rooster with comb infection

[silkiechicken]

Since it is so bad, I really would consider looking into dubbing. If you can afford a vet, they coudld probably do it for you. It will bleed, but combs will heal fast. You'll want to cut away anything too damaged and lance any part you suspect is holding back pus.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Can you post a photo? It would really help us give you better advice. Combs are so variable, and you haven't mentions which type it is. I do think that you need to clean out everything. You need one of the curved-tip syringes that are specifically for flushing wounds, and it sounds like the abscess (which it does sound like) needs to be opened and thoroughly flushed. Personally I would use hydrogen peroxide for an initial flush to get rid of all the pus and infectious gunk, then use diluted betadine (povidone iodine) for subsequent flushes.

You definitely want this to heal from the inside out, so keeping the wound open is important.

 

[turtleblossom]

I know many people have suggested dubbing the comb, but if it is already infected I think this might not be the best course.
I would only dubb if is the last resort.

 

[kmerritt59]

Can you give me a detailed description of what dubbing is, how it is done, care afterwards, etc? Thank you!
Note: this is a fully mature cock and with an infection to boot!

 

[turtleblossom]

Dubbing a roo means that you take a pair of scissors and cut the comb off.
I don't have much info on the subject, but you could do a search on this site.
There should be a good amount of info.

 

[kmerritt59]

Well - 2nd clean out is completed. The suspect area looks better than it did in terms of much less pus. I am thinking that maybe the back of his comb is just deformed and will have this issue. Anyway, packed it with triple antibiotic again. I will continue to do this. I did leave a message with my equine vets. Poor people...I am sure they are rolling their eyes at this
Thank you for everyone's interest and suggestions. If his comb is going to be susceptible to this, I will contemplate dubbing the comb. I would not do this ordinarily but this is certainly a health issue.

 

[silkiechicken]

Best of luck with the little guy!

 

[sammi]

here is a link to a recent thread about dosing Pen-G..

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=258560&p=7

you'll need to know how much he weighs..

"0.1cc for every kg," (quote from the thread)

others might have different opinion..

good luck with the roo..
poor little guy must have been uncomfortable for some time, or simply adjusted.
they are famous for hiding illnesses or injury.

 

[kmerritt59]

ok - I think I figured out how to put pictures in:

If everyone can see the pictures, this is what the back of his comb looks like. There very little pus now. I can clean it without holding my breath. I use Qtips and they can go in a long way... after I'm done getting debris out, I pack it with triple antibiotic.
So...it appears to be resolving but if the anatomy of his comb is causing the problem, do I have any other choice other than to have his comb amputated? I can't "pull" the back fringes out. They simply appear to have grown this way. Any ideas are welcome.

 

[sammi]

very odd...
wonder if the comb had an old abscess that caused the deformity?
it still looks swollen and inflamed to me..it's possible there is more infection deeper in that has actually formed a tunnel.
Some years ago I had an infection on the bottom of my foot that caused a small abscess..had it lanced and drained..(OUCH)..did epsom salt soaks..took antibiotic, and even tho it took a long time to clear up..it seemed to get better..
then..a small swelling formed about an inch from the original spot..the infection had formed a tunnel..and I had to start all over again.
It wouldn't surprise me if this is what's wrong with your roo's comb..
I think he needs a systemic antibiotic (such as Pen-G or Baytril), and continued drainings and flushes with diluted betadine, and possibly another lancing..
some one posted about a special draining device..
are you able to see a vet?
what I might be concerned about is that the infection would go into the bloodstream..
that's why he should be on a systemic.
JMHO...