bumblefoot on toes. . . how the heck can you wrap that?

[katlantis]

in doing a regular lice/mice check and ash bath, i noticed that one of my girls with feathered feet was looking pretty bumblefoot-ish; a black plug on the bottom of her left foot that came out without a slight tug just using my fingers, and several bumps and small black scabs on a few toes (on both feet, but right toes are worse). i started her on penicillin-G because i noticed that the right leg was red and warm. today i started soaks with epsom salt and betadine, pulled out (didn't need to cut to get several) a few small plugs from toes on both feet, and dressed the left with neosporin and gauze and wrap. i am certain that there is more infection in her feet, but i worked on her for over an hour and we were both tired of the ordeal, and, i didn't have the proper tools for an out and out surgery.

but, other than fill the small holes in her toes with neosporin, what else can be done about the protecting the open wounds in her toes since a wrap really only covers the main part of the foot?

also, post-procedure this morning, she is limping terribly trying to avoid weight-bearing on the right foot (the one with toe-only involvement), is stumbling around (as both feet probably hurt!); i feel terrible that she hurts on account of me, i am afraid that she will injure herself limping and stumbling, and, she keeps bending down and messing with the wrap on the left, though i am quite certain that it isn't too tight. . .

i will be ordering tricide-neo shortly if my local pond supply store doesn't stock it, but in the meantime, can someone provide
ADVICE on:


-what to do about toes to keep them from getting more infected since i don't know how they can be covered

-what i might be able to give her for pain

-what to do to have her less annoyed by the wrap


please, and thank you.

 

[DanasChicks]

Hi katlantis,

Before doing anything with the feet, it's helpful to cut thin strips of the wrapping material down to size to use for wrapping, whether it's gauze strips or tape or a bandage, what have you. The thinner the strip better for wrapping toes. You will most likely need to wrap the foot regardless if the foot needs covering in order to wrap the toes in a manner to allow the hen to walk properly. Once the foot is cleaned out and filled with ointment, place some gauze or a small piece of cotton directly on the ointment, then cover with the pre cut pieces of self sticking stretchy wrap. (I don't know the name of the product, but it come in all colors and is used to wrap horses feet. It is stretchy material that sticks to itself) or strips of a bandage, or any kind of tape, such as duck tape to endure dampness. Make sure to do all the initial taping loosely, and cover that with a few layers to ensure it sticks. (that ointment can make everything slippery) If all else fails, just use the ointment and forget wrapping it. You may have to bring her in everyday to wash off any dirt and debris, place fresh ointment, and send her back outside. Eventually she should heal up.

I have wrapped a young chick of about 6 weeks old, so I know it can be done. I used bright pink wrap and only changed the bandage every three days until healed. The chick healed up completely, but a few weeks later was picked up and carried off by a chicken hawk right in front of my eggs. It happened so fast I wasn't sure what I was seeing. So sad.. all that work for nothing and it is always a favorite.

I hope you have great success. I know how awful it feels when trying to help a chicken and watch them as they recover. Just remember you are doing everything you can. In addition, while this is going on, you may wish to figure out what is causing the bumble foot in the first place. Ours was from walking on freshly cut wood chips. We removed the dry and sharp pieces and made sure they have a ladder to get in and out of the coop instead of jumping down. We have not had any other problems.

I hope that helps. Take care.

 

[katlantis]

thank you.

i think i did ok bandaging, but the areas on her toes just don't seem to be coverable. . .

extra soaks, i guess?

and, i'm not sure, but, she is a feather-footed chicken and i trimmed her feathers to be able to see better what i was dealing with. now, when i bandage, i'm not sure that the stubby quills don't hurt more with a bandage maybe tugging on them.

it seems like either way, i can't win; if i don't bandage her the wounds are more exposed to possible (re)infection, but the bandages seem to make her limp more.


i did order tricide neo--it will arrive tomorrow and i am hoping it's the miracle that people seem to suggest here!