Bumblefoot at the tip of a toe?

[vermontgal]

Does anyone have experience with bumblefoot in a toe? I have a hen who has a large, swollen rear toe, and a scab just under the toenail. The scab is in the fleshy part at the tip of the toe, under the curve of the toenail (not actually underneath the nail). The toe is swollen, fat and wide. Any advice on how to approach this one? Where am I likely to find "plugs" in a toe?

I've read ruth's excellent bumblefoot surgery thread, and many other bumblefoot threads. I'm looking for toe-specific advice. Thanks!

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Oooooo, interesting! I've never heard this one, let's see if someone smarter than me comes along!

 

[purpletree23]

I would treat the toe just like I would the pad. There has to be a scab where the infection entered. Start there. The infection should be right underneath.

To me a big concern would be her losing her toe or nail. I wonder if that would cause balance problems.

 

[SallyF]

Quote:
I'm watching this thread, because I have one that sounds like yours. She's not limping, it doesn't seem sore and it doesn't feel hot, but she definitely has a swollen toe and I'm about to try soaking her foot to see whatever I see. Good luck with yours and please post what's going on, as I will.

 

[Hippie Chick in PA]

I have one on the toe area also. I too am going to soak the foot today and decide what I need to do. Since this is the first time I am slightly worried about cutting into the pad. This is all new to me. But everyone on this site gives great information and fabulous support. Wish me luck.

 

[Hippie Chick in PA]

Well I worked on my chicken's foot today. Two hard cores came out but I don't know if I got everything. I think I need a good pair of tweezers. Any suggestions????

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Pack it good with neopsorin and keep her caged up and clean.

Wow, you're a lot gutsier than me!

You went from, hey, I think mine has a swollen toe, to I just did surgery!

 

[SallyF]

I haven't even soaked mine yet; now I'm almost afraid to, for fear of what I might find! I'm working up the courage bit by bit.

 

[Hippie Chick in PA]

Don't be afraid. It's not that bad. I just don't know if I got everything. My sugguestion is make sure you have good tweezers. I think cuticle scissor (someone elses suggestion on this site) is a good idea which I did not have. But in any event I tried....I just don't know if I got everything. Just keep soaking and squeezing after pulling the plug. I packed it with neo and bandaged her. She does not like the bandage but was a trooper.

 

[nhchick]

We have been dealing with bumblefoot all summer. The easiest to deal with had a scab on her toe. We soaked it in warm Epsom salt for 15 minutes. While I held her, my daughter worked the scab out like a pimple. It came off and she squeezed some more and it all just popped right out. We followed all the directions found on BYC. Swelling went down in a couple days after cleaning and applying neosporin. Two currently have swollen pads where I haven't been able to remove the entire plug. Surgery scheduled soon. again