Bumble foot surgery FAIL

[ecogirl2206]

***graphic pics with blood***I knew it would be hard since I pass out at the sight of blood but I really thought I could do this. I can't. My easter egger has bumblefoot on both feet. One is grade 5 probably. Soaked in Epsom salt two days ago but didn't have scalpel to do anything other than pick one scab off. Actually had two on the bad foot. Here are the pics. I got one scab off and nearly passed out before I could continue. (Fell to floor shaking, covered in sweat, threw up) what do I do now? I didn't even touch the foot that has the black scab in the middle of it. I got antibiotic in the hole and bandaged back up but I can't imagine this will heal it. I felt like maybe the entire bottom of the foot should be removed but that's a lot!!! My understanding is foot soaks aren't really going to cure such a bad bumblefoot infection .

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Since you cant perform the surgery yourself (thats ok we all have our strengths and weaknesses), seems like your next best options are 1) take her to a vet that treats chickens, 2) educate family member or friend who is willing to perform the surgery, & have them do it for you.

 

[ecogirl2206]

Since you cant perform the surgery yourself (thats ok we all have our strengths and weaknesses), seems like your next best options are 1) take her to a vet that treats chickens, 2) educate family member or friend who is willing to perform the surgery, & have them do it for you.

I have two elderly parents who won't touch a chicken, and my friends are equally squimish and said absolutely not, they won't even support me Incase I faint again.

 

[LaFleche]

This foot does not look too bad. Just soak in epsom salt bath for 15 minutes every evening and apply the antibiotic ointment afterwards and wrap with vetwrap.

It might take longer, but I think you will be able to get a handle on this.

 

[RubelliteRose]

If you have a local feed store, ask them if they know of a local chicken group - Facebook etc. You may be able to find someone local to help you through them.

 

[Goosebaby]

Bumblefoot is staph, soaking and draining the infection can help the bird fight off the infection if their immune system is strong enough and the infection isn’t too bad but staph really should be treated with antibiotics and the chicken should be kept in a clean environment while it’s being treated and the wounds are healing.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

My chickens have had very slight bumblefoot and I was able to get them controlled by soaking and keeping their infected foot slathered with triple antibiotic ointment and wrapped at all times and picking out the scabs/pus that formed. Are your birds having trouble getting around?

 

[ecogirl2206]

Anyone? I hate to see her suffer, the thought of euthanizing is terrible too. No idea what next steps I should take. Her foot was hot pre surgery and she had a limp.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

I can't help, sorry. I hope someone will be able to.

 

[ecogirl2206]

I have two elderly parents who won't touch a chicken, and my friends are equally squimish and said absolutely not, they won't even support me Incase I faint again.

I'm calling vets but anything over $100 is not doable.