Bumblefoot

[creband]

We are chicken newbies. One of our girls has bumblefoot. I followed instructions, soaked the foot, removed the scab, cleaned it, used antibiotic ointment and today when we changed the dressing, it looks like she has a red line starting up her leg. Maybe I didn't get everything out, I don't know. The bump on top of her foot has gone down but has not resolved completely. I am pretty worried about her and wondering if soaking it several times a day in epsom salts will help or if she needs oral/inject-able antibiotics. We don't want to lose our girl. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lbgreenfield]

Sorry this is happening! I’ve dealt with bumblefoot a few times now with my flock.

Red lines going up the leg indicates an infection to me, she is most likely going to need antibiotics. Epsom salt soaks will help with foot recovery but not infection.

I’m not sure exactly what types of antibiotics she will need but let’s see if a few others might be able to help:
@Eggcessive
@Wyorp Rock
@azygous

I’d also recommend sanding all roost down so that they are smooth and inspecting the run for sharp things that could be cutting the bottom of their feet.

 

[azygous]

Can you post a photo of the red line going up her leg? Have you compared it to the other leg to see if perhaps a red line is on the unaffected leg also in a corresponding location to the first leg? Some chickens have red lines going up the backs or sides of their legs when their hormones are surging.

Chickens can get bumblefoot from bruising, also. If a chicken is a heavy breed and the roost is too high and there isn't enough bedding to cushion their dismount, bruising of the foot pads can occur, and this eventually develops into bumblefoot.

When bumblefoot gets so bad that infection sets in, the infection usually goes into the leg and foot bones, not the outer skin. I suspect this red line you're worried about is merely the coloration that hormones cause.

 

[creband]

Can you post a photo of the red line going up her leg? Have you compared it to the other leg to see if perhaps a red line is on the unaffected leg also in a corresponding location to the first leg? Some chickens have red lines going up the backs or sides of their legs when their hormones are surging.

Chickens can get bumblefoot from bruising, also. If a chicken is a heavy breed and the roost is too high and there isn't enough bedding to cushion their dismount, bruising of the foot pads can occur, and this eventually develops into bumblefoot.

When bumblefoot gets so bad that infection sets in, the infection usually goes into the leg and foot bones, not the outer skin. I suspect this red line you're worried about is merely the coloration that hormones cause.

She is a Buff Orpington. I checked her leg this morning and does not look pink now. The other leg never did look pink. I talked to our vet. He has treated parrots with bumblefoot. He says daily chlorhexadrine soaks may help. He also stated that he didn't think it was a skin infection going up her leg. I'm going to keep soaking and dressing changes and pray for the best.