Bumblefoot?

shortishdial

In the Brooder
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Hello,

I noticed my hen was walking on a limp on Friday, and after soaking her feet in warm water with epsom salt I noticed scabs on both of her feet, which I think is bumblefoot. I went ahead and used chlorohexidine solution, applied prid salve, gauze, and wrapped it. Today will be the third day that I follow those steps. Can I get advice if it is actual bumblefoot, if I need to move on to using tweezers to remove the scabs, or if the plug will come out on its own or with gentle pressure? I am also concerned about the limp I read that limping usually happens when it is severe and has spread to the bone, but based on how it looks could it be the placement that is causing the limp? Below are pictures of what it looked like on Friday. I can try to get updated pictures of what it looks like today once I am out of work. Thank you in advance.

Left foot:
1774198939126.png

Right Foot:
1774199030277.png
 
Last edited:
Hello,

I noticed my hen was walking on a limp on Friday, and after soaking her feet in warm water with epsom salt I noticed scabs on both of her feet, which I think is bumblefoot. I went ahead and used chlorohexidine solution, applied prid salve, gauze, and wrapped it. Today will be the third day that I follow those steps. Can I get advice if it is actual bumblefoot, if I need to move on to using tweezers to remove the scabs, or if the plug will come out on its own or with gentle pressure? I am also concerned about the limp I read that limping usually happens when it is severe and has spread to the bone, but based on how it looks could it be the placement that is causing the limp? Below are pictures of what it looked like on Friday. I can try to get updated pictures of what it looks like today once I am out of work. Thank you in advance.

Left foot:
View attachment 4315155
Right Foot:
View attachment 4315156
Here is the updated photos of what her feet look like today 3/22
Left foot:
1774221581922.png

Right Foot:
1774221618241.png
 
This definitely looks like bumblefoot. There are several ways you can treat it. Personally, I'm all for starting out with gentle methods to remove it, as to not cause my bird any unnecessary pain. What I would do to start with is soak the feet in warm epsom salts, like you are doing, but maybe extend the soak time to soften the bumble up. Then see if it comes out with gentle pressure. If this does not work, then move onto the next method you are most comfortable doing.

Whatever method you use, you want to make sure the kernel comes out, as that is the root of the infection. Once you are certain it is completely cleared out, there are several options for handling the "hole" left behind. You can pack it with original neosporin (non pain relief only), Prid, or even manuka honey. And then wrap up her feet with thin strips of vet wrap/ self sticking bandages to protect them and allow them to heal. Not too tight though, as you don't to accidentally cut off circulation to her feet and/or toes. Best of luck to you!
 

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