Confused after Vet visit

[kimmyjay]

Took my 4 month old Pekin lady to the vet after struggling with her bumblefoot for 2 weeks.Vet asked me when he came in what was wrong with her. I told him I beleive its bumblefoot. He asked me what was that. I instantly fell my hackles go up as I called this vet 45 min away because they treated ducks and I told them on the phone she needed bumblefoot removed. I explained everything I have read on here and the internet. He was asked me where I got my information. I told him. He then proceeded to tell me if she is acting fine and eating she is ok. I concerned my worry of staph and he said its not infected its like a callous that we get. He sold me Betagen and told me to put it one morning and night and if anything changed call them. He was very nice but now I dont know if I should trust him as he asked me what bumblefoot was. I also had every vet tech in the small vet place peeking in the door as we were talking. He told me he has the machine to knock her out but he thinks im jumping the gun. Can someone please let me know what you think on this. This is my first set of animals and I dont want to have her be in danger because I listened to the vet and not what everyone else says.

 

[foreverlearning]

It looks infected to me. I wouldn't trust a vet that doesn't know about such a common problem. I don't know about the meds as I have never used it before, maybe someone else can chime in on that one. I do suggest a warm epsom salt soak for the foot. The salt water helps draw out infection. Does he treat birds on a regular basis? A lot of vets don't.

 

[kimmyjay]

They stated they treat ducks which is why I was so concerned that I drove 45 min to have him ask me what bumblefoot was. So not happy. I have tried epsom soaks, neosporin, vetericyn spray, iodine, massaging and foot wraps. I see alot of chicken bumblefoot removal but not on ducks. I was hoping I coukd watch him do it so I knew what to do in case it happened to another one. Thank you for your quick response.

 

[foreverlearning]

Look at the first post on each link. The first one is for surgery and the second one is for a treatment without surgery. The surgery one has great pictures and a "how to". The treatment for chickens and ducks will be the same. Good luck!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/236649/bumblefoot-surgery-with-pics-and-how-to
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/303829/vet-suggestion-for-non-invasive-bumblefoot-cure

 

[Miss Lydia]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/807777/bumblefoot-new-ideas-on-treatment-with-pictures

 

[desertdarlene]

Wow, bumblefoot is so common that anyone who knows anything about ducks would know what it was even if they're not bird specialists.

 

[Amiga]

Well, I suggest that you do your best with the information here - there are different approaches, as you already know - and when she's all better you can either explain to him what worked (if you want to continue a relationship), or just be glad that you are a proactive duck mom.

Yes, that sure looks like a bumble to me. Forgive me if you already have taken the "quiz," but is her leg warm? How long have you known about it? She's otherwise okay? If it were me, I would do Epsom salts compress or soak twice a day, followed immediately by either triple antibiotic ointment or the iodine treatment that is in the link Miss Lydia included.

In some ways, I feel, our Duck Forum members are on the leading edge of duck veterinary care. Pioneers, kinda. Thirty years ago I think this was the state of veterinary care for cats, and look how far we have come.

Now, what is Betagen?

Looked at this . . . http://www.drugs.com/vet/betagen-topical-spray.html

Did he give you a spray-on? It may actually help, if it's topical antibiotic.

 

[newbyduckmom]

I find it incredibly odd, even scary, that a vet who treats ducks would not know what bumblefoot is! Although I have run into long time chicken and duck owners that were fortunate enough to not know what it is.

As one who went through a protracted bout of bumblefoot with my duck, Mildred, it looks like bumblefoot to me, but pictures can be misleading. There are lots of helpful people and posts on here that can help get you through. I ended up trying antibiotics, then doing to surgery myself (a couple of times), then trying the potato poultice that was recommended. It took time and a stubborn duck and duck owner, but we got through it.

 

[casportpony]

I find it incredibly odd, even scary, that a vet who treats ducks would not know what bumblefoot is! Although I have run into long time chicken and duck owners that were fortunate enough to not know what it is.

As one who went through a protracted bout of bumblefoot with my duck, Mildred, it looks like bumblefoot to me, but pictures can be misleading. There are lots of helpful people and posts on here that can help get you through. I ended up trying antibiotics, then doing to surgery myself (a couple of times), then trying the potato poultice that was recommended. It took time and a stubborn duck and duck owner, but we got through it.

Scary is what I was thinking!

-Kathy

 

[kimmyjay]

Thank you for all the links. This is the best site and you all are wonderful. Yeah he really threw me for a loop. She is eating and drinking and still being a major flirt. The betagen is a topical spray and she actually seems to enjoy it. She sat on my lap tonight and let me pull her leg out and she just laid it there until I set her down. Oh how I adore these wonderful critters. I will definitely be trying eveything I can before I take the plunge. Thank you everyone.