Broken toenail or foreign object?

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

Been soaking in Epsom salt and bandaging with antibac ointment. This girl can't put weight on the toe, swelling and heat. Looks like a deep split in the nail, hubby has me second guessing. Foreign material or broken nail? Also, ever hear of a hen not being able to walk from a broken toenail? Wondering if it's a broken toe as well.

 

[RubelliteRose]

To me it looks like a bumblefoot plug that is starting to be pushed out, but under the toenail. It is a little hard to tell from the picture. If it is bumblefoot, then soaking in Epsom and using antibiotic is perfect! Does it soften after you soak her foot? If it is still very hard, it could be a split nail. If it becomes softer, my guess is plug. Have you tried pulling on the plug/nail to see if it can be removed? If it is a plug that can be removed, fill the remaining hole with antibiotic ointment and wrap the toe as best you can. If it is a split nail, then I'm not sure what the best treatment would be.
If you aren't familiar with bumblefoot, here is a good link: https://www.tillysnest.com/2015/12/non-surgical-bumblefoot-treatment-html/
Here is another bumblefoot link, but using a scalpel to remove the plug. I have only used a scalpel once when there was no scab to remove. I prefer not to cut healthy tissue unless absolutely necessary. https://the-chicken-chick.com/bumblefoot-causes-treatment-warning/

 

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

To me it looks like a bumblefoot plug that is starting to be pushed out, but under the toenail. It is a little hard to tell from the picture. If it is bumblefoot, then soaking in Epsom and using antibiotic is perfect! Does it soften after you soak her foot? If it is still very hard, it could be a split nail. If it becomes softer, my guess is plug. Have you tried pulling on the plug/nail to see if it can be removed? If it is a plug that can be removed, fill the remaining hole with antibiotic ointment and wrap the toe as best you can. If it is a split nail, then I'm not sure what the best treatment would be.
If you aren't familiar with bumblefoot, here is a good link: https://www.tillysnest.com/2015/12/non-surgical-bumblefoot-treatment-html/
Here is another bumblefoot link, but using a scalpel to remove the plug. I have only used a scalpel once when there was no scab to remove. I prefer not to cut healthy tissue unless absolutely necessary. https://the-chicken-chick.com/bumblefoot-causes-treatment-w

To me it looks like a bumblefoot plug that is starting to be pushed out, but under the toenail. It is a little hard to tell from the picture. If it is bumblefoot, then soaking in Epsom and using antibiotic is perfect! Does it soften after you soak her foot? If it is still very hard, it could be a split nail. If it becomes softer, my guess is plug. Have you tried pulling on the plug/nail to see if it can be removed? If it is a plug that can be removed, fill the remaining hole with antibiotic ointment and wrap the toe as best you can. If it is a split nail, then I'm not sure what the best treatment would be.
If you aren't familiar with bumblefoot, here is a good link: https://www.tillysnest.com/2015/12/non-surgical-bumblefoot-treatment-html/
Here is another bumblefoot link, but using a scalpel to remove the plug. I have only used a scalpel once when there was no scab to remove. I prefer not to cut healthy tissue unless absolutely necessary. https://the-chicken-chick.com/bumblefoot-causes-treatment-warning/

I tried pulling but it didn't seem to move, it looks like it is deeply attached and causes her pain when I tug at it. I had no idea bumblefoot could occur anywhere. Thank you for the links. All read up. Just got some PRID in the mail to try tomorrow. I'll try to snap pics after her next soak. I don't want to lose my girl over my own ignorance.

 

[thecatumbrella]

It almost looks like her toenail got pushed into the nail bed and created a large enough wound for debris to get in. If it's swollen and warm, it's likely infected. Any chance you have a vet that takes chickens near you? I know a lot of people here "do their own stunts", so to speak, but that looks so painful. I'm wondering if it has to be anesthetized in order to remove and drain whatever's in there. Probably needs antibiotics as well.

 

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

It almost looks like her toenail got pushed into the nail bed and created a large enough wound for debris to get in. If it's swollen and warm, it's likely infected. Any chance you have a vet that takes chickens near you? I know a lot of people here "do their own stunts", so to speak, but that looks so painful. I'm wondering if it has to be anesthetized in order to remove and drain whatever's in there. Probably needs antibiotics as well.

I found a vet close enough(30 min). I'll try to get her in tomorrow. I'm guessing your right on the antibiotics at this point with the swelling, heat, and a touch of redness, no matter what it actually turns out to be. I can't believe I'm taking a chicken to a vet SMH

 

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

It almost looks like her toenail got pushed into the nail bed and created a large enough wound for debris to get in. If it's swollen and warm, it's likely infected. Any chance you have a vet that takes chickens near you? I know a lot of people here "do their own stunts", so to speak, but that looks so painful. I'm wondering if it has to be anesthetized in order to remove and drain whatever's in there. Probably needs antibiotics as well.

Also, your little D'Uccle is just the cutest!! I've got her doppelganger over here!

 

[thecatumbrella]

I can't believe I'm taking a chicken to a vet SMH

I've already done it twice in 5 months for this flock, so I get it. Some medical things are just way over my head. Super grateful we have a vet to see them!

Also, your little D'Uccle is just the cutest!! I've got her doppelganger over here!

Ha! I feel like every d'Uccle looks and behaves exactly the same. I love mine so much. Such a character!

 

[RubelliteRose]

Glad you are able to get a vet to look at her Let us know what the vet says about her foot!

 

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

Opinions again- bumblefoot or bang broken toenail??
I missed the vets. I'll try again Monday.

Nevermind! Plug!! Finally was loose enough to know for certain. Now what I'm wondering is how to get the rest of the infection out from such a small channel (toe into ankle) continuing soak and prid/wrap. Any tips besides her maybe needing antibiotics?

 

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

Progress:
I decided to treat at home. I have antibiotics on hand (haven't used any) but keep seeing glimpses of improvement (maybe or just grit and survival and I'm misreading). Do you folks see any change from the pics? Top oldest pic, bottom most recent. I've been doing daily soaks with Epsom and betadine. Wrapping the toenail (old hole from plug) with vetwrap/PRID/Neosporin (rotating). Still has heat and swelling. She's still not using this foot and the other foot has a plug that I can't mess with until she's got a foot to stand on. Is there anything I can do to draw that swelling out? Any tips/advice/observations are appreciated.