Bumblefoot?

[shortishdial]

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:

Right Foot:

 

[shortishdial]

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:

Right Foot:

 

[Genevieve Automaton]

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!

 

[shortishdial]

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!

Hello!

I was able to remove the scab on the right foot today, but no kernel came out. I did squeeze it gently to see if anything would come out but nothing did. It looked like the "hole" stage. Should I continue with the soaks, prid, and wrapping until a kernel comes out? Is it possible that a Kernel would never come out? Attached are images of the scab that came out and her foot. Thank you again!

 

[Genevieve Automaton]

Her foot looks really good! That's some nice pink-ish colored skin there! I would apply plain triple antibiotic ointment (no pain relief), wrap her feet, and monitor how they are healing up.
Continue the current treatment of her left foot until the scab comes off and the kernel (if there is one) comes out. Then treat with plain triple antibiotic ointment, wrap, and monitor.

I did a little digging around on the forums and found some instances of bumblefoot not presenting with an actual kernel. This may have been what happened with your hen.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/bumblefoot-removal-no-kernel-help.1671447/

Please keep us updated on her progress!