Lasting effects of bumblefoot- how to manage

[Amphitecna]

Whenever my chooks get injuries (cuts, sprains, etc) I use plantain balm on them. I have also used comfrey balm to heal a broken rooster leg. For a general tonic/de wormer, I like apple cider vinegar and garlic.

ACV will corrode a metal water-er, no? This is what's stopping me from just having it in there always. Plus, they mostly drink out of our pond, which I suspect counterbalances any de-worming treatment I could give. All the more reason to have it constantly available though.... But you just reminded me, in a couple weeks will be their semi-annual vet-provided de-wormer.

Are her foot pads soft or are there any areas of hardness? Hardness can indicate pus as chicken pus is solid, like cheese. Wed want soft squishy foot pads, ideally. If there were any hard areas, I would think there might have been infection left, but given how healthy and not swollen everything looks I think she is clear.

How fortunate you have affordable veterinary care there! I agree on this stress part, though, may not be worth it. Very kind of you to do the right things for these poor birds. Sad to hear about the terrible conditions they came from, but you have given them a great chance at life.


I don’t know if this is super helpful, or if you’re looking for use of less common herbal remedies but I trust the poultry dmv website for dosing and they have some herbal remedies there:

https://poultrydvm.com/herbs.php

Looks like there is an anti-inflammatory category. That could really help her.

I didn't notice any hardness, but I wasn't looking for that either. They do not feel particularly warm though. (and yeah, I'm pretty horrified at what I suspect the conditions are there too- she leaned very heavily into the "bird-flu no- one can go in there" excuse. I get it, but wonder if there isn't an element of convenience, too...)

That vet site site looks great. I will do a deep dive. THANK YOU!

 

[alinas2010]

An educator brought up a good point about herbals on a different thread pertaining to a case of bumblefoot on another thread, so I wanted to be sure you had that information, also. It is post number 26:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...d-second-surgery.1675503/page-3#post-28813738

She brings up a case in humans where herbal treatment did seem to cause an amputation. It’s an interesting point and something to be aware of. Herbals seem to be helpful in a lot of cases, but do your research when deciding to use one. Keep us updated if you find something that seems to help.

 

[Appielover]

have

ACV, as far as I know, should only be added to their water for 2-3 days at a time with a week's break before reinstating.