Severe bumblefoot

[goslingluv]

I have duck with severe bumblefoot she can barely stand so I have made an appointment with the vet, i did manage to get the core out, but I was wondering if anyone has had experience at the vet with bumblefoot? What takes place? She is current sitting on her clutch around the clock and hate that shes so miserable I tried for a few days to treat it on my own but feel strongly she needs a vet.

 

[casportpony]

What takes place?

I have not taken one to the vet for bumblefoot, but I imagine they will start with an exam and they might suggest doing X-rays to see if there is any joint or bone involvement.

They might also poke around in the wound a little to verify all of the pus is out. Some vets might want to do this with the duck under anesthesia, others might not. If they find more pus, they will probably want to remove it.

Most people have reported their ducks being given something for pain and swelling, like meloxicam or Rimadyl for swelling, and Tramadol for pain.

The vet might want to prescribe antibiotics too, and might suggest that it would be best to send a sample off for culture and sensitivity testing. If they do suggest this, it's expensive, so if money is a concern, ask if it's really needed.


Does that help at all?

@DiamondSwan went to the vet once for this, they might have more info for you.

 

[DiamondSwan]

I have duck with severe bumblefoot she can barely stand so I have made an appointment with the vet, i did manage to get the core out, but I was wondering if anyone has had experience at the vet with bumblefoot? What takes place? She is current sitting on her clutch around the clock and hate that shes so miserable I tried for a few days to treat it on my own but feel strongly she needs a vet.

I have not taken one to the vet for bumblefoot, but I imagine they will start with an exam and they might suggest doing X-rays to see if there is any joint or bone involvement.

They might also poke around in the wound a little to verify all of the pus is out. Some vets might want to do this with the duck under anesthesia, others might not. If they find more pus, they will probably want to remove it.

Most people have reported their ducks being given something for pain and swelling, like meloxicam or Rimadyl for swelling, and Tramadol for pain.

The vet might want to prescribe antibiotics too, and might suggest that it would be best to send a sample off for culture and sensitivity testing. If they do suggest this, it's expensive, so if money is a concern, ask if it's really needed.


Does that help at all?

@DiamondSwan went to the vet once for this, they might have more info for you.

@casportpony pretty much described what the vet would do. They would also show you how to properly wrap the foot which you would have to keep dry and change every few days while continuing an antibiotic and pain meds.

It really depends on how bad it is as well, because what looks like just a simple bumble foot case, could be a serious underlying joint infection... I just lost one of my ducks to a joint infection. I could never figure out why she was stumbling around like she was drunk yet seemed completely normal other than having a "bit" of bumble foot. She was at her normal weight, eating/drinking just fine, no break/sprain, no swelling, no fever, and her legs were still responsive. I took her in and started her on some Vitamin B Complex, Nutri Drench, an electrolyte/probiotic, and an antibiotic as well, but when I finally decided to check out the "bit" of bumble foot a week later, it was already too late. It had been beyond too late for a very long time.

After she died, I did an autopsy to see just how bad the infection was, and I ended up cutting all the way down the foot and up the ankle, and I discovered that the infection grew and twisted around all the bones and joints which looked like stringy roots that wouldn't even detach if I pulled really hard... If I had taken her to the vet right when I noticed the "drunken behavior," they probably would have put her down. I'm amazed that she didn't even have a fever like most of my birds usually do with an infection.

This was also the same duck that had a dislocated toe joint surgically removed two years prior on the opposite foot...

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

I caught it fairly early before there was a scab. The vet gave her antibiotics and it cleared up in about 10 days. If your vet gives you antibiotics you will have to sign a waiver that you won't sell or eat the eggs or the duck. This is because nothing is tested in ducks and therefore no drugs are really approved for ducks. I did not eat the eggs while she was on them and a few after but then resumed eating them. The waiver will likely contain lifetime restrictions. Probably depends on your state law but don't be surprised or overly concerned if this happens. Also, I have an Avian vet so she is well versed with treating fowl.

 

[DiamondSwan]

I caught it fairly early before there was a scab. The vet gave her antibiotics and it cleared up in about 10 days. If your vet gives you antibiotics you will have to sign a waiver that you won't sell or eat the eggs or the duck. This is because nothing is tested in ducks and therefore no drugs are really approved for ducks. I did not eat the eggs while she was on them and a few after but then resumed eating them. The waiver will likely contain lifetime restrictions. Probably depends on your state law but don't be surprised or overly concerned if this happens. Also, I have an Avian vet so she is well versed with treating fowl.

That's interesting about signing a waiver. My avian vet never bothered with that, but then my ducks never lay when they're recovering... so I've never had to think about what to do with the eggs.

Glad your girl is doing so much better!

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Actually, she's dead. She got all better, her name was Wounded, and then a coyote ate her. Sorry to be a downer.

 

[casportpony]

That's interesting about signing a waiver. My avian vet never bothered with that, but then my ducks never lay when they're recovering... so I've never had to think about what to do with the eggs.

Glad your girl is doing so much better!

Some vets do that, especially if they prescribe one of the banned drugs like enrofloxacin or metronidazole.

 

[casportpony]

Actually, she's dead. She got all better, her name was Wounded, and then a coyote ate her. Sorry to be a downer.

 

[goslingluv]

She had surgery and was given pain killers for 3 days and antibiotics for 10 days her foot wrap was on for 3 days. Shes still swollen and limping im really hoping she gets better.

 

[onaharley]

@casportpony pretty much described what the vet would do. They would also show you how to properly wrap the foot which you would have to keep dry and change every few days while continuing an antibiotic and pain meds.

It really depends on how bad it is as well, because what looks like just a simple bumble foot case, could be a serious underlying joint infection... I just lost one of my ducks to a joint infection. I could never figure out why she was stumbling around like she was drunk yet seemed completely normal other than having a "bit" of bumble foot. She was at her normal weight, eating/drinking just fine, no break/sprain, no swelling, no fever, and her legs were still responsive. I took her in and started her on some Vitamin B Complex, Nutri Drench, an electrolyte/probiotic, and an antibiotic as well, but when I finally decided to check out the "bit" of bumble foot a week later, it was already too late. It had been beyond too late for a very long time.

After she died, I did an autopsy to see just how bad the infection was, and I ended up cutting all the way down the foot and up the ankle, and I discovered that the infection grew and twisted around all the bones and joints which looked like stringy roots that wouldn't even detach if I pulled really hard... If I had taken her to the vet right when I noticed the "drunken behavior," they probably would have put her down. I'm amazed that she didn't even have a fever like most of my birds usually do with an infection.

This was also the same duck that had a dislocated toe joint surgically removed two years prior on the opposite foot...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your story is very insightful for those hidden infections that would other wise be taken for normal behavior. Thank you sharing.