Bumblefoot surgery but no kernel/core?

[Inkisevidence]

Hi everyone! I have done one bumble foot surgery before on this chicken and on this same foot. She is a sedentary, overweight four-year-old that came to us with bumble foot. We did the first removal last year, and we were able to pry the scab and core out after soaking and a little bit of effort. last night, we thought we would embark on the same easy endeavor, but when we removed the scab, there was only soft tissue underneath. No kernel or core to be seen. I have read a lot of forums and other people have the same question but I can’t really find an answer. Should we cut open the soft tissue under that scab? Is there always a kernel? Her bumble foot was progressing from mild into moderate. The scab was not black or extreme. I will take a photo of her foot tonight, but here is a picture of the scab front and back.

 

[Inkisevidence]

Hi everyone! I have done one bumble foot surgery before on this chicken and on this same foot. She is a sedentary, overweight four-year-old that came to us with bumble foot. We did the first removal last year, and we were able to pry the scab and core out after soaking and a little bit of effort. last night, we thought we would embark on the same easy endeavor, but when we removed the scab, there was only soft tissue underneath. No kernel or core to be seen. I have read a lot of forums and other people have the same question but I can’t really find an answer. Should we cut open the soft tissue under that scab? Is there always a kernel? Her bumble foot was progressing from mild into moderate. The scab was not black or extreme. I will take a photo of her foot tonight, but here is a picture of the scab front and back.

After 24 hours we took off the bandage and could see white tissue. Her foot is also just so large we thought there had to be a kernel. We decided to cut it open and squeeze. Nothing. No pus. No kernel. Tons of blood. I feel so bad now. There was a little bit of white tissue we tried to pull at with tweezers unsuccessfully. I’m at a total loss and we really hurt her. First 2 pics are after bandage removal 24 hours post scab removal. Other photos are after we sliced into it.

 

[Eggcessive]

There may not always be a kernel inside the scab, especially if it has not progressed that far. Since you opened and squeezed it a second time, I would just concentrate on getting it to heal with dressing changes. I don’t operate on every bumblefoot scab, but only if there is limping, or the foot appears to be abscessed and very swollen.

 

[Inkisevidence]

There may not always be a kernel inside the scab, especially if it has not progressed that far. Since you opened and squeezed it a second time, I would just concentrate on getting it to heal with dressing changes. I don’t operate on every bumblefoot scab, but only if there is limping, or the foot appears to be abscessed and very swollen.

Thank you for responding and giving me peace of mind. She limps very badly and it is swollen, but I didn’t see anything there during the second surgery and will now focus on getting her healed up! I felt like a failure not finding a kernel and giving her certain relief.

 

[Eggcessive]

Don’t feel like a failure. You were brave enough to try to help her. Having chickens is a learning experience. We all try to do what’s best for our chickens without causing harm. It helps me to do a lot of reading about any issue, and try to find accurate information from college poultry or professional literature.

 

[Inkisevidence]

Don’t feel like a failure. You were brave enough to try to help her. Having chickens is a learning experience. We all try to do what’s best for our chickens without causing harm. It helps me to do a lot of reading about any issue, and try to find accurate information from college poultry or professional literature.

Thank you. Took the bandage off and cleaned her up tonight. Looks okay and hopefully healing soon.

 

[PopoMyers]

There may not always be a kernel inside the scab, especially if it has not progressed that far. Since you opened and squeezed it a second time, I would just concentrate on getting it to heal with dressing changes. I don’t operate on every bumblefoot scab, but only if there is limping, or the foot appears to be abscessed and very swollen.

You helped answer a question for me. My girl has a scab/swelling on the top of her foot. No limping, I had tried to treat/remove it. No pus, and bleeds. It came back, has a gnarly scab, but doesn't seem to bother her. I'll leave it be for now. Unless you think I should try again.

 

[13hensandaroo]

How is you chicken now. Did it resolve? Hope she's well

 

[PopoMyers]

Well, I did surgery again, actually used a blade to slice it open, and a found the kernel was actually deep inside. Got it out after a good while. She healed up better than ever. Sadly, a raccoon killed her and her sister one night a few weeks ago. Electric fence soon to come.

 

[13hensandaroo]

So sorry for your loss.
We have a Premier solar electric fence and love it. No predators. Definitely worth it and you can easily move it around.
I'm still dealing with bumble foot. Did surgery yesterday. Lots of blood but no kernel. In thinking I didn't go deep enough. I wish it would just come out the top bulging part and I didn't have to cut her pad. Mine looks very similar to yours.