Broken toenail or foreign object?

[Wyorp Rock]

I think the toenail looks to be healing up.

What antibiotic do you have on hand? If the foot still has heat and swelling, but you are not finding a source of infection, it may be a good idea to treat her.

I'll tag in @coach723 to see what her thoughts may be.

 

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

I think the toenail looks to be healing up.

What antibiotic do you have on hand? If the foot still has heat and swelling, but you are not finding a source of infection, it may be a good idea to treat her.

I'll tag in @coach723 to see what her thoughts may be.

It's been since Aug 26
Still has heat and swelling but I *think* it's gotten a tiny bit better. Is this just how slow going a bad case of bumblefoot goes?

I've got doxycycline but I was told not to use it and to look for fish mox. Idk.

 

[coach723]

If you want to use an antibiotic the aqua mox would be a better choice for this.
Since this appears to possibly be a puncture type wound, that is what I would do. In addition to what you are already doing. For punctures, leaving it open rather than wrapping can be better, if possible. Being on the toe, I understand that trying to keep it clean is the challenge. Glad it's looking a little better, hopefully it will continue to improve.

 

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

If you want to use an antibiotic the aqua mox would be a better choice for this.
Since this appears to possibly be a puncture type wound, that is what I would do. In addition to what you are already doing. For punctures, leaving it open rather than wrapping can be better, if possible. Being on the toe, I understand that trying to keep it clean is the challenge. Glad it's looking a little better, hopefully it will continue to improve.

I don't *want* to use anything if I don't have to. How long would this type of bumblefoot up the nailbed take to heal with antibiotics vs without? Should I expect her to use one leg for another couple weeks?

 

[coach723]

That is very hard to say. Depends on all kinds of variables, how infected, what kind of bacteria, birds individual immune system, etc. The issues with punctures is that many bacteria thrive in anaerobic environments (meaning no oxygen), and punctures tend to close up on themselves creating that environment, as well as closing in any bacteria that is in there just based on the structure of the injury. That is why tetanus is an issue with punctures (birds don't really get tetanus, just an example).
If you are seeing definite improvement, then watching and continuing what you are doing may be all that is needed. If it's not getting better, or getting worse, then an antibiotic may be the best option. With all infection, there can be a point of no return, where it becomes too much for even an antibiotic to help, and you don't want to get there. Amoxicillin is generally very well tolerated. I can't tell you what to do, only say what I would do.

 

[Bawkmeow]

I have had a couple with bumblefoot. It feels like forever before it gets any better, I have seen others cut a slice off of a pool noodle and wrap that under the pad of her foot. Might keep that sore toe off the ground? keep us updated.

 

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

Is debriding a thing I should be doing here? It doesn't feel right for me to do without knowing how long to wait for her to fight it off

That is very hard to say. Depends on all kinds of variables, how infected, what kind of bacteria, birds individual immune system, etc. The issues with punctures is that many bacteria thrive in anaerobic environments (meaning no oxygen), and punctures tend to close up on themselves creating that environment, as well as closing in any bacteria that is in there just based on the structure of the injury. That is why tetanus is an issue with punctures (birds don't really get tetanus, just an example).
If you are seeing definite improvement, then watching and continuing what you are doing may be all that is needed. If it's not getting better, or getting worse, then an antibiotic may be the best option. With all infection, there can be a point of no return, where it becomes too much for even an antibiotic to help, and you don't want to get there. Amoxicillin is generally very well tolerated. I can't tell you what to do, only say what I would do.

That's really all I was looking for. Thank you. Super informative and helpful.

 

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

I have had a couple with bumblefoot. It feels like forever before it gets any better, I have seen others cut a slice off of a pool noodle and wrap that under the pad of her foot. Might keep that sore toe off the ground? keep us updated.

I feel like I read about someone doing this also. I'll have to check that out just to see if it makes her comfortable to try to bear weight.

 

[coach723]

Corn pads and callus pads also work sometimes, the noodle material might be easier to shape for a toe. I used craft fun foam as well, cut to size and shape.