Bumblefoot on hock? What to do

[LikeTurkeys]

I noticed yesterday that one of my cream Legbar cockerels has a large, swollen area on his hock. It looks like it might have been from a small injury because there is a scab on the top. It doesn't seem to be impending his movement, but I'm sure it will soon if not dealt with.

What can I do to remove it without causing more infection? Not sure if this could properly be called "bumble foot" as it's not a typical area for it to develop.

Help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[M-H-Fielding]

I noticed yesterday that one of my cream Legbar cockerels has a large, swollen area on his hock. It looks like it might have been from a small injury because there is a scab on the top. It doesn't seem to be impending his movement, but I'm sure it will soon if not dealt with.

What can I do to remove it without causing more infection? Not sure if this could properly be called "bumble foot" as it's not a typical area for it to develop.

Help is appreciated! Thanks!

Soak the chicken's leg in warm water mixed with epsom salt.

 

[M-H-Fielding]

Here are two articles on the subject:
Bumblefoot How To Treat Your Chickens With Surgery Graphic Pics
Treating Bumblefoot - A Simple Surgical Approach

 

[LikeTurkeys]

Soak the chicken's leg in warm water mixed with epsom salt.

Here are two articles on the subject:
Bumblefoot How To Treat Your Chickens With Surgery Graphic Pics
Treating Bumblefoot - A Simple Surgical Approach

Thanks! Is it correct to call it bumblefoot since it's in such an unusual location?

 

[M-H-Fielding]

Thanks! Is it correct to call it bumblefoot since it's in such an unusual location?

I'm not completely sure.......
It certainly looks like it though.

 

[LikeTurkeys]

OK, so I was only able to get to it today. We wrapped the chicken up, disenfected the leg and I tried to lance it but only blood came out. The lump is larger and squishy and warm. What do I do?! Photos attached. I'm worried I made it worse. We're still holding him and welcome immediate help.

 

[LikeTurkeys]

@casportpony, @azygous, @Wyorp Rock, any ideas? Thought it would be a thick cheesy substance like with bumble foot.

 

[azygous]

It appears to be an abrasion callousing up. Now that it's been opened up, you need to treat it as a fresh wound. Soak in warm Epsom salts each day for a few days, and dress with antibacterial ointment. Wrap with non-stick gauze pad with Vetrap over it to secure it from dirt.

This could be injury from a faulty perch. Watch how he roosts and if the hock is suffering a pressure wound from perching incorrectly. Then the perch would need to be remedied.

 

[LikeTurkeys]

It appears to be an abrasion callousing up. Now that it's been opened up, you need to treat it as a fresh wound. Soak in warm Epsom salts each day for a few days, and dress with antibacterial ointment. Wrap with non-stick gauze pad with Vetrap over it to secure it from dirt.

This could be injury from a faulty perch. Watch how he roosts and if the hock is suffering a pressure wound from perching incorrectly. Then the perch would need to be remedied.

So it's been 4 days. I didn't have Epsom salts, but I cleaned it every day with warm salt water, sprayed with Veterycin and packed with Neosporin. Today I took off the gauze wrapping and saw that it was scabbed over and no longer bled. Unfortunately, the hock does not seem to be in any better condition. It is very swollen and warm, but incredibly he's still putting weight on it and it doesn't seem to be bothering him very much.

I haven't been able to see how he roosts because I separated him so that the others wouldn't be tempted to pick at his wrap. I'm thinking about putting him on a broad spectrum oral antibiotic - I have amoxicillin and cephalexin on hand. What do you think? Here are some new photos from today to show just how bad the swelling has gotten. You can see that it's not just the pink part, the whole hock is massively swollen.

BTW: I did consider that it might be swelling from something like MS (which I don't have a history of in my flock), but considering that it's only on one leg, seems to be caused by injury, and none of my other ~60 chickens have it, I'm guessing it's unlikely.

Also have a video that I can upload to show how he walks. Appreciate feedback!

 

[LikeTurkeys]

Also, what do you think about aspirin for example as an anti-inflammatory?? maybe would help?