There are misconceptions regarding bumble foot, the type of bacterial infections that develop, and what antibiotics are effective. I have found this out recently after many years of raising chickens and dealing with what is commonly known as bumble foot a few times.
Commonly regarded as a staph infection, E. coli and Enterococcus sp. can make treatment difficult, even when Staphylococcus is not present. Especially if the infection gets in the joint. I recently had a culture and sensitivity test performed from exudate I retained from the wound. Testing showed that Enterococcus was resistant to Erythromycin, Doxycycline, Tetracycline, and Chloramphenicol.
E.coli was resistant to Amoxicillin/Clav Acid (Clavamox), Ciprofloxacin, Enrofloxacin, Trimethoprim-Sulfa, and others Enterococcus is resistant to. So we can't believe simply because an antibiotic is considered "broad spectrum" and "effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria" that use of it will be successful.
Commonly known as a combiotic ( a combination of the correct dosages of two antibiotics), the synergistic efficacy of partners such as Amoxicillin, or ampicillin or penicillin combined with Gentamicin is recommended for serious infections of Enteroccus (gram positive) and E. coli (gram negative) bacteria. It is best to consult with a knowledgeable avian vet regarding percentages of combinations since there are some real clowns practicing veterinary medicine out there. I've dealt with them.
Baytril (Enrofloxacin) has become common use, though in vitro tests have not consistently produced clinical effectiveness, so it is not recommended.
Vancomycin is highly regarded for treatment of serious systemic infections, but not for simple urinary tract infections.
So as one can see, the battle against bacteria continues in nature, and science is needed to overcome. If there are single antibiotics that cannot eliminate E.coli or Enterococcus as they once did, there should be no illusion that treating bacterial infections with organic compounds, used before the development of modern medicine, would be any more successful. I can count on one hand the number of times I've used antibiotics in the last decade. Prevention through good husbandry practices and proper diet/supplementation certainly lessen susceptibility to disease, but when a problem arises, you need to be able to remedy it.
This toe infection has been frustrating to me since I have often researched and found successful treatments to problems over the years. This particular bacterial infection changed everything. This will likely be the most expensive rooster I've had, but finding solutions to problems that may happen in the future is worth it to me. Plus, he doesn't have to die or lose an extremity.
While this task continues, I will share what I learn, and eventually what cures this problem.
Commonly regarded as a staph infection, E. coli and Enterococcus sp. can make treatment difficult, even when Staphylococcus is not present. Especially if the infection gets in the joint. I recently had a culture and sensitivity test performed from exudate I retained from the wound. Testing showed that Enterococcus was resistant to Erythromycin, Doxycycline, Tetracycline, and Chloramphenicol.
E.coli was resistant to Amoxicillin/Clav Acid (Clavamox), Ciprofloxacin, Enrofloxacin, Trimethoprim-Sulfa, and others Enterococcus is resistant to. So we can't believe simply because an antibiotic is considered "broad spectrum" and "effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria" that use of it will be successful.
Commonly known as a combiotic ( a combination of the correct dosages of two antibiotics), the synergistic efficacy of partners such as Amoxicillin, or ampicillin or penicillin combined with Gentamicin is recommended for serious infections of Enteroccus (gram positive) and E. coli (gram negative) bacteria. It is best to consult with a knowledgeable avian vet regarding percentages of combinations since there are some real clowns practicing veterinary medicine out there. I've dealt with them.
Baytril (Enrofloxacin) has become common use, though in vitro tests have not consistently produced clinical effectiveness, so it is not recommended.
Vancomycin is highly regarded for treatment of serious systemic infections, but not for simple urinary tract infections.
So as one can see, the battle against bacteria continues in nature, and science is needed to overcome. If there are single antibiotics that cannot eliminate E.coli or Enterococcus as they once did, there should be no illusion that treating bacterial infections with organic compounds, used before the development of modern medicine, would be any more successful. I can count on one hand the number of times I've used antibiotics in the last decade. Prevention through good husbandry practices and proper diet/supplementation certainly lessen susceptibility to disease, but when a problem arises, you need to be able to remedy it.
This toe infection has been frustrating to me since I have often researched and found successful treatments to problems over the years. This particular bacterial infection changed everything. This will likely be the most expensive rooster I've had, but finding solutions to problems that may happen in the future is worth it to me. Plus, he doesn't have to die or lose an extremity.
While this task continues, I will share what I learn, and eventually what cures this problem.
Last edited: