Oh god help me is this bumble foot?

quote name="ChickensAreSweet" url="/t/948807/oh-god-help-me-is-this-bumble-foot#post_14674937"]If that spreads up inside her leg it could kill her from my understanding.
[/quote]re
I realize this which is why I'm in a panic.
 
the lady just emailed me back and she was absolutely mortified she had never heard of bumble foot before and now she is seriously worried about the rest of her flock and has offered to reimburse me for my gas and for the cost of the chickens I told her that I was more worried about the health of the chickens then the money that I was out and that I'm thinking of what course of action to take as far as the chickens feet are concerned bless her heart she seems nice she just didn't know I guess.
 
Ok so you see the pic and still recommend I try and cut out the kernel. Should I remove all the black stuff? Antibiotic powder where do I get that? As a matter of fact where do I get oral antibiotics? Should I do several days of soaking then attempt surgery? I even considered giving her an entire bath but I don't want to stress her. Should I bring her in while she ailing right now I have her in a secluded run with the rooster she came with. I was planning on doing that anyway by means of a quarantine till I knew all was clear as far as other diseases are concerned.
Take a deep breath...

Firstly you need to read up on the alternatives...if you do opt for surgery you will need:

Betadine solution which is used in water to thoroughly cleanse the foot...before surgery.

A scalpel to cut into the foot...you need to remove the black/brown scab and cut deeper into the foot to find and remove the kernel...have plenty of betadine solution to swab and clean the area as you progress deeper into the foot...you can gently squeeze/massage the area to help remove the kernel...some will pop out easily..some are stringy and very difficult to remove...they can take several attempts at removal...

You should be able to buy an antibiotic powder from a Tractor Supply...I am sure that somebody here can correct me on that if I am wrong...I use an antibiotic powder that I have here for my horses...I buy online.

You should hopefully not need an oral antibiotic...once the surgery is completed...you should apply the antibiotic powder...apply non stick gauze and finish by applying Vetwrap...ensure the chicken is kept in clean and dry conditions while it is recovering...change the dressing after 48 hours and change every few days after...

Some people advocate soaking for a few days before any attempt at removal...usually they will attempt removal with tweezers....BUT...the longer the infection is left in the foot the higher the risk of the infection spreading...better to soak for 15 minutes before surgery and get the problem sorted...

Hope that has helped...
 
I am pleased that you have contacted the person who sold the chickens to you and also that they have offered some compensation...I find it difficult to understand that someone who breeds and sells chickens was not aware of the problems with their feet...normally a chicken with bumblefoot will show distinctive signs of discomfort....

Maybe she will be willing to pay for antibiotic powder and for any other out of pocket expenses you have to endure.

I will say however...that I am so glad to hear that you have given them a great home and they will be loved!

Well done!
 
I wouldn't cull your bird unless you have to. We have done several surgeries and the advice given is accurate. I would add, with an infection that size you are not likely to get it all out in one surgury so don't worry about trying to. Get all you can and give a few days to heal then you may have a better idea when the swelling goes down where to find more corns. One hen of mine took several surgeries to get everything out.
 
Take a deep breath...

Firstly you need to read up on the alternatives...if you do opt for surgery you will need:

Betadine solution which is used in water to thoroughly cleanse the foot...before surgery.

A scalpel to cut into the foot...you need to remove the black/brown scab and cut deeper into the foot to find and remove the kernel...have plenty of betadine solution to swab and clean the area as you progress deeper into the foot...you can gently squeeze/massage the area to help remove the kernel...some will pop out easily..some are stringy and very difficult to remove...they can take several attempts at removal...

You should be able to buy an antibiotic powder from a Tractor Supply...I am sure that somebody here can correct me on that if I am wrong...I use an antibiotic powder that I have here for my horses...I buy online.

You should hopefully not need an oral antibiotic...once the surgery is completed...you should apply the antibiotic powder...apply non stick gauze and finish by applying Vetwrap...ensure the chicken is kept in clean and dry conditions while it is recovering...change the dressing after 48 hours and change every few days after...

Some people advocate soaking for a few days before any attempt at removal...usually they will attempt removal with tweezers....BUT...the longer the infection is left in the foot the higher the risk of the infection spreading...better to soak for 15 minutes before surgery and get the problem sorted...

Hope that has helped...



You have been a HUGE help thanks ever so mich! I'm going to gather supplies tomorrow and start the process of removing the yuckies I wonder how I should deal with the top of the foot it looks gnarly as well.
 
This looks like a crud ball to me. Looks like it got so big it perforated the top of the web. Dirt & crud can collect in the web pocket between the toes on the underside of the foot. It can be hard as a rock and can continue to collect crud. Looks like there may always be a hole in her webbing, but I don't think you will have to do surgery. Just soak and try to pull out what you can, until it can be pushed out from the top. Do a search on crud ball, good luck :)
 
Please do use disposable gloves when treating a suspected staph infection as staph is contagious.

I am not meaning to come off as snotty or snobbish but I saw something in your post that made me gasp.

You state that your other chickens had come up to the crate when you got them home before you noticed the bumblefoot. Quarantine has already been broken. Bummer that.
All you can do now is watch for signs of illness in your existing flock. A bird can have had an illness and survived to become a carrier of the illness.
A word of caution for you and perhaps others reading this. Please inspect any bird you are purchasing before purchasing. Look for the obvious things like ... is the bird active and alert, eyes clear and bright, feather condition, lice or mites, feet in good shape, mouth condition, sneezing, shaking head a lot, nasal discharge and the such. This will help in trying to avoid issues.

Hoping for the best outcome for your birds.
 
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