Need help diagnosing chicken - foot issue (PICS ADDED!!)

[speckledhen]

I have one hen who broke her middle toe at that upper joint, Doug. It swelled up and due to the swelling, it hit the ground at that larger area and actually caused bumblefoot on the bottom of Caroline's broken toe. That could be what it is, but I can't say for sure. With bumblefoot, there can be a very tiny entry point/scab, not the usual big one in the center of the pad. Poor girl, it does look painful.

 

[cocosandy]

Looks like bumblefoot to me...But I would consider injecting some penn g into the bumble if it will go in...then the rest in the breast.
Its not gonna hurt it.
I wouldn't open it with a hen that age.
try injecting it directly to see if it will go down a bit and ease the pain...if she is in a lot of pain maybe you could try a little asprin (but then really dont open it because bumblefoot already bleeds alot.)
The other thing that might be good is metacam. If you can get it from a vet, great; it has measurement for lbs on the doser, so its a tiny dose. Or try randall burkey or foys to see if they carry it. They have many bird meds available (and with Randall Burkey use code whisper for 10% off, or if that doesnt work, try code meetup for 5% off)...
I also have some B12 from there that is good as a booster for sick chickens...and also you might try a little bit of B vit in the water with all 11 B's in it (have to get this from a health food store) just for strength....just a little bit while shes got this obvious pain.
Good luck. Let us know how she is....what an old lady!...Im interested in geriatric problems; I hope I get there with my babies!

 

[chickendude98]

Thanks guys. I think I'll start her on antibiotics and see how she comes along. If it is bumble-foot it has already hardened up pretty good, unfortunately. I would probably have to take it to a vet to get that dealt with.

Does anyone know what the appropriate dose of Pen-G would be for her? I tried starting her on oral antibiotics but they are a pain to administer. It sounds like a direct injection into the site might be a good idea too.

Oh, and she is definitely getting old! We thought she would live for seven years when we first got her. Has anyone had chickens over 15 years old?

 

[hinkjc]

The swollen portion does not show any signs of bumblefoot. I would say gout as well. This does not require antibiotics. The change in feed as someone recommended is the best approach. If she is no longer a layer (and I would guess not), remove her from layer ration.

 

[chickendude98]

I never thought about the feed. Remarkably she still lays some eggs every once in a while, although it's been at least six months so I think she is finally done. Do they usually carry grower feed alongside layer feed or is it harder to find?

 

[hinkjc]

Yes, most feed mills carry grower.

 

[jjthink]

Just in case gout, you can offer her several (cut up) cherries a day for a few weeks (you can defrost the frozen kind if fresh is not available). If not gout, it won't matter. If gout, her pain should lessen and then you can continue to give cherries less frequently as fun healthy snacks.
My BJ roo had obvious discomfort in his feet a couple of years ago. Kept holding a foot up. Couldn't figure out what it was but after the cherry regimen the problem disappeared. He is still very eager/excited when I give him cherry snacks. I warm them on cold days and he lovessssssssss them!
JJ