Bumblefoot versus something like a neuroma??

[Country4ever]

I asked about this in another post that no one answered, so I'll try again.

I have an 8 year old black Australorp that has had a wheeze, fast respiratory rate and one swollen leg for awhile. I've recently become aware of Bumblefoot, and after checking out everyone's feet, noticed that not only does she have a swollen lower leg, but she has a one knot between her toes. Its very hard. Does Bumblefoot ever occur there, and not on the bottom of the feet? I would hate to excise it, only to find out its something like a neuroma........which could really mess up her foot/walking. I think I'll just watch it. I am giving her some antibiotics. She doesn't limp. Maybe these things just happen in old age?
She seems normal in every other way.

 

[aggie9296]

Just a guess, but old age may be the most likely. 8 is pretty elderly for chicken.

 

[RhodeIslandRedFan]

Country4ever - I'm sorry you received no responses to your earlier posts. My experience has been with bumblefoot on the bottom of my hen's foot, but I have read posts on here about it also occurring on the top of the foot and between the toes. If you search for bumblefoot on this site you may find information about bumblefoot on different parts of the foot. If you post pictures of the top and bottom your hen's foot, I'm sure it will help folks on here figure out what is going on. Unfortunately I cannot comment on your hens other symptoms - my experience with chickens is limited. Good luck to you both.

 

[blefky]

Do you see any indication of a break in the skin around the knot? A neuroma is internal - a "nerve tumor" so to speak, whereas bumblefoot is the result of injury to the foot and subsequent infection. In cases of bumblefoot there should be a visible scab, or some sign of the injury. The classic bumblefoot appearance is that of the dark round scab, or plug, on the bottom of an often inflamed and/or swollen foot, but if your hen caught the area between her toes on something and injured herself, that type of infection might still result. Maybe soak her foot well, and then look for signs of an injury. Bumblefoot is an infection that, left untreated, could cause swelling in her leg as the infection progresses. There are many BYC threads that discuss bumblefoot and its treatment. Also, posting pictures may draw more responses and make it easier for others to help. Good luck.

 

[Country4ever]

Thanks everyone,
This morning after I gave her the antibiotic, I got a better look at her foot. Interestingly.......I found a big scab inbetween her toes! At first I thought it was just dirt, but realized that it was well attached to her. So.....I'm thinking that scab is the dead-giveaway for bumblefoot....??
I'm sure some of them can get over this themselves without help......but considering her lower leg is swollen and she wheezes and breathes fast, (for a long time now) I'm thinking its still active. Maybe her respiratory symptoms for a long time have been her body continuously trying to beat this infection.
So.....I guess I'll soak her feet in epsom salts and then try to pull the scab off and then see if I can express the knot that's in there. Is the knot free in there, or does it have attachments of some kind? I guess I should have a scalpel ready.
I don't see how I will be able to keep a bandage on that. I'm sure she'll peck it off, but I'll put her in a fairly clean cage with new bedding and put antibiotic ointment on it every day. Hopefully I won't have to keep her separated from the others very long. They aren't very nice to the ones that have been separated.
Thanks!