Swollen foot

[Clucktown]

Hello,

My 10-month old bantam Sebright hen has a swollen foot. Upon examining the bottom, the center pad has what looks like a scab on it. The swelling is visible from the top as well as the bottom. She is not favoring it, but it is definitely very swollen and feels slightly warm. I don't know if she has a splinter or something stuck in her foot underneath the scab. I am worried it is infected and have no idea what to do as far a antibiotics. I am attaching a photo. Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[Eggcessive]

That is bumble foot a staph infection under the skin from a tiny cut in the foot. It's very common, and there are a couple of ways to treat it, especially if it is causing limping, pain, swelling, or redness. Most will do the surgery, cutting the dark circle out, digging down, and trying to get the core out (pus that has hardened.) Some will choose to soak with epsom salts and hot water for a few days, or use a product called Tricid Neo for soaking. Some even do penicillin shots, but the surgery is quick and over with in a half hour.

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is a good link, and there are many good threads here on BYC if you search at the top of the page: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/07/bumblefoot-causes-treatment-warning.html

 

[Clucktown]

Thank you. I have watched the video on the link you sent twice and plan on trying the procedure tomorrow. I initially made an appt. with a vet shortly after I got your post; however, my husband freaked at the price and insisted I take care of it myself. He is heading to Tractor Supply in the morning to get the necessary supplies. Thanks again for the quick response and great info - wish me luck!

 

[Eggcessive]

Good luck, and keep us informed on how it goes.

 

[Clucktown]

I followed the instructions completely and removed the small, hard, dark kernel attached to the scab. I then resoaked for 10 minutes and was able to pull out a white, sinewy circular thing that looked like it could have been a coating around the kernel. However, after more soaking, kneading, etc. I was unable to remove anything else. The foot is still swollen. What I thought might be more infection bled when I gently nicked it with the scalpel, so I left it alone. Does it take a while for the swelling to subside? I am concerned I didn't get everything, but didn't want to cut out anything that shouldn't be removed. She seems to be walking fine, but was also walking OK prior to the surgery.
Thanks for any advice!

 

[Eggcessive]

Congratulations on doing the surgery. It sounds like you were pretty successful. Just keep it clean for a few days until it scabs over, and I'll bet she will be fine.