Is this bumblefoot?

[cluckingheck]

One of my hens, Tilly, seems to have bumblefoot on her back toe which seems like an odd place for it. Any advice on treating it?

 

[azygous]

Soak. Slice. Squeeze. Squirt ointment and Vetericyn. Bandage.

 

[cluckingheck]

Soak. Slice. Squeeze. Squirt ointment and Vetericyn. Bandage.

What do you suggest soaking it in? Epsom salt bath? And what kind of ointment?

 

[azygous]

Epsom salts. Yes. Antibiotic ointment. Of course.

 

[cluckingheck]

I soaked her feet for 25 minutes and took the scab off, but the “kernel” never really came out and it started to bleed. I read it’s really not supposed to and I’m not sure what to cut or what not to cut, so I cleaned it, sprayed vetericyn on it, put ointment on, and wrapped it. I have no idea what I’m doing and I don’t want to hurt her anymore than I have to.

 

[azygous]

That's good! That's what it should look like. This is a serious case, so you may need to soak and debride a few more times. Give it two or three days, and unwrap it and soak it again and see what it looks like. Plan on doing this every three days for the next ten days. By that time, the wound should be shrinking. It will need to be bandaged for the next several weeks.

 

[cluckingheck]

That's good! That's what it should look like. This is a serious case, so you may need to soak and debride a few more times. Give it two or three days, and unwrap it and soak it again and see what it looks like. Plan on doing this every three days for the next ten days. By that time, the wound should be shrinking. It will need to be bandaged for the next several weeks.

Okay, so it’s a good thing I didn’t try cutting it out? I bought scalpels for this, but I’m nervous to even use them. I did managed to get some stuff out by massaging it, but it was mostly bits here and there. Could I let her back in the coop or should I keep her separated for the 10 days?

 

[azygous]

It appeared you got all the solid pus out. There's just the stringy stuff left, I'm not sure what that is, but it doesn't come out even if you try cutting it. Let it go.

She can return immediately to her flock. Be sure you've bandaged the foot so dirt won't get in. I've found the Vet wrap is pretty good at keeping the wound clean.

 

[cluckingheck]

It appeared you got all the solid pus out. There's just the stringy stuff left, I'm not sure what that is, but it doesn't come out even if you try cutting it. Let it go.

She can return immediately to her flock. Be sure you've bandaged the foot so dirt won't get in. I've found the Vet wrap is pretty good at keeping the wound clean.

Yeah, we bandaged it but where the bumblefoot is located makes it hard to keep the bandages on. It’s on the side of her back toe. Do you think it would be possible to make some kind of “sock” to keep everything in place? I’m at a loss on how to wrap it without bending her toe or compromising her ability to grasp.

Also, do you think the roost could’ve caused it? It’s rough cut 2x4 with no paint or anything on it. I think it does need to be painted and the edges rounded some

 

[azygous]

By cutting the Vetrap into narrow strips and cris-crossing the wrapping, you can cover all the contours of a chicken foot. Anchoring the end when you begin by overlapping it, then finishing the wrap by running the end around the ankle and pressing the end firmly against the bandage under it, it will stay on beautifully.