, no anything...

Took her back to see him but he insists its not bumble foot. Yes, she stepped on something but that staph infection isn't there. Uhhhh... I keep saying it looks like it but he's the doc, not me. And he comes VERY highly recommended.

I opened it up again and NOTHING's coming out. See photo 2.. It has come down in swelling in 24 hours. Yes, it looks nasty but that's from being poked and opened a few times a day. She just did an Epsom salt soak.

The bottom shows her foot.

Thoughts?


Pic 2: https://www.dropbox.com/s/eqlrathkxfzjcie/File Jun 29, 10 02 47 PM.jpeg?dl=0

Pic 3: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ikwxvnm9bokxbne/File Jun 29, 10 04 14 PM.jpeg?dl=0

It looks like bumblefoot which is an abscess, usually staphylococcus from a tiny cut. It really doesn't matter if he doesn't agree--it is treated, and hopefully she will recover. Bumblefoot occurs on the footpads as well as on top in between toes.

Hopefully he removed the kernel... As I said, nothing else is coming out, just seems to be skin and blood... Just very swollen.

How long does it takes on average for the swelling to go down?

I can't really say for sure. The ones I have done have been covered with a gauze bandage for about a week. Then I take it off when the skin has closed. As long as the chicken isn't limping I sort of ignore it. Since your vet treated with antibiotics, yours has a pretty good shot at recovery. Just keep the foot clean until the wound has closed. Here are some good links with videos that I would read:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/07/bumblefoot-causes-treatment-warning.html
http://www.hobbyfarms.com/how-to-treat-bumblefoot-in-chickens-3/

Thanks! I guess that may be the most important thing, she hasn't limped at all. The only reason I notice is because I check their feet once a week.