Bumblefoot or just a scab?

kelsigall

In the Brooder
May 5, 2016
12
0
22
One of my chickens had a seemingly classic bumblefoot scab on her foot however no limping or swelling. We prepared for surgery. Cut off the scab expecting a kernel or pus but nothing! it was just pinkish healthy looking fat/tissue. We poked and prodded but nothing came out. Sprayed vetericyn on it and wrapped her up. Has anyone else come across this? Was it just a scab all along? Hopefully attaching a picture of the scab, didnt get one during surgery unfortunately.
 
Yes sometimes there's just nothing under there. If the area is hot or redness with swelling it needs prompt attention. Otherwise I would suggest to disinfect the area under the scab that was removed, apply polysporin to a piece of gauze placed over the hole and secure with vetwrap. Change the bandage in 3 days and after a few repeats she should be good!
I am of the school that believes bumblefoot can be treated without surgery. Softening up the foot pad with a wrap for at least a week will allow you to manipulate the access manually, pullout the scab and often drain the abscess. Keeping the area completely clean with gauze, polysporin and vetwrap is key
 
Last edited:
This has happened to me, a few months ago and just today-- especially with my Wyndotte. I think that her nails get too long and poke into her foot, causing an area for a bumblefoot type scab to form. But when I soak her feet and peel off the scab, there is NOTHING inside the wound that I've now made. I feel terrible! I just have to put antibiotic in the wound, pad it with gauze and wrap with self-cling bandage.

I think that if there is no swelling, I would suggest epsom salt bath and cleaning it with spray regularly, maybe every other day or so until you start to see some serious improvement. That's what I plan to do in the future. Today, my hen was limping and so I assumed now was the time to take action, but I regret it.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom