Please Help! Bumblefoot, cyst or tumor?

[Chic_girl]

So today, I was letting the chickens out to play, and I noticed a weird lump between the toes of my favorite Polish hen, Shanayay. Instantly, I become concerned, and look to the Internet and BYC to help me diagnose what it is. I'm sorry I have so many questions- She's my favorite hen, and I don't want this to get worse.
I got some pictures, so maybe they will help.
What ever it is, how can I treat it? What products should I put on it? If its a cyst, should I pop it? (How?)
If its a tumor or bumblefoot, should it be removed?

I'm a little (a lot) squemish about doing the surgery for bumblefoot, so how would I find a vet or other person to do it for me?

Top view-

 

[klmclain1]

It definitely looks like bumblefoot to me. Pretty much what my girl's looked like.

 

[dawg53]

It definitely looks like bumblefoot to me. Pretty much what my girl's looked like.

x2 Bumblefoot.

 

[Chic_girl]

Oh geez... How do I treat bumblefoot? I've heard of soaking in something, or cutting it to get the gunk out- which should I do?
I hate to inconvience anyone, but step-by-step lists would help!

 

[dawg53]

Here's a guide for you on how to do the minor surgery:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/236649/bumblefoot-surgery-with-pics-and-how-to

 

[Chic_girl]

Ehhh.. looks great. Thanks for the link, though!

My bird's foot does not have a black scab, doesn't show any signs of injury or discharge, and the lump is focused mostly on the top of the webbing between the toe. Are we sure it's bumblefoot? I want to make sure I'm treating the right thing- I don't want to cut open her foot, and find it not to be bumblefoot...

But if it is, I know bumblefoot is pretty serious and will develop fast, so what can I do right now?

 

[klmclain1]

You need to cut right into the top of that swelling RIGHT NOW. Bumblefoot is a staph infection and left alone will kill your chicken. If you want to pay a vet to do it...then that's ok too, but it needs to be taken care of.

 

[Chic_girl]

Thank you! I know I need to start treatment ASAP, but I'm so confused about how I can do the surgery by myself- me, someone who can't stand the sight of a papercut! Perhaps my mother (a therapist?) could help, but if not, hopefully we can round up some money for a vet!

...If I need to do the surgery, how can I if there isn't a scab to pull off? I looked again, and the lump-thing hasn't grown larger, and no scab has formed. It does seem somewhat solid, like cold silly-putty, but not cold.

 

[Chic_girl]

Okay, guys, we did the little operation, and I didn't need to leave the room! My mother was an amazing help tonight, and she was eager to assist- what is it about medical professionals, and the way they love surgeries?

This website also gave me some good information, in case anyone's interested...
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/07/bumblefoot-causes-treatment-warning.html

Shanaynay's bumblefoot cyst wasn't horrible. We cleaned up her feet, soaked it in epsom salt-water for a few minutes, then wrapped her in a towel. I held onto her so she wouldn't flap, and my mom cleaned and disinfected an exacto knife. My hen didn't have a black scab, it was true, but she did have a translucent-yellowy scab-thing on the top of her foot, not on the bottom. Mother cut around that, and pulled it off, while I looked the other direction and hummed to distract myself. Shanaynay didn't struggle, not even when the scab bled a few drops. Mom dug around in the hole, obviously having fun, and pulled out this nice cheesy-looking kernal. It came out all at once, and required no further digging, which was a blessing.

Then we soaked her foot again, tried to put neosporin (spelling?) in the left-over hole, then wrapped it in bright pink vetwrap.
Shanaynay then promptly pooped on the floor, splattering my mothers pant leg. I believe it was her thank-you gift, though I don't expect an egg tomorrow, for all we put her through!

I wish I got a picture of her in her stylish pink wrap. Maybe I'll get a pic when we change the bandage tomorrow.

 

[klmclain1]

Yea!!! You did it!! Great job. There's not always a scab and y'all did everything just right. Now, you'll need to keep the wound clean, reapply neosporin and new bandages every day for a few days, then every other day for awhile. During the first few days, be sure to feel around for any other lumps that you may have missed (hopefully none) - as that frequently is the case.