Multiple issues with feet

[taprock]

I have a Dorkings roo just over a year old. He is kept with pine shavings, eats fermented feed and the layers mash. About a three weeks ago he developed a swollen toe about half way up the toe. His tail also looked like it has been shorn off. I didn't find any evidence of a predator and figured he must have tangled with the male guinea. I kept checking his foot to be sure it wasn't infected like bumble foot. He has been hanging out with the youngsters and roosting in an easy to get to spot. This week his other foot appeared swollen. I checked it over and there is no sign of an external injury. Last night I found him piled in a corner and brought him inside to a cage. His toe in his left foot is swollen and his back fifth toe looks discolored and withered almost like frost bite but it hasn't been cold enough lately. His right foot is swollen and the skin between his toes is red and split looking. He is now having trouble standing and when he sits down his feet curl. I have not given him any med since I didn't know what I was treating. Any ideas or suggestions would be great. I'm worried there is no fix and he will have to be out down.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Tap, I know I'm all about ducks, not chickens, but I like you and I want your Roo to get better! If he were mine, I'd start the ESalt Soaks right away. That i would think should help with the swelling and let you get a better look at it. Apart from that, I'm sorry but I do not know I would PM "Amiga"... She is very experienced (with Ducks) and she has Vet Experience, and BEST of all, she is kind and helpful and she offers and shares experience and advice. Please keep me posted, I hope your Roo gets better quick.

 

[Amiga]

Hi, Taprock, how's the patient this morning?

I need to go out later this a.m., wanted to check in quick for now. Then afternoon I can try again.

I think the feet may be affected by something else going on. I like HollyDuckFarmer's suggestion about Epsom salts, though, it does alot of good, for many problems.

Sounds like he did have some kind of fight, so I would not rule out internal injuries, perhaps a lower back injury that could be affecting his nerves and circulation to his legs.

As you know, I am a duck person, if he were a drake, I'd get him into a warm bath where he could take weight off his legs and improve circulation. How do you do that for a roo? Warm compresses multiple times daily may be as close as we can get. And, this is gonna sound wacky . . . . massage his feet and legs with olive oil. It's not for his ego, it's for his circulation. After compresses and massage, I would slather with triple antibiotic ointment. Keep him clean, warm, and quiet.

I would consider getting him on oral antibiotics, in case there was a puncture wound you may have missed. Gracious it's hard to see everything, and they don't tell us anything. Tough little patients to treat.

Take a look at the line of his back - anything seem out of whack?

What kind of anti-inflammatories are used for chickens? I would be looking into that, as well.

If turmeric is safe for chickens you might add some of that into his feed, as that is an anti-inflammatory. Or if you have something over-the-counter or from the vet. Just want to repeat I don't have chicken experience except having a Rhode Island Red when I was five.

 

[1muttsfan]

Gout, Mycoplasma Synoviae, staph infection are possibilities - so sad, he is a beautiful guy

Gout - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/667080/swollen-feet-on-hen

 

[taprock]

It shouldn't be mycoplasma, my flock tested clean this spring. It looks like the gout to me. Thanks 1mutt. I'll have to read more to find what to treat him with. He's a good man.

 

[taprock]

Ok read some on gout but have more questions. We have a three year old roo who has always eaten layer mash. Are certain breeds more susceptible? My understanding is if I put him on a only fermented grain diet and add vinegar to his water it will help. Anything else?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Tap-- did you see this?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/550983/gout-in-birds-interesting-article

 

[taprock]

Yes, that's the one I found. He crowed today which is better than he has done and he was standing. I still have him confined.