Does this bumblefoot need surgery?

[abby hen]

My first time dealing with what I assume to be bumblefoot after reading many-a-forum. I'm petrified about performing surgery, but will do it if needed. She's been limping for some weeks, which I thought was from an injury, but recently googled the black spot. Would those with more expertise than me mind confirming if you think she needs the surgery? I emailed a British vet assistant as they deal with pet hens more than here (in Maryland), and she recommended a dose of amox. and maybe steroids. I've also been reading about Tricide Neo. She's a lovely, healthy and happy chicken, very energetic at two and a half years old. I'd like to do whatever will make her healthy and comfortable. Any thoughts would be appreciated!!

 

[MySweetChickens]

yes almost all bumble foot needs surgery I did one for the first time a couple weeks ago its not as hard as it looks

just a quick easy 1 2 3 thing and its over

 

[mirandaleecon]

If by surgery you mean, cutting into the foot with a scalpel, then not necessarily. I have found that if the scab is big enough (and it looks like that one is) then soaking the foot, pulling off the scab, and squeezing (like a pimple) the kernel out works just as well. I would try that before any actual cutting. There might be a little bleeding and the kernel is super gross, but a lot less blood than if you use a scalpel.
You'll still need to use all the same precautions as if you did surgery (gloves, cleanliness, wrapping the foot, etc) because there will be a gaping hole in her foot where the scab was and you will still be exposed to the infection. I'm assuming you are familiar since you said you read about the surgery already, but let me know if you want me to elaborate...

 

[Violetsfeathers]

It DEFINITELY needs surgery if she is limping. I'm sure you know how to do it with all the research you've done but here's how I would do it. (I have a chicken with bumble foot on both feet but I caught it early enough she doesn't need surgery and it is getting better.

Soak the foot in Epsom salt (table salt works too) massage the foot while doing this to try and loosen the kernel.
Put the hen on her side with a towel around her (make sure she can breathe but not see)
Pick the scab off
Then take a sterileized knife and cut around it like this ø with a line through it.
Then massage the foot pad again and the kernel should pop out.
Feel the pad for more kernels, it it possible there could be more than one.
Stuff the hole with antibiotic salve, put gauze on it and wrap it up with vet wrap.
You can leave the bandage on for one or two days,
Every time you take bandage off (two or three days) soak it in Epsom salt, if the scab is black pick it off.
Rewrap the foot, eventually the scab will be a little pink dot where it was, then you don't have to wrap it up.

 

[abby hen]

THANK YOU, ALL!! It's really wonderful how supportive and helpful this forum is. Tips all noted and sound in line with what I've been reading, so that's good. Also good to know that the kernel might even pop out with enough soaking and massaging, but I'll get a scalpel ready just in case. I'm really hoping my vet friend can come home and help as she'll be more confident (even though she doesn't work with chickens), but it's reassuring to hear that this isn't too bad a process as I'll likely be doing it myself (while my mom holds my bewildered hen). I examined the other two other hens, and one has beautiful, clean, yellow feet, while the third has a couple smaller black scabs. This photo is probably harder to see, but the spots are smaller and she has no limp. Is it likely she needs the same, or might a Tricide Neo soak be worth a try?

These are very much free-ranging girls -- should I keep them in a dog crate or something post-op for during the healing process? And for how long roughly?

And lastly, have you used any sort of oral antibiotics and/or pain relief (not recommend I understand?) during the operations?


Many thanks again - so grateful!

 

[mirandaleecon]

THANK YOU, ALL!! It's really wonderful how supportive and helpful this forum is. Tips all noted and sound in line with what I've been reading, so that's good. Also good to know that the kernel might even pop out with enough soaking and massaging, but I'll get a scalpel ready just in case. I'm really hoping my vet friend can come home and help as she'll be more confident (even though she doesn't work with chickens), but it's reassuring to hear that this isn't too bad a process as I'll likely be doing it myself (while my mom holds my bewildered hen). I examined the other two other hens, and one has beautiful, clean, yellow feet, while the third has a couple smaller black scabs. This photo is probably harder to see, but the spots are smaller and she has no limp. Is it likely she needs the same, or might a Tricide Neo soak be worth a try?

These are very much free-ranging girls -- should I keep them in a dog crate or something post-op for during the healing process? And for how long roughly?

And lastly, have you used any sort of oral antibiotics and/or pain relief (not recommend I understand?) during the operations?


Many thanks again - so grateful!

This hen looks like she might need more than just soaking. The spot doesn't look like typical bumblefoot though, usually the whole scab would be much darker, I'm wondering if the kernel fell out on it's own...I would still try to remove the scab and see if there is a kernel in there...
As far as oral antibiotics and pain relief, I have not used either. I think it's a bit painful while you are actually messing with the foot (which is usually only a few minutes), but they always seem to walk much better immediately after the procedure, I imagine it feels better than before.

 

[MySweetChickens]

For the second hen take off the scab and soak in salts basically do the same thing as the last hen since i'm pretty sure that's bumble foot as well
keep them in a dog crate or spare room until they are healed to avoid infection
I suggest putting teramyacin in the water or electrolytes but pain reliever will likely poison her after the operation put neosporin on the wound and wrap make sure the neosporin doesn't have pain killer

 

[abby hen]

Okay, thank you!! Sounds good, I'm going to start ordering all the equipment and materials. I'll report back with any questions!

 

[MrsBrooke]

Yes, you will need to remove the infection.

Here's how I did it last weekend.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1014740/bumblefoot-adventure-and-treatment-graphic-photos

MrsB

 

[MrsBrooke]

This is also an excellent thread.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/236649/bumblefoot-surgery-with-pics-and-how-to

MrsB