My quail has an infection on its leg :(

[christineminney]

My quail has an absess/infection on the back of her "knee." I tried to treat it like bumblefoot because that is what it looks like. The problem is the location is much more soft tissue than a foot. I do see whitish tissue inside the hole I created, but I'm afraid to dig at it as it may be normal. There was a large lump of fluid on the top of her leg as well. I lanced that and it was yellowish clear liquid, not pussy. For now she is bandaged and has antibiotic ointment on. She is separate and clean. Any thoughts?

 

[hennible]

Could it have been a blister? Did the fluid smell?

 

[christineminney]

No. Not a blister. Unfortunately there is too much swelling and heat. The liquid didn't smell as far as I could tell. I wish I'd put my nose closer to it though.

 

[hennible]

Hmmm, well I've butchered chickens and grouse and if I remember right the flesh in the legs was very pale. Of corse those birds where dead, so pale because of a lack of blood. Someone mentioned yellow liquid coming out of a rooster with bumble foots foot during surgery so I think your current treatment is probably enough.
Try smelling the wound when you change the bandage should give you a good idea of how bad/good it's doing ( yuck )
I don't know much about quail, but could you give it oral antibiotic if you need too? Hope this is helpful and not just blather.

 

[hennible]

I Read this a post by "bird nut" May be helpful.

Here's a treatment, good for all birds, but mostly chicks and quail due to how much easier they are to hold during the process. I tried it, and it worked miraculously. My Quail's Bumblefoot was reduced in severity overnight.

What you'll need:
-Duramycin-10 Tetracycline Hydrochloride soluble powder. Available at most local feed stores.
-Water
-A large towel
-This requires at least two people.

Step 1. Gather your supplies, mix up the solution, and prepare your workspace. The solution does not have any specific measurements, just mix the soluble powder with the water in a cup, until you have a lump-free paste. Lay down the towel, to prevent spills from reaching the floor during the treatment.

Step 2. Get the affected bird, be sure to clean her feet if necessary, and bring her to the workspace. For birds that do not tolerate handling well, it's better to do this at night, when the bird is calmest. Make sure you have a tight grip on the bird, with feet exposed for the other person's convenience.

Step 3. Smother the affected foot/feet in a generous amount of paste, and set a timer to hold the bird for an extra ten to fifteen minutes to allow the paste to work it's magic. This may sound difficult, but hey, you get to cuddle with your sweet little feathered baby. After the time is up, wash the bird's feet and set her back down in her pen.

Repeat the process again, every night, until the bumblefoot appears to be gone, and then do at least one or two more treatments to ensure that it is completely gone.

Just thought the paste may be an idea.
Also welcome to back yard chickens!

 

[christineminney]

I am very grateful that you have taken the time tonight to help me. I am going to our feed store in the AM. I'll see if they have the powder. I'd love to be victorious after feeling so desperate while doing my quail surgery.
Thank you.

 

[casportpony]

No. Not a blister. Unfortunately there is too much swelling and heat. The liquid didn't smell as far as I could tell. I wish I'd put my nose closer to it though.

Was the fluid close to a joint? If so, it might have been joint fluid? I've seen this in horses with joint injuries, but not birds, so it's just a guess.

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

This is human joint fluid:


-Kathy

 

[christineminney]

Yes. It was similar to that but in a very large lump that shouldn't be there. What would that mean if it were joint fluid?

 

[christineminney]

I re bandaged the leg and took a few photos to help illustrate. The quail is wrapped in a tea towel so just her legs are out.