Swollen feet on my Silkie

[cedarhills]

Why does my Emi Silkie have two very swollen feet? No puncture wounds or scabs or hard lumps so I’m ruling out Bumblefoot. She is apx 5 years old, no vaccines that I know of as she came from a neighbor. Her identical sister’s feet are fine as are the other 7 big girls. We live just outside of Portland, OR. She has had a round of sulfa type antibiotics and anti inflammatory that did not do a thing. I’m thinking of trying Tylosin next but I thought I would consult the experts here first. My guess is mycoplasma Synovitis? Please let me know what y’all think. Thank you.

 

[cedarhills]

Why does my Emi Silkie have two very swollen feet? No puncture wounds or scabs or hard lumps so I’m ruling out Bumblefoot. She is apx 5 years old, no vaccines that I know of as she came from a neighbor. Her identical sister’s feet are fine as are the other 7 big girls. We live just outside of Portland, OR. She has had a round of sulfa type antibiotics and anti inflammatory that did not do a thing. I’m thinking of trying Tylosin next but I thought I would consult the experts here first. My guess is mycoplasma Synovitis? Please let me know what y’all think. Thank you.

 

[cedarhills]

Could it be gout? A friend just suggested that that may be the cause.

 

[Eggcessive]

Gout or mycoplasma synovitis, a joint infection, can be 2 possible causes. MS usually causes swollen joints in the ankles and hocks, while gout causes a lumpy appearance of the whole foot. Gout has many possible causes. MS is caused by a bacteria-like organism and is contagious. Most chickens in the flock would be considered carriers for life. Does she have any scabs or sores on her breast bone? This is a good article to read about gout:
https://thepoultrysite.com/articles/gout-management-in-poultry

Here is one about mycoplasma synovitis:
http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/infectious-synovitis

 

[Eggcessive]

Silkies are very different because of feathered feet and 5 toes, so a little more difficult to judge. Here is a picture of a chicken with probable gout:

 

[Eggcessive]

Another probable case of gout.

 

[Eggcessive]

This is probable mycoplasma synovitis where the ankles are swollen. There can be swelling in the hock joints as well.

 

[cedarhills]

Emi does not seem sick otherwise. I’ve added some cracked corn to her feed and 2 tablespoons of vinegar to her gallon water dispenser. Her feet look like little soft pillows and she walks on them fine. No sores on her breast. It does not extend up her legs much and is not lumpy. Holding off on the antibiotics to see if the vinegar and corn dissipate the swelling in case it is gout.

 

[Eggcessive]

Let us know if that helps. Humans who suffer from gout sometimes use tart cherry juice or cherries to help control gout, although studies about this are not common.

 

[cedarhills]

Emi does not seem sick otherwise. I’ve added some cracked corn to her feed and 2 tablespoons of vinegar to her gallon water dispenser. Her feet look like little soft pillows and she walks on