Bumbleoot

[nonil]

Help please with bumble-foot surgery. I did receive a link some years ago - lost it. Thanks - Warmly Noni - from 'down under'.

 

[azygous]

Here's what you will need:

Tub of water and Epsom salts to soak the feet.
A sharp cutting tool such as a pen knife or Exacto knife or a scalpel.
Vet wrap elastic bandage cut into sixteen inch by one inch strips.
Non-stick pads.
Triple antibiotic ointment.
Vetericyn wound spray.

Soak the feet for at least 20 minutes in very warm water and Epsom salt.
Remove and dry feet.
Wrap the chicken tightly in an ACE bandage or a towel to immobilize the wings.
With your fingernail, scrape the black scab around the edges to loosen. You may be able to lift the scab off without cutting, bringing the kernel of pus with it.

Clean out any other pus until only healthy tissue remains. Use the knife if you have to to scrape out the wound well.

Spray with Vetericyn and let dry. Then put on the ointment and cover with the non-stick pad. Then bandage with the stretch bandage, going securely in between all the toes, but not too tight as to cut off circulation. You want to prevent any dirt from entering. If you do it well, the patient may return to the flock.

Check the wound and soak again after two days. Follow all the steps above again.

Simple bumblefoot can heal in as little as one week. Stubborn cases can require months of soaks and wound care. I have a bumblefoot patient who is only just now finally healing from a very serious case that began two years ago. So be prepared for the long haul if need be.