broken toe/infection

[ejctm]

Hi Folks,

I am posting from the UK. One of my hens seemed to have a broken toe about 6 weeks ago when I noticed that it was pointing the wrong way and had a swelling around the joint. There was no redness and she was not limping. I thought she must have caught it somehow and it broke, but it was not bothering her so I kept an eye on it and all was well.

Then a couple of days ago I noticed she was holding the leg up and limping and the swelled joint appeared red. Her feet are always warm so it is hard to tell if the toe was unusually hot. Thinking she must have got it infected somehow I took her to the vet and she prescribed antibiotic Baytril as a first resort. Lancing the swelling under anaesthetic would be the next option if the drugs failed. I am reluctant to do this however due to the expense. I want to try and deal with it myself if possible. Anyway, the redness has gone down but the swelling is still there and it feels quite hard. She is limping only slightly so I am hoping the drugs worked.

If not, does anyone have any advice about the foot? I am thinking worse-case the toe might need amputating (not sure about DIY on that one!). Has anyone any ideas about preventing infections or dealing with fractured toes? The break seemed old compared to the infection, or could it have taken that long for it to develop? The vet was pretty clueless and had not treated chickens before.

Thanks,

EJ

 

[purpletree23]

Baytril is a good start but I would drain the infection. Do a search for bumblefoot and follow that protocol. If you think the hen will be in pain you can use Ambesol on the skin. Ambesol is a liquid anesthetic that is used on infants gums when they are teething. You must have something there that would do the same thing. Just make sure you don't use anything with 'aine' in it like lidocaine or benzocaine. Those anesthetics are poisonous to a chicken.

If you soak her foot in warm epsom salt or betadine solution and talk to her gently she should be alright. Wrap her gently in a towel and make sure her head is covered by another small towel. Lay her on her side and she probably won't move.

The key to successful surgery is starting with a clean area, in this case the foot. Wrap her foot well after treating and keep her inside for a few days if possible to keep the foot clean and away from other chickens who might want to bother her. She'll need a lot of rest and good food and TLC. PM me if I can be of further assistance.

Have faith in yourself. You only have to make a small incision and stitches are not needed.