Bumblefoot Update

[hamilton00]

A few days ago, I did minor surgery on my Amerucauna’s feet to try and get the infection out. I managed to get the scab off, and using tweezers, I dug around for the “kernel” of the infection, but could not find it. I also tried squeezing it out, as shown on some videos, but still didn’t find any. I’m starting to doubt that my hen actually has it. Any advice?

 

[lbgreenfield]

Hi. I had this happen to one of my hens. I did bumblefoot surgery twice, and both times I couldn’t find a kernel or lump of infection (I ended up treating with Tricide Neo powder).

Posting before and after photos of surgery will help to see what is going on.

 

[hamilton00]

Before surgery:

After surgery:

Hope these help.
I will probably treat her with the Tricide Neo powder if I still can’t find anything.

 

[lbgreenfield]

After you completed the surgery, did you treat the open cut with Vetricyn/Betadine, cover with Neosporin, and wrap with non-stick gauze and VetWrap to protect the open wound from the ground? It looks like the wound scabbed over and possibly became infected again if her foot was not bandaged.

 

[Chicalina]

In my experience, it is really difficult digging around inside a chicken's foot, especially if you are afraid of damaging it, or hurting them, or doing something wrong. I think, like I was the first time, a lot of people are too tentative. Dig a little and give up, thinking its not in there, or I can't find it, or I'm going to mess this up and they'll never walk again!

Confidence and perseverance are needed. The first time I had to do bumblefoot surgery, I had to do it 3 times over a few weeks because I didn't get it out properly on the first or second attempts (thought I had but didn't dig far enough). Third time lucky! But it wasn't luck, it was me getting over my nervousness and being resolved to not put the hen through that again. I felt awful and inept, but finally cracked it and it was SO satisfying an achievement!

 

[hamilton00]

In my experience, it is really difficult digging around inside a chicken's foot, especially if you are afraid of damaging it, or hurting them, or doing something wrong. I think, like I was the first time, a lot of people are too tentative. Dig a little and give up, thinking its not in there, or I can't find it, or I'm going to mess this up and they'll never walk again!

Confidence and perseverance are needed. The first time I had to do bumblefoot surgery, I had to do it 3 times over a few weeks because I didn't get it out properly on the first or second attempts (thought I had but didn't dig far enough). Third time lucky! But it wasn't luck, it was me getting over my nervousness and being resolved to not put the hen through that again. I felt awful and inept, but finally cracked it and it was SO satisfying an achievement!

Thanks for the feedback! From my experience, it is difficult digging around inside a chicken’s foot, it’s so nerve-wracking and it is scary to operate when you don’t want to hurt them. (Even though removing the Bumblefoot will probably leave them in less pain). I will definitely try to work up the courage to dig deep and look for the kernel!

 

[hamilton00]

After you completed the surgery, did you treat the open cut with Vetricyn/Betadine, cover with Neosporin, and wrap with non-stick gauze and VetWrap to protect the open wound from the ground? It looks like the wound scabbed over and possibly became infected again if her foot was not bandaged.

After I completed the surgery, I applied some Green Goo and wrapped it in gauze and then wrapped it in a bandage very similar to Vetwrap.

 

[lbgreenfield]

After I completed the surgery, I applied some Green Goo and wrapped it in gauze and then wrapped it in a bandage very similar to Vetwrap.
View attachment 2326670

Ah ok. I’d recommend getting some Neosporin (without the pain killer). In my experiences, natural remedies don’t work at killing or keeping infection low. Just my experience though!

 

[hamilton00]

Ah ok. I’d recommend getting some Neosporin (without the pain killer). In my experiences, natural remedies don’t work at killing or keeping infection low. Just my experience though!

Got it, thanks!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I'd look into oral antibiotics if you can. I personally go to a vet so I can't recommend anything OTC, but seriously bumblefoot is no joke and won't go away on it's own. I promise. Been there. Done that. Still doing it. I hope you have better luck than I do!