Ankle injury or sprain?

[Krazikatlady64]

My almost 3 year old BR had some issues with getting on an off the roost. I think she may have sprained or dislocated her ankle. I've added additional roost steps and dim night light. She had been limping and holding up her foot. Its been 2 weeks. She puts weight on the foot now and seems to be walking ok. When she goes to the feeder or turns, she is not balanced and tips a bit. I can't tell if this looks like a dislocated ankle? Her poop is fine. She is eating and drinking fine, lays down alot to get off the foot.

I am at a loss as to treat her for something or keep watching it? Her ankle looks like it might be getting swollen on the side and starting to develop a small sore. Should I wrap it or just watch it?

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Does she have any signs of bumble foot? Is the swelling hard or squishy? Does it appear to be getting worst, staying the same, or going down (as far as the swelling is concerned). How does she respond to you touching it? I suggest cleaning it and soaking it in an Epsom salt bath. After it's completely dry, ice it for no longer than ten minutes. Do that 1-2 times every day. Try to keep her off her foot as much as possible. Separating her from the flock would be good until she heals. If you can put her in a sling, that would keep her off of her foot.

 

[Krazikatlady64]

It is not squishy. She's a biter. So it's hard to tell her reaction by touch. On the one photo 57(1) you can see a red spot starting. I'll soak her foot and try to crate her. She gets very upset when not around the others. Thank you!

 

[Eggcessive]

In some of the pictures, gout comes to mind by the lumpy appearance. Mycoplasma synoviae is another possibility with the swelling more around the ankles, even on the left one. Those both cause a harder swelling. But it does look like she might have sprained her foot. I do think that warm Epsom salts soaking once a day might help her feel a little better. I would prevent her from jumping up and down from the roost. She could be crated with food and water in late afternoon and then let out in the morning.

 

[Krazikatlady64]

In some of the pictures, gout comes to mind by the lumpy appearance. Mycoplasma synoviae is another possibility with the swelling more around the ankles, even on the left one. Those both cause a harder swelling. But it does look like she might have sprained her foot. I do think that warm Epsom salts soaking once a day might help her feel a little better. I would prevent her from jumping up and down from the roost. She could be crated with food and water in late afternoon and then let out in the morning.

What about baby aspirin? All the asprin I see has an enteric safety coating. Is that safe for chickens?

 

[Eggcessive]

Low dose or baby aspirin 81 mg can be used at a dose of 1/2 tablet twice a day for 2 or 3 days. Enteric coating just means that the aspirin will be slow to dissolve. That is for people who have stomach irritation, and the aspirin goes into the small intestine to be absorbed.

The drawback to giving something for pain, is that the chicken may overuse the hurt leg or foot, if it doesn’t hurt as much. But most vets will use Meloxicam for pain and inflammation anyway when there is a leg problem.

 

[Krazikatlady64]

Low dose or baby aspirin 81 mg can be used at a dose of 1/2 tablet twice a day for 2 or 3 days. Enteric coating just means that the aspirin will be slow to dissolve. That is for people who have stomach irritation, and the aspirin goes into the small intestine to be absorbed.

The drawback to giving something for pain, is that the chicken may overuse the hurt leg or foot, if it doesn’t hurt as much. But most vets will use Meloxicam for pain and inflammation anyway when there is a leg problem.

I thought if I could crate her a few days and she would rest, it might be helpful. Thank you.

 

[Eggcessive]

Let us know how she gets along. Here is some reading about gout and MS (mycoplasma synoviae) :
https://bitchinchickens.com/2019/09/19/avian-gout/

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/mycoplasmosis/mycoplasma-synoviae-infection-in-poultry

 

[Krazikatlady64]

Today her foot is much bigger. I think you are correct about the gout. She did not eat much or move much today in the coop, so she is in a big dog create in the house. Its getting colder, so she's more comfortable. I'm surprised no stress at all.

I have Manna Pro Hydo Hen 3 in 1 to start in her water tomorrow. Does any one have experience with this product? I am also feeding her Durmor non-GOM, 6-grain scratch. She had scrambled egg and is now eating great and drinking water. She got so skinny.

I had read an article about replacement of feed with pure grain sources for three to five days to reduce the exertion on kidneys to expel uric acid. Thus the scratch grain. I'll keep studying to see if we can reverse this for her, or at least keep her from getting worse.

I had been feeding Nature's Best Organic Layer Pellets. I'll get a photo of her foot tomorrow.

@Eggcessive Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Eggcessive]

I was just reading this good article where I had missed the suggestion of the 3 day scratch diet:
https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/gout-management-in-poultry
That is a good bit about diet and treatment. I’m glad that she is a little better. Some people use sour cherry extract capsules for gout, and some chicken owners do that as well. Keep us posted on how she is getting along.