Bumblefoot? And missing toenail?

[duckitup]

K thanks. I'm not sure if she would tolerate compresses but I could try. I am using epsom salt, sorry, I should have been more clear.

 

[duckitup]

Amputation?????....During yesterdays Epsom salt soak I noticed that a few spots on Hoovers wings looked "raw". I've been handling her 2-3 times a day and I'm pretty sure I would have noticed it before if it was there. But then I second guess myself since I've been concentrating on her foot so much. I don't know. Under her eyes looks a little red and puffy too. I decided to make a vet appointment. Went in today. Long story short....

Vet is calling the Avian Specialist at University of Wisconsin Madison tomorrow to see if they think AMPUTATION would be the best option. I was not expecting that at all. He thinks he wants to amputate the infected toe (the one that lost the toenail). He will get back to me as soon as the Specialist gets back to him. He said that he thinks it may be the best option because if you try to drain it and don't get all of it it will just keep coming back and we don't want it to go systemic. He said she would still be able to balance, walk and swim and that he would keep as much of the webbing as possible. (It's her outer left toe). Two of her toes look to me to be back to normal but the one missing the nail looks a little worse now. There is an obvious bulb about the size of a pea and it is still all swollen like the pic above.

He may find out it is not the way to go but I just wanted to get this out to all of you in case you have any advice. When I find out what he says I'll update.

Also: I took Wendy in with her (Hoovers rehab pal) because I caught her panting a little today. Her air sacs sounded fine but he didn't like her increased breath rate (I think that's what he called it). He gave me Tylan Soluble for her. I think I'll start a separate thread on her but wanted to mention it here too in case anyone can see some sort of link.

 

[Amiga]

Thank you so much for keeping us in the loop. Mercy!

 

[duckitup]

The verdict is in. Madisons Aviation Dept suggests amputation because the infection seems to be spreading from the toe towards the foot.

Do any of you have ducks with an amputated outer toe? I'm worried about her getting around. The vet says she should be able to get around and swim just fine but I'm worried about her hips/joints etc that will have to compensate for her balance. Does an amputated toe have long term affects?

She is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday. I'm so scared for her. Is this the right thing to do???

In case any one is wondering, the procedure and after care meds are estimated at $189.00

 

[AmerauColo23]

My wife and I basically cured our Cayuga of a bad case of bumblefoot WITHOUT surgery, or using razors. All it took was two weeks of spare time, sanitary isolation, and a combination of Epsom salt, a bit of bleach, a red hot needle, apple cider vinegar, alcohol, neosporin, teabags, gauze/stretchy wrap, and an onion. All of which, if purchased at a local store should equal out to no more than $15-$20. Soak foot in hot, saltwater with vinegar and a hint of bleach mixed in for 5-10 mins once to twice a day. Cut off a small piece of onion, toast it on the stove til browned, and then poke holes in the hot onion. Soak a teabag in alcohol, then place the browned onion directly on the sore with the wet teabag on top of it. Wrap in gauze/stretchy wrap without hurting the toes, and then probably duct tape the wrap on the foot to keep it in place. The hurt animal MUST BE in an isolated, sanitary environment to avoid spreading or catching more bacteria. If this procedure is repeated, do so on a daily basis for results. Also you can give 1/3 of a baby aspirin every few hours as needed for fever. Bumblefoot is a staph infection that can cause terrible fevers in all type of fowl and poultry.

 

[Amiga]

I will say that some advise against aspirin, yet some folks have given it to their ducks with no apparent harm.

 

[duckitup]

Thanks for the suggestion. I had never heard about the onion thing before. If this ever comes around again perhaps I'll try that. My vet seems to think the surgery is the best option because he is concerned that it will move to the leg and then we have a whole different set of problems. And in his experience draining it thoroughly enough to not come back is near impossible. We are scheduled for tomorrow. I hope it is the best decision. I want what is best for my girl. I just hope that she will be able to walk and swim like normal.

 

[duckitup]

It's surgery day. Wish us luck and send healing vibes Hoovers way!!!!!!

 

[duckitup]

Hoover is out of surgery! I get to pick her up at 3:30. Vet said everything went well and that he was going to go grab some grass clippings to put in her cage because she was already up and walking around!! A little surprised the office didn't have any sort of bedding on hand but I think it's nice that he was going out for grass for her. Hopefully not pesticide treated grass.....I am so paranoid. Just so happy she made it through surgery!!! Now I have one duck with one eye and one duck with only 5 toes. Hopefully the other 6 get to keep all of their parts! Love my duckies!!!

 

[Amiga]