Bumblefoot not clearing up! HELP in SE Michigan!

[courtney19]

I'm about 2 weeks into treating a hen with bumblefoot.

I took her to a vet because I couldn't handle doing the initial surgery myself, and he removed the plugs, and gave me medicine to clean out the holes with along with an antibiotic. Things seemed to be getting better, but then I took her in for a checkup, and he cut away the scabs that were healing to keep the holes open so that we could keep treating inside the wound. The next day, I noticed her one foot was super swollen... and I took her back. He gave her an anti-inflammatory injection and a foot soak to take down the swelling, and told me to stop wrapping her feet while on the foot soak.

Now things are worse than ever. Her one foot is so red and swollen and she doesn't seem to want to walk as much. What do I do next ?!!
The doctor reccommends that I take her to MSU, because he said that he has done everything he knows how to do.

I am so sick about this. I am doing everything that I can to make her better, and it just seems worse!

Does anyone have any advice, or happen to know somewhere else in SE Michigan that I can take her! Please help!

 

[dawg53]

I think the vets mistake was reopening the wound after it scabbed over when it was healing just fine. Possibly when he did that, it couldve allowed bacteria to get back in there somehow, and 'reinfect' the wound. I'm no expert as far as giving injections of antibiotics to chickens, but I'm sure an infection has set in, a bad infection at that. I'd keep soaking in warm epsom salts water to help draw out the infection. In the meantime maybe someone here that knows what kind of antibiotic injection would be best for your hen could offer you some advice. Edited...put betadine on a gauze and pack the hole(s) with neosporin (without pain reliever) then put the gauze over the neosporin and wrap it up. Do this once a day after soaking w/ warm epsom salts water.

 

[teach1rusl]

I agree with the daily soaks in epsom salts. Then I'd apply a little neosporin. I DID wrap my girls' feet when treating two of mine. I padded around the opening and swelling w/a bit of guaze to relieve pressure, and then used that thin, clingy self-stick vet tape (don't know what it's called, but it's tan and they sell it at Kroger). It was easy to wrap up around the toes, and it stayed on well. I just gave my girls amoxicillin (broke open caplets and mix w/spoon of yogurt...you can use whatever you know yours like)...250 mg. Got them from an online pet supply store, pretty cheap.
Sorry your girl is doing poorly

 

[courtney19]

Thank you for your advice. I will try soaking in the warm epsom salts and start wrapping her foot again. She is on an antibiotic already.

I just don't want this infection to do permanent damage, or worse. I love my little Nutmeg so much.

 

[willkatdawson]

Advice from an avian vet:

Read this thread and it might help. I've never tried this as I didn't have any chickens with bumblefoot but it sounded like such a good thing to know I saved it to pass on. Hope it helps.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=303829

this is an online store where you can buy the meds, but I bet you could find it at the pet store or local pond store.

http://www.pondrx.com/home.php

https://www.pondrx.com/products/16165.html

This online store has it for $20.00 and free shipping

http://www.koiacres.com/Koi-Acres-Products/tricide-neo.html

 

[dawg53]

Yes. I remember the thread about Tricide Neo, I posted my observations there as well after using it. Basically I stated that it works great if there are small infections, as it tends to clear bumblefoot up in about a weeks time. However, if it's a big infection, be prepared for a longer time for the bumblefoot to clear up, sometimes a months time(or longer) for some of the other posters using it. I quit using it for that reason, too much time to heal a severe infection with daily soaks. That's why I decided to do the surgeries, to get it done and over with and quickly start the healing process. Tricide Neo works, if you have the time. I think in courtney19's case, antibiotics are the way to go, but what sounds like a deep infection, tricide neo would be an excellent treatment if she had the time to do daily soaks for the long haul.

 

[9 Feathers Farm]

If you are looking to get in contact with someone from MSU you can call Dr. Darrin Karcher (517) 355-8402. Dr. Karcher is in charge of the extension programs for MSU. He is always happy to help and encorages people to call him with any questions. I have taken a couple of extension classes he teaches for the community, he is very nice, very knowledgable and if he can not help you he will give you all of the contact info for the vet speicialist of the extension program (I can't think of his name right now). My husband has contacted them with a few questions in the past and they were more than happy to help

 

[courtney19]

I just really need to vent right now...

It has been well over a month now, and my poor Nutmeg's bumblefoot problem is still pretty bad. I have spent sooo much money taking her to the vet almost every week, and he has tried so many different things... but her foot is still so swollen. I feel so bad for her. I love her so much... she is so sweet and I have to fix this for her. I just don't even know what to do anymore. I feel like I'm the only one who really cares.

The vet pretty much said that he has done everything he knows to do, and to look for a second opinion. I have tried calling some people at Michigan State University, and can't seem to get anyone to respond. I live in the suburbs, and I have no idea where there is an actual poultry vet, or someone who might know better than my avian vet. So, I am lost.
I told my vet that I think there is still some stuff that needs to come out of her foot.... but he doesn't seem to want to go back in.

I feel so sick. I don't know if I have ever felt so nervous and stressed and upset for such a long period of time.
I am so busy at work, but I get there late every day because I am trying to clean her foot and give her antibiotics, plus continue to take care of the other hens... and things are only getting busier.
I am getting married in a few weeks, and still have so many details to wrap up.... and I feel like this should be one of the happiest times of my life.... but all I can do is cry... cause it just seems like the stress will never end.
Then, I'm supposed to go on my honeymoon in a month, but i'm worried that Nutmeg's foot will still be like this, and I will have no one to care for her. So part of me doesn't even want to go!

I am so sorry to come here and complain,... I just feel like I can't breathe. And this is never going to end...
I just want her to get better. But there's nothing I can do about it......

 

[RhodeIslandRedFan]

I'm sorry you are so discouraged. Have you tried calling Dr Darrin Karcher (suggested by 9 Feathers Farm on 9/7)? If he can't help you perhaps he can refer you to someone who can. Also, there is a thread on this site (see link below) that lists vets from each state - there is one listed from MI - again, if this vet can't help perhaps they can refer you somewhere else. I also spent weeks searching for a vet to treat my chicken, so I feel your frustration. I finally found one by posting on my state's thread and asking for help in locating one. Good luck to you and your flock

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=200108

Also, you might try calling your State Department of Agriculture - they should know of vets who treat chickens.

Department of Agriculture
611 W Ottawa St # 4, Lansing, MI 48933-1070 (517) 373-1077

 

[dawg53]

It's a possibility that the infection has deepened to the bone, from there it'll eventually spread throughout her system and there isnt enough antibiotics in the world to stop it. You might want to start considering what might be best for Nutmeg..... I'm so sorry and I wish you the best.