- Apr 11, 2009
- 1,436
- 55
- 171
More on Bumble foot
Nathalie Ross
.
"Bumblefoot
Bumblefoot is a disease of the bottom of the feet caused by any number of different types of bacteria. Birds have an amazing ability to heal their skin, but unfortunately it can end up encapsulating bacteria and allow the colony to continue producing. In the case of Bumblefoot, the bird has sustained an injury, however small, to the bottom of the foot and bacteria has been allowed to take hold.
The skin may continue to heal around this colony. It begins as a small, hardened corn which develops into a fevered hot spot or open sore. Other symptoms are a bird who lays down or won't put weight onto the feet.
Like Asper, the best treatment is prevention. The main causes are from injury (i.e. improper furniture design or enclosure injuries or from prey), pershing surfaces (i.e. improper surfaces or design), poor hygiene, inactivity, obesity, and poor diet (particularly an insufficient amount of Vitamin A). Having proper perching surfaces, varied surfaces, and varied diameters of perches is the best maintenance.
Keeping perching surfaces clean is important - this means clean from mutes as well as cleansing agents which may irritate the skin. Proper nutrition is key. Soaking or scrubbing the hawk's feet once a week or if soiled helps to prevent dirt and blood from becoming encrusted. Keeping the skin under the talon where it meets the talon clean is another good step. Any injury to the bottom of the foot can allow bacteria to take hold.
Using a salve of 1 part Anhydrous Lanolin mixed with 1 part Dermaclense or an antibiotic ointment like Corona (very tiny amounts massaged in FULLY) can quickly revert any small problem. A slightly more progressed case can use Preparation- H massaged into the foot (NOTE: Canadian falconers are at a distinct advantage as their version of Preparation-
H has higher levels of active ingredients than the US version). More serious cases can require surgery. Advanced cases of bumblefoot are very difficult to cure.
Treatment beyond topical may consist of Piperacillin or Ceftazidine. Treatment for extreme (Grade V) may require amputation or euthanasia as the bacteria will actually eat the bone. "
Nathalie Ross
Nathalie Ross
.
"Bumblefoot
Bumblefoot is a disease of the bottom of the feet caused by any number of different types of bacteria. Birds have an amazing ability to heal their skin, but unfortunately it can end up encapsulating bacteria and allow the colony to continue producing. In the case of Bumblefoot, the bird has sustained an injury, however small, to the bottom of the foot and bacteria has been allowed to take hold.
The skin may continue to heal around this colony. It begins as a small, hardened corn which develops into a fevered hot spot or open sore. Other symptoms are a bird who lays down or won't put weight onto the feet.
Like Asper, the best treatment is prevention. The main causes are from injury (i.e. improper furniture design or enclosure injuries or from prey), pershing surfaces (i.e. improper surfaces or design), poor hygiene, inactivity, obesity, and poor diet (particularly an insufficient amount of Vitamin A). Having proper perching surfaces, varied surfaces, and varied diameters of perches is the best maintenance.
Keeping perching surfaces clean is important - this means clean from mutes as well as cleansing agents which may irritate the skin. Proper nutrition is key. Soaking or scrubbing the hawk's feet once a week or if soiled helps to prevent dirt and blood from becoming encrusted. Keeping the skin under the talon where it meets the talon clean is another good step. Any injury to the bottom of the foot can allow bacteria to take hold.
Using a salve of 1 part Anhydrous Lanolin mixed with 1 part Dermaclense or an antibiotic ointment like Corona (very tiny amounts massaged in FULLY) can quickly revert any small problem. A slightly more progressed case can use Preparation- H massaged into the foot (NOTE: Canadian falconers are at a distinct advantage as their version of Preparation-
H has higher levels of active ingredients than the US version). More serious cases can require surgery. Advanced cases of bumblefoot are very difficult to cure.
Treatment beyond topical may consist of Piperacillin or Ceftazidine. Treatment for extreme (Grade V) may require amputation or euthanasia as the bacteria will actually eat the bone. "
Nathalie Ross
Last edited:
