Free hens!!

[Foxinthehenhouse]

Took my dog to vet yesterday and someone had left a box with two hens on their front porch. They gave them to me and when I got home and put them in quarantine did I see that one of the hens can hardly walk . A awful case of bumblefoot! Very swollen with toes going off to the side. Looks like someone tried to treat it but didn’t work.
My question is, should I humanly euthanize her?

 

[azygous]

Let me get this straight. Your vet found these chickens in a box at their door and didn't perform an exam or treatment for them before sending them home with you? I find that far more disturbing and unethical than anything.

A photo or two of the problem feet would be helpful to us in assessing whether they can be treated. Also, have you performed a thorough exam of these two chickens yourself? How about weight, signs of malnutrition, parasitic infestation, motor issues such as balance and ability to walk?

Asking us if a chicken should be euthanized with only a statement about bungled bumblefoot is inadequate information for us to advise you.

 

[Foxinthehenhouse]

First of all, the Vet was in surgery when the box was left on their porch. I arrived at 8:00 a.m.to get a shot for my dog, given by a vet tech. She told me about the hens and when I left I took them. Don’t think my Vet knew about the hens!

They are both in good weight and seem healthy except the hen with the bumblefoot? I know it’s painful, she lifts it and and moves it in front of her like she can’t stand the pain. There is some purple on her foot which must have been from the previous owners. It is very hot!

I was planning on soaking it in epson salts and I have amoxicillin to help with the infection but just don’t know if it can be cleared up and hate to put her through more pain.

 

[azygous]

The purple is Blu-kote, antiseptic wound solution. An oral antibiotic as a rule doesn't have much effect on bumblefoot wounds, especially tissue swelling. A topical antibiotic ointment is much more helpful.

I am unable to glean any real information from those photos, but it doesn't appear that this is such a serious case of bumblefoot that euthanasia is necessary.

Epsom soaks can help a lot by increasing blood flow which assists in tissue healing. That's what I suggest you focus on.