Septic Ham Hock

[Lynnclack]

Morning
I have a chicken with a septic Han hock diagnosed by my vet. I have been giving her Metacam from vet but this morning its hot swollen and I don’t think my vets can help as if she did do anything my chicken could go into shock and die, so just any kind thoughts anyone may have please.
She bumbles around the coop daily bless her.

 

[azygous]

Posting a photo would help. Did the vet clean and dress the wound? How did the wound occur? We need to see a photo to assess the size and depth and condition.

Are you doing anything beyond the Metacam to treat your chicken's wound?

 

[Lynnclack]

No vet just said to give metacam and see how she goes. I think if the vet did do any thing with it she will die of shock I may have to give in and have her culled but she eats hops around so it’s difficult.

 

[Eggcessive]

No antibiotics? I would agree that a picture would help if it is possible to see an injury. Did she injure the hip or thigh jumping down or could a rooster have hurt her mounting her? Sometimes people soak their chickens in a warm pan of Epsom salts water for 20 minutes daily, but only do this if she is well enough and if she is relaxed by it. If she is weak and dying, it could put her over the edge, so use your own judgement.

 

[CatWhisperer]

With a septic joint your chicken needs injectable antibiotics not just pain control. I would bring her in the house so she can rest the joint and quit moving around so much. Hot packing the joint might also help- make a tub of the hottest water you can stick your hand in, soak a washcloth in it and wrap the hock. Keep rewarming the cloth and do this for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. Add protein to her diet to aid healing (scrambled eggs, mealworms, etc). Ideally your veterinarian would surgically open the joint and flush it out, but that depends on how much you’re willing to spend on her. Good luck

 

[Lynnclack]

We don’t know how she did it, but thank you for all your thoughts I will just keep nursing her.

 

[Eggcessive]

Is there a wound anywhere or just a swollen painful thigh?

 

[Lynnclack]

Just a swollen hock

 

[Kiki]

Can you get a few clear pictures of this area?

 

[Lynnclack]

I will try