Bumblefoot Information ( In progress)

[Isaac 0]

“Bumblefoot” Pododermatitis


1. What is "bumblefoot"?

“Bumblefoot” is the common term for inflammation or infection of the weight-bearing surface of the foot. “Bumblefoot" is a form of pododermatitis (foot inflammation).



2. What species of bird are affected by “bumblefoot”?

It is very common in budgies, cockatiels, galahs and ducks though it can be seen in any bird.



3. What are the clinical signs of early “bumblefoot”?

Initially there may simply be a loss of the normal scale on the feet and the skin may be red and thin. As the conditions worsens ulcers may form on the pads of the feet.



4. What are the clinical signs of more serious forms of “bumblefoot”?

It becomes very serious when the foot is swollen and there are plugs of necrotic (dead) tissue on the weight bearing foot surface. In the worst cases the bone of the foot becomes infected, the foot becomes swollen and the foot’s digits cannot move. These birds are severely lame and often very difficult to repair.



5. What are the causes of “bumblefoot”?

Hard plastic or dowelling perches and sandpaper around perches, as well as diets of poor nutritional value and high energy will lead to obese birds with vitamin A deficiency. If the perches are unclean, bacteria will build up and can move onto the foot as the foot has lost its protective scales. Any disease that affects birds can make your bird susceptible to “bumblefoot" as the bird will use its energy to fight the other problem.



6. What is the treatment for “bumblefoot”?

In the early stages of “bumblefoot” the best treatment is simply to soften the perches with bandages or strips of cloth wrapped around the perches. At the same time, improve the diet by including, among other changes, more dark green vegetables for vitamin A or, better still, move your birds onto a high quality pellet or crumble food as well. For ducks, put down astroturf or grassed areas and make sure they have a clean deep wading pool.

​

7. What additional treatment procedures may be needed?

Antibiotics will be needed as well as anti-inflammatories and antibiotics topically on the feet. If the "bumblefoot" is in the very severe category, a ball bandage may need to be adhered to the feet with regular changes necessary. In these severe cases samples of the foot infection to send to the laboratory to find out the type of infection may be needed. Blood samples may also be taken to check for other problems. The severe cases of "bumblefoot" can take weeks to months to improve.



8. What preventative measures are needed?

An avian veterinarian will always check the base of the feet at a bird’s annual health check but the feet should be checked at home at least fortnightly as well.

http://www.birdvet.com.au/birdcare/bumblefoot.htm



"Bumblefoot is an infectious and degenerative condition in digital pads and infection can spread into joint and other area in body. Bumblefoot is found on the plantar aspect of a bird's feet where it can form an abscess. There are three different but correlated causes for bumblefoot: Unsuitable perches/ standing and walking platforms, nutritional deficiency, and infections. These abscesses are frequently caused by inappropriate "perching" conditions, such as plastic perches, sharp-cornered perches, the standard perches that tend to come with cages of uniform diameter, or wire floors. If unsuitable perches or platforms are the cause, a small reddened area, or sometimes a small shiny patch, can usually be seen on the foot.5 The condition has been recognized in poultry for many years and also seen in water birds and occasionally in psittacine birds mostly in budgerigars. Some forms of bumblefoot are caused by vitamin A deficiency. Budgerigar is particularly susceptible to vitamin A deficiency because seeds are typically low in vitamin A. This vitamin promotes appetite, digestion, and also increases resistance to infection.8 Bacteria, including Staphylococcus spp. have been identified in some rare cases of bumblefoot, if the wound has not been noticed and treated before it becomes acute. Typically antibiotics, such as erythromycin or penicillin, are prescribed by the vet, if the infection is serious enough. If left untreated, the infection will eventually destroy the bone and travel to other parts of the body. This is a painful condition that can potentially be life endangering. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Proteus spp. detected in caseous or serosanguinous pus extracted from the abscess.7 A vicious cycle that worsened the infection and swelling in bumble-foot has been shown in Fig. 4. Treatment and prevention of bumblefoot are dependent to progress of conditions. If the swelling is very small and there is no sign of the infection tracking, only appropriate systemic and local antibiotics (mixed with DMSO to helping the penetration of the drugs) and vitamin therapy will be needed."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4312823/

http://avianmedicine.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/16.pdf

https://www.vetexotic.theclinics.com/article/S1094-9194(13)00045-5/abstract

"Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Avian"

https://www.amazon.com/Blackwells-Five-Minute-Veterinary-Consult-Avian/dp/1118934598

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"Cephalexin (Keflex) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used mainly for deep skin infections, such as bumblefoot. It is effective against susceptible bacterial infections, mainly those that are associated with Gram-positive organisms"
See more at: http://www.poultrydvm.com/drugs/cephalexin"

Plumbs Veterinary Drug Handbook DOSE, (Cephalexin Dose) * A) 35-50mg/kg Orally Four Times a Day) B ( 40-100mg/kg every Six Hours. BIRDS

https://fishmoxfishflex.com/collect...halexin-250-mg-100-count-fish-flex-equivalent




"Antibiotics are best selected based on culture (both aerobic and anaerobic) of the wound and antibiotic sensitivity results, to ensure compatibility. The most commonly used antibiotics include cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, lincomycin, and clindamycin. If osteomyelitis is present, then enrofloxacin and chloramphenicol are often good choices."

See more at: http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/bumblefoot

Plumbs Veterinary Drug Handbook DOSE,( Enrofloxacin( Baytril) 15-20mg/kg Orally Twice a Day.

https://allbirdproducts.com/products/baytril-10#:~:text=Baytril is a very Broad,easy to administer to them.


"Clindamycin is one of the most active of the macrolide class of antibiotics. It is often used to treat serious bacterial infections involving the joints and bones. It is most effective against Gram-positive cocci and obligate anaerobes. Birds with osteomyelitis or bumblefoot wounds may be treated with clindamycin alone or in combination with other antimicrobials."

See more at: http://www.poultrydvm.com/drugs/clindamycin

Plumbs Veterinary Drug Handbook DOSE, Clindamycin) *25mg/kg Orally every eight hours* (For spore-forming enteric bacterial infections 50mg/kg every 12 hours for 5-10 days)


https://www.chewy.com/fish-aid-antibiotics-clindamycin/dp/185216



"In early stages, administering antibiotics may be all that’s needed. Several registered antibiotics are available for chickens: lincomycin and amoxicillin are two common ones"

https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/hobby-farming/raising-chickens/how-to-treat-chicken-foot-sores/

Plumbs Veterinary Drug Handbook DOSE, (Amoxicillin) (125mg/kg every 12 hours)


https://www.chewy.com/fish-aid-antibiotics-amoxicillin/dp/185207?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Fish Aid Antibiotics&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoaz3BRDnARIsAF1RfLdS02t09NfWjJztJbsX3ctGZp6ra3exVbDfh4-FDhTlJRNPbRgpdqQaAo_DEALw_wcB


"Staphylococcosis can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but an antimicrobial susceptibility test should be performed. Antibiotics used to treat Staphylococcus infections include penicillin, erythromycin, lincomycin, and spectinomycin."

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/staphylococcosis/staphylococcosis-in-poultry

https://fishmoxfishflex.com/collect...n-equivalent-fish-penicillin-250-mg-100-count

https://www.pets-megastore.com.au/spectovet-antibiotic-powder
https://glamgouldians.com/product-spectovet.php



https://hari.ca/avian-care/health-monitoring/symptoms-treatment-bumblefoot-parrots/

Bumble Foot
Bumble Foot: Causes and Treatment Options

Index of Bird Diseases
Bumblefoot occurs in all species of birds; however, this condition is rarely seen in the wild. It is mostly diagnosed in:

captive cage or aviary birds and may be the result of improper husbandry (housing / diet)
poultry (chicken, ducks, geese, pheasants); birds of prey used in falconry
Most often identified in obese, inactive and/or malnutritioned birds (with an excess or deficit of certain nutrients)

Usually the first symptom to be noticed by the caretaker is swollen joints in the feet or toes and lameness, with affected birds being unwilling to land, stand or grasp normally with one or both of their feet.
Bumblefoot appears in different stages:

• First Stage - Pink "calluses" appear. These abrasions to the lower surface of the foot feel hard and typically affect both feet. These "calluses" look like small pinkish or reddish areas or shiny patches that can show up on top as well as on the bottom of the feet.
  • They are most often caused by inappropriate perches - such as hard plastic or dowelling perches or rough, sandpaper covered perches - or by perching on the same surfaces for too long.
• Second Stage - Sores / lesions: As the affected feet have lost their protective scales, bacteria (usually staphylococcus bacteria) on unclean perches or other surfaces the birds come in contact with result in an infection. The sores become redder and more inflamed. At this point, antibiotics are most likely needed, in addition to addressing the initial problem that caused the issue.
• Third Stage - If the first and second stages aren't addressed, penetration may occur. The sores turn dark blue or black. Severe distortion of the foot and/or toes and permanent damage to the foot or feet occurs. Birds experience pain and discomfort, and they will be seen lifting up their feet to help relieve their discomfort. Birds become severely lame, and surgery (in addition to treating any underlying issues) is usually the only chance fora completely recovery.

Is it "bumble foot"?

• Also refer to: Constricted Toe Syndrome
• If only one leg is affected, the bird is more likely to have experienced an injury and/or has a localized infection. (Scroll down to infections for potential treatment options)
• If the legs appear to be dry and scaly, or the bird has crusty-looking legs, please refer to this webpage for information: Scaly Leg or Scaly Face webpage

Causes and Actions:
Depending on the diagnosis, a vet may recommend changes to a bird's diet or cage setup; prescribe hot soaks or antibiotics, and / or make dietary recommendations. In some instances, surgery may be indicated, especially in cases where severe distortion of the contours of the foot and/or the toes has occurred, as these have the potential of causing considerable damage in the foot.

• Perches / Surfaces: Unsuitable and unclean perches / standing and walking platforms - such as plastic perches, sharp-cornered perches, rough "pedicure" perches, standard perches with uniform diameter or wire floors - need to be exchanged to instead provide clean and VARIED perching surfaces.
  • Natural perches with different circumferences and textures are preferred. Birds should be encouraged to perch in different places and varying surfaces. This can be achieved by placing food and water dishes in different areas, changing the position of the different perches, etc.
  • Hard or wire flooring should be covered with newspaper, soft towels or some other material to protect the feet, facilitate a more comfortable walking on the floor and speed the healing process.
  • Any surfaces a bird touches should be carefully sanitized and kept clean.
• Infections: Where some penetration has occurred, infections are likely to occur. Bacteria, including staph, have been identified in some rare cases of bumble foot; in particular, if the wound hasn’ t been noticed and treated before it becomes acute. If the infection is serious enough, antibiotics will be needed - such as erythomycin, penicillin or pipercillin injections, etc. (as described by the vet), in addition to anti-inflammatories and antibiotics topically applied to the feet.
  
  Before applying any topical antibiotics / treatments, the lesion needs to be thoroughly cleaned. One recommendation involves soaking the affected foot in a shallow dish filled with warm water with Epsom Salt added to it. The recommended strength is about one teaspoon of Epsom Salt mixed in with one gallon of clean, warm drinking water. The Epsom Salt will draw out any toxins. Soaking the foot or feet will soften and remove any scab, which allows the lesion to drain any pus and debris. Finally, flush the cavity with hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound out and destroy any bacteria. Once the wound is clean, apply liberal amounts of an antibiotic ointment as prescribed by the vet (often CEH ointment [Calendula, Echinacea and Hypericum]); and then carefully wrap the foot or feet with gauze to keep the cavity clean and the ointment in place, and prevent the bird from chewing on it. If the "bumblefoot" is in the very severe category, a ball bandage may need to be adhered to the foot. The lesion needs to be cleaned and ointments reapplied twice a day until the feet appear healthy.
  
  If left untreated, the infection will eventually eat into the bone and travel to other parts of the body. This is a painful condition that can potentially be life threatening.
• Swelling: Some breeders report success in reducing the swelling by applying hemorrhoid cream to the affected foot. However, the underlying problems still need to be addressed.
• Nutrition:

Poor quality diets result in malnutrition and obesity. Fatty diets and diets that are high in cholesterol or protein; or diets low in calcium are all associated with bumblefoot conditions.
Vitamin A Deficiency: Some forms of bumble foot are caused by a vitamin A deficiency. Budgerigar, or other birds mostly feeding on seeds, are particularly susceptible to it. Seeds are typically low in vitamin A. This vitamin promotes appetite, digestion, and also increases resistance to infection and to some parasites. The most obvious sign of a vitamin A deficiency is a feather stain above the cere. The staining of the feathers above the nostrils reflects a discharge from the nostrils. Subtle differences may be seen as far as the color intensity of the cere and feathers is concerned - and the overall condition of the plumage. A bird deficient in this vitamin may have pale, rough-looking feathers that lack luster. The cere may look rough instead of smooth, and you may see an accumulation of a yellow dry scale on the sides of the beak.

Cause of action or preventative measures: Birds usually respond quickly to the supplementation of vitamin A. Owners reported that once the nutritional deficiency was resolved, the feather condition and overall well-being improved drastically - within several days in fact.
Vitamin A occurs naturally in dark leafy greens and orange-colored produce, such as apricots, cantaloupes, carrots, red peppers, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. To resolve Vitamin A deficiency, try adding foods like sweet potatoes (either cooked or steamed until soft), mashed up with other fruits will be both loved by your pet bird, as much as it is good for her or him. Many birds also enjoy fresh carrot juice - or try offering shredded carrots. Natural sources are preferable over synthetically produced nutrients, which may not be absorbable and could easily be overdosed).

• • Excess Protein: Stored, excess protein promotes the growth of internal bacteria which are excreted through the skin. In areas where there are feathers, those feathers will usually absorb the protein. In bare areas, such as the feet, these bacteria will present themselves as pink, red and then blue "calluses." These most often show up on the bottom of the feet; however, may also appear on the top or on the tips of the toes, above or under the bird's toenails.
    

    It is important to reduce the protein in the bird's diet to stop the progression of this condition.

  • If only one bird is suffering from itand others that are about in the same age range, share the same enclosure and have the same habits (perching, eating) - then this may be caused by:
    • compromised immune functiona metabolic disorder (problems metabolizing certain nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals or proteins - or excessive uric acid levels circulating in the system)
    • uric acid
    • an infection
• Uric Acid

Once the condition has been resolved, it is important to keep an eye on the patient(s) and these areas in particular to make sure that the problem isn' t recurring

https://www.beautyofbirds.com/bumblefoot.html


Bumblefoot (pododermatitis) is more common in heavier birds and in males. Swollen footpads and limping are common clinical signs. It often caused by injuries that allow contamination of the subcutaneous tissue in the footpad. This leads to acute necrotic inflammation, which later develops into a mass of dead tissue. Microscopically, edema, necrosis, and granulomas that may contain bacterial colonies are present in the lesions.


Staphylococcosis can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but an antimicrobial susceptibility test should be performed. Antibiotics used to treat Staphylococcus infections include penicillin, erythromycin, lincomycin, and spectinomycin. Proper management to prevent injury and immunocompromised poultry helps prevent staphylococcosis. Because wounds are the primary route by which Staphylococcus can enter the body, it is important to reduce all potential sources of injury to the bird. Wood splinters in litter, protruding wires from cages, and fighting/cannibalism have been associated with skin wounds and staphylococcosis. Because beak and toe trimming procedures in young chickens and turkeys could result in a staphylococcal septicemia, ensuring that equipment is sanitary will help to prevent outbreaks. Good litter management is important in controlling footpad injuries to prevent bumblefoot. Hatchery sanitation and good egg management practices are also important to reduce navel infections and omphalitis.

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/staphylococcosis/staphylococcosis-in-poultry

https://ucanr.edu/sites/poultry/files/230538.pdf

https://www.birdclinic.net/avian14.htm

https://franklinvets.co.nz/app/uploads/2018/03/BumblefootHandoutA4Mar18.pdf

 

[The Happster]

Very interesting

 

[416bigbore]

Great Post Isaac 0, If this information isn't already a Sticky, it should be! Now I know exactly what I need to round up and have on hand if I ever need to cross this bridge. Thank you.

 

[jaykayhuff]

@Isaac 0 You are my HERO! It’s amazing how hard it is to find actual scientific information on this condition. This is amazing and very much appreciated on my end. I’ve been dealing with the kind that doesn’t have a scab but just that tiny little dot and it was hard to find info on treatments for that situation. Started antibiotics early on though so hopefully I caught it early enough that it won’t progress too much more. Thanks again!!!

 

[Isaac 0]

Very interesting

Great Post Isaac 0, If this information isn't already a Sticky, it should be! Now I know exactly what I need to round up and have on hand if I ever need to cross this bridge. Thank you.

@Isaac 0 You are my HERO! It’s amazing how hard it is to find actual scientific information on this condition. This is amazing and very much appreciated on my end. I’ve been dealing with the kind that doesn’t have a scab but just that tiny little dot and it was hard to find info on treatments for that situation. Started antibiotics early on though so hopefully I caught it early enough that it won’t progress too much more. Thanks again!!!

More Info and Dosage's Added!

 

[3bird]

Great Stuff! Thanks for posting. I've heard some people recommend using liquid bandages (e.g., New Skin) if one needs to do surgery. Do you have thoughts on that?

 

[Isaac 0]

Great Stuff! Thanks for posting. I've heard some people recommend using liquid bandages (e.g., New Skin) if one needs to do surgery. Do you have thoughts on that?

I have some on hand, but have never used it, so I can't personally speak of its effectiveness. However, I do believe I've heard liquid bandages can prove useful in cases of Bumblefoot by a few vets.

 

[Ratchnick]

I have used liquid bandage, might be handy on bumble but it stings like crazy.

 

[Ratchnick]

I confess i only skimmed the OP as there was just so much information. I think its important to summarize the course of treatment to avoid abuse of antibiitics. Something like this

1) find the problem, (often some sort of husbandry error)
2)treat by cleaning, surgery ect

3) antibiotics as last resort

 

[Isaac 0]

I confess i only skimmed the OP as there was just so much information. I think its important to summarize the course of treatment to avoid abuse of antibiitics. Something like this

1) find the problem, (often some sort of husbandry error)
2)treat by cleaning, surgery ect

3) antibiotics as last resort

That sounds like a good plan.

I should mention by no means is this post supposed to be a strict treatment plan involving antibiotics, it was mainly meant so a could copy/paste this post if someone was looking for Bumblefoot information, as so I didn't have to spend a few hours typing, or copy/pasting links.

Antibiotics should be withheld for only the serious cases.