chicken with swollen foot and limping

[ChickenyChickeny]

Try squeezing it, if there is pus causing that bulge-type-thingy, squeezing it might get it out.

 

[nessa.morg]

I Really think it would be a good Idea to take her especially since you have no idea on what it is

 

[AHoags]

Did you ever figure out what the problem was? I'm wondering because my RIR is having a similar issue. I just noticed it today, but her foot is swollen and warm (which I'm guessing might mean infection). I don't seen anything on her foot except for a tiny dark mark, which she also has on her other foot. I'm somewhat new to chicken-raising (2 years) and this is the first issue I've had. We don't have a local bird vet, so I'm unsure what to do. I appreciate any insight.

 

[Eggcessive]

Did you ever figure out what the problem was? I'm wondering because my RIR is having a similar issue. I just noticed it today, but her foot is swollen and warm (which I'm guessing might mean infection). I don't seen anything on her foot except for a tiny dark mark, which she also has on her other foot. I'm somewhat new to chicken-raising (2 years) and this is the first issue I've had. We don't have a local bird vet, so I'm unsure what to do. I appreciate any insight.

That looks like bumblefoot. Try soaking in Epsom salts and warm water. It may require surgery to get the yellow cheesy plug out. When there is swelling on top between the toes, that may also need squeezing out. Here are 2 good articles by the same person to read with videos:
https://www.hobbyfarms.com/how-to-treat-bumblefoot-in-chickens-3/
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/bumblefoot-causes-treatment-warning/

 

[AHoags]

That looks like bumblefoot. Try soaking in Epsom salts and warm water. It may require surgery to get the yellow cheesy plug out. When there is swelling on top between the toes, that may also need squeezing out. Here are 2 good articles by the same person to read with videos:
https://www.hobbyfarms.com/how-to-treat-bumblefoot-in-chickens-3/
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/bumblefoot-causes-treatment-warning/

Thank you. I'll try soaking it and wrapping it now. I'm worried after reading that she may be in the third stage. Have you ever performed the procedure mentioned? I'm not squeamish and think I could handle it, but I'm wondering how difficult it actually is and where I can get a biopsy punch or scalpel and Vetwrap. Would Tractor Supply have them, or do I need to order online?

 

[Eggcessive]

I have used a disposable scalpel with extra blades from TSC in the goat and cattle section. Biopsy punches are probably available online. The surgery is not that complicated, and gets easier the more you do it. It helps to have extra hands, and get all supplies, vet wrap strips cut, and everything laid out beforehand. Wrap the chicken like a burrito in a towel so they don’t fight so much. A vet can usually perform the surgery if you cannot.

 

[AHoags]

I have used a disposable scalpel with extra blades from TSC in the goat and cattle section. Biopsy punches are probably available online. The surgery is not that complicated, and gets easier the more you do it. It helps to have extra hands, and get all supplies, vet wrap strips cut, and everything laid out beforehand. Wrap the chicken like a burrito in a towel so they don’t fight so much. A vet can usually perform the surgery if you cannot.

I performed the surgery tonight and I hope that I did it well enough. I soaked her foot in Epsom salts, removed the scab pretty easily, and cut down and around a bit to try to find the core. There wasn't anything solid, but I was able to remove some stringy pieces. I soaked and removed three or four times, but I didn't find a whole lot. Should I be worried that I didn't get it all or happy that there didn't seem to be much? I put antibiotic ointment on the wound, put gauze on top, and wrapped it. I'll check on her tomorrow morning. Is there anything I should look for when I check her progress?

 

[anna-newhampshire]

An organic vet in France recommends an old remedy - cabbage poultice. I just read about this and already posted the link for quail patients in the quail section. Here is the article with detailed instructions and pictures: https://holistic-hen.blogspot.com/2016/01/treating-swollen-feet-or-joints-with.html#.Vpuv9l5VKlM