Speckled Sussex pullet with swelling leg PICS ADDED

[Four Acre Bliss]

Beakkepper, she really is acting totally normal, running around with her buddies and scratching around in the yard. She has a tiny (would never notice unless you were looking for it) limp today but it hasn't slowed her down at all. She did come right up to me to get pictures taken and kind of showed me her leg, which was weird since she's usually skittish -- I guess she wants me to help. But I don't know what to do for her!

 

[Four Acre Bliss]

Bumping because I'm still hoping someone can help my speckled friend ...

 

[Four Acre Bliss]

Bump for the evening crowd ...

 

[Judy]

I'm afraid people are not answering because they have no idea. Some sort of bite is probably as likely as anything, if you are sure the bottom of her foot is fine (injuries that cause bumblefoot can be tiny; I would at least keep checking here.) Does not look bad enough to be a venomous snake bite. Maybe a bee or wasp got her.

As long as she is eating and getting around and tolerating it, I would just watch. I had one limp for a few weeks, then she just stopped, and was fine. Never did know why.

 

[Four Acre Bliss]

Thanks, ddawn. That's helpful. I'll just keep watching her.

 

[chickletranch]

You could start her on an injectible antibiotic if you think the leg is infected. Has the swelling extended up beyond her leg, to the thigh? We've had lots of experience with bumblefoot, and have found that leg/foot infections respond well to Naxel, as some of them tend to involve ecoli bacteria from soil/droppings. I'd probably take a wait-and-see attitude and if the swelling moves up to the thigh or gets worse, start an antibiotic. Let us know how she does. Best of luck, Lynn

 

[wilds of pa]

possible bee sting.. not sure if gout would cause swelling or not or even if this is that, doubt it is.. Hope all is well with her..

~Wilds~

 

[LynneP]

I've been thinking an allergic reaction to a bite or sting, too...any change?

Not sure what meds would be safe for a bird in that situation other than calamine lotion, bag balm or coconut oil for the physical symptoms.

Please let us know.

 

[Four Acre Bliss]

No change at all. She's still running around having fun, eating well and pooping. Her leg is still horribly swollen, but she's able to jump and run and everything. It's really weird. I'm keeping an eye on her but since there's no visible wound on her leg, I haven't treated it at all.

 

[Four Acre Bliss]

Just posting to say it's been two weeks with no change for the worse or for better. I'm about ready to dig through old pics of the girls when they were chicks and see if maybe she's ALWAYS been like this, and we just never noticed.