bumblefoot

[farmert]

Old hen (9 1/2 yrs old) has bumblefoot. Took her to Vet who did not think surgery was necessary. Also didn't want to start her on an antibiotic, which in retrospect, I think was not the right call. Gave me pain meds once a day for her. She limbs and one foot is more swollen than the other.

In addition to Epsom salts soaks, what else can I do? It's just me with my two hands.

Thanks.

 

[JustBabyMargo]

Pictures?

 

[Chookchicken]

If it is only the very early stages Epsom salt baths should do. Can you provide photos?

 

[ChickensRsmart]

Old hen (9 1/2 yrs old) has bumblefoot. Took her to Vet who did not think surgery was necessary. Also didn't want to start her on an antibiotic, which in retrospect, I think was not the right call. Gave me pain meds once a day for her. She limbs and one foot is more swollen than the other.

In addition to Epsom salts soaks, what else can I do? It's just me with my two hands.

Thanks.

I currently have a bumblefoot chicken too. I haven't been able to find a vet to just remove the infected tissue. They want to rack up the costs (which I can't afford since I spent everything I've got just about on my cat and dog already). I don't even think it's safe to sedate a chicken - in order to remove the bumblefoot infection.

Anyway if your vet examined your chicken then it is probably not a serious case of bumblefoot - if no surgery is needed.

What did your vet prescribe for pain? The only vet that did look at my chicken didn't prescribe anything for pain - and I think she could use something...

 

[farmert]

Vet gave me Meloxicam for four days. I thought that perhaps folks here might have additional therapies to try. It is a bit difficult to catch her even though she does limp. So no photos.

 

[ChickensRsmart]

Vet gave me Meloxicam for four days. I thought that perhaps folks here might have additional therapies to try. It is a bit difficult to catch her even though she does limp. So no photos.

Thanks.

I asked the vet that looked at my chicken if foot soaking in epsom salt baths does any good, and he said no. However, I have been giving my hen a foot soaking every night and it does appear to help (imo). Perhaps the warm water improves blood flow in the feet? I don't know, but I am going to keep doing it - she enjoys it...she will stand in the warm water without me holding her to keep her feet in the water.

 

[farmert]

I read several articles about soaking their feet in epsom salts. What it does is help soften the scab. The vet I saw confirmed this therapy so I will continue to use it. Once the old girl is in the tub, she relaxes. If nothing else, that's a good thing.

 

[ChickensRsmart]

I read several articles about soaking their feet in epsom salts. What it does is help soften the scab. The vet I saw confirmed this therapy so I will continue to use it. Once the old girl is in the tub, she relaxes. If nothing else, that's a good thing.

Agreed. My girl loves the soaks too. A bit of relief for an aching foot. Plus it will sterilize that outside of the feet...maybe improve blood flow and thus help indirectly to fight the infection.
I'd like to think that once the scab is removed that the salt bath will also help draw out the infection...but the cavity that remains once the scab is removed (and the kernel) closes up too fast.
I've gotten very good at wrapping her foot. I don't want to lose her...I know she's just a chicken, but I've lost too many pets over the last few years - I never let them go without a fight...she has her own unique personality (even chickens are unique)...I am sick and tired of having to lose them (my beloved pets).