Charlie AGAIN! Swollen "foot"--what is it?

[Terri O]

OK, so Charlie my house chicken had a pale comb last week and I treated him for mites/lice, changed his diet to gamebird feed, gave him some grit and he has been resting on a towel with a heating pad under it. Today I picked him up to see if the lice were gone. His stump is severely swollen (he has no feet or lower legs) and warm. This is what I did: I tried a 20 g needle to drawout what was there-nothing. I tried a 16g needle-still nothing. I opened up the squooshy blob with a scalpel--there was no liquid, just grayish stuff with bubbles in it. I pressed and manipulated it around and the bubbles popped. I washed the cut with soap and water and put topical gel on it.
Anything else I should do? It didnt smell at all. what was it? He is ust sleeping now like he has been all day. Any ideas? Terri O

 

[farmin'chick]

I don't know about with birds, but with people that lose a limb, they can get edema, which just means fluid accumulating in the tissue. That sounds like what you're describing. You can try getting him to elevate it -- I know, that's a "Yeah, right!" or you can figure out some kind of a stretchy sock -- they use what's called a circulation stocking on people. Sorry, that's the best I can do!

 

[Terri O]

I wonder if the extra heat is what made it swell? It wasnt turgid like edema...and I guess I never saw what that would look like if you cut a person's edema open...THose bubbles really surprised me! I thought there would be blood or pus or something else really gross in there. I guess I will just watch it...maybe I can get some diuretic for him! LOL--Terri O

 

[Country4ever]

Hmmmmm..........the bubbles make me wonder about gas gangrene??

 

[Terri O]

Quote:
Do you think that would stink though? I have not heard of that....oh great, something else to worry about! Can someone enlighten me please? Thanks! Terri O and Charlie the House Chicken who has a hen friend in here now too!

 

[Terri O]

The only stuff I found about gas gangrene was for people and it said that penicillin could be used. Do you think I should give him some? A shot or orally what should I do? It seems very painful for him today and it is pretty warm. Should I open it again? Help! Terri O

 

[Chickenaddict]

I would definately give him the pen shot, poor charlie

 

[Terri O]

I gave him .2cc of pennG that I have for my livestock. He is not any different yet--only a few hours later--is that enough or should I give more? Thanks! Terri O in WI

 

[Terri O]

This mrning Charlie is definitely worse! The end f his stump is hot and swollen. SHould I continue with the PennG r do you think something else would be better? Please help! Terri O in WI

 

[Country4ever]

I wish I could help you more Terri. DH is an M.D. and he said you need a broad spectrum antibiotic. Penicillin isn't broad. Can you get something soon that's broad spectrum? Would a tractor supply store have something? Sounds like she could be getting septic. I'm so sorry.