I will try to get some help to take some pics soon, I have been putting a lil cushion on his poor feet with vet wrap to hold it I am using some shoe insoles that r kinda rubbery that I bought and cut pieces to go under his sores. The infection seems to be right at a joint in his toes and there is a circular sore on the bottom that usually by the second day is clogged by yellowish material that I clean out and try to clean whatever infection I can out, in the earlier part there was just a bit of cheesy like bits but even then it had this gooey slimy white stuff oozing out around it. I have seen a few threads mention an uncommon presentation of bumble foot being a stringy gooey white stuff but there wasn't much more about if u treat it differently, I've seen alot of ppl giving antibiotics but most mentioned injectable types and in California u can't get them without a vet and none in my area see chickens not that I could really afford it. Should I try some type of oral antibiotics? As the only possible way I can get the injectable type would take some time as I'd have to try to get it sent to a person in a different state and have them send it to me and I know that many r temperature sensitive. I feel so bad for my poor boy and know that he needs to get better, again I will try to get pics soon in hopes that someone can help me help him, thank u all!
So I have some pics that I will attach and hopefully that will help my poor guy, again any insight or similar experiences r appreciated!
The first 2 r after I clean the little hole out and u can see the goo that starts coming out the second 2 r after I unwrap n clean them up and the other is so u can see how his toe is swollen and seems a bit bent from it, poor guy is getting sore knees from trying to sleep/rest on them
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This is not the worst case of bumblefoot I have seen. If you didn't agree with the previous treatment plan here is another.
Soak the feet in Epsom Salts with cool water. Dry them thoroughly, apply some a topical antibiotic ointment (without pain reliever).
Cover the sores with non-stick sterile gauze. Then, wrap with some Vet Wrap. This is a simple but effective treatment.
Part of the body's healing process is to excrete fluid and mucus at the injury site. This accounts for some of the oozing. Swelling in also fluid building in the surrounding tissue, due to inflammation. Inflammation will calm down once the wounds start to heal. A scab needs to form as the first step to healing. The scab will protect the wound while new skin cells start to grow (tissue granulation).
But if you keep removing the scab, new cells will be removed with the scab. If you keep the wound clean, dry it thoroughly, and apply a topical antibiotic to ward off any bacteria, then, cover the wound for added protection during healing, the sores should heal.
I believe the anticoagulant in the product you used initially, prevented a scab from forming, after you did the initial removal of infection (cheesy material). That is what an anticoagulant does. It stops blood from clotting, or coagulating. Now, you should let the scab form, so that healing can begin.
Change the dressing once a day and check the progress. Once healing begins, the skin around the sores will start to tighten, and the scab will start to get smaller. You should see new skin cells start to grow (tissue granulation) by the third day.
Injectable antibiotics are not necessary. But, you can use a broad spectrum oral antibiotic. This will prevent any infection from moving to the blood stream. Perhaps you have some left over antibiotic in your medicine cabinet, or maybe a someone you know can spare some. If you can't get an oral antibiotic, the rooster's own immune system should be able to heal the bumblefoot with your continued medical care.
Wrap the leg joint that is getting a pressure sore from sitting on it. Cut a piece of thick fabric, like felt, in a large tear drop shape. Use it to cushion the joint. Place it on the back of the leg and attach it
below the joint with some vet wrap, that way the joint can still bend. The rounded end should stick up above the joint. When the rooster sits down the fabric will cushion the joint to prevent a pressure sore.
Here is my little Ameruacana rooster who had a similar problem. Not the best photo, but you can see the green neoprene fabric which cover the (ankle/heel) joint just below his feathers. Black and tan vet wrap holds the fabric in place.
You can also set up a sling to put the rooster in for a couple of days, to keep him off his feet. That is another thing I have seen done for large heavy birds with severe bumblefoot. Or, you can crate him for a couple of days so he can rest his feet.
These are some more suggestions for you rooster's bumblefoot. I hope I have been helpful.
God Bless
