The African and Chinese goose thread!!

[Chaneys Ranch]

Well sad news. I checked my ganders feet today, and I think he has bumblefoot in both feet. Its in the middle joint of the middle toe (I hope that makes sense) on both feet, which is weird. It's not very severe yet I don't think. It's a little bit swollen, and there is a black area about the size of a pea. What can I do for him? Going to the vet is really expensive, so I thought maybe I could do the surgery myself, but I have never done anything like that. Any and all advice would be appreciated, thanks. I will take pictures tomorrow.

I found this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1066081/duck-with-bumblefoot-warning-viewer-discretion-is-advised

 

[NathanZee]

I found this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1066081/duck-with-bumblefoot-warning-viewer-discretion-is-advised

Thanks! The hard thing is that all these threads have birds with really severe cases, but his isn't bad. So I don't know if I should cut it open or what.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: If you see a scab, soak his foot to clean it, and then remove the scab to allow the foot to drain. Keep him bandaged and confined to a dry area. Here is another link I found
http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2007/09/09/157/

 

[NathanZee]

If you see a scab, soak his foot to clean it, and then remove the scab to allow the foot to drain. Keep him bandaged and confined to a dry area. Here is another link I found
http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2007/09/09/157/

The round black leathery looking thing is a scab right? What I'm wondering is how in the world to bandage him? When a goose walks, they close their toes (as you know), so wouldn't that hinder walking? I guess I'll be doing a lot of carrying him for a little while.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: I am actually reading through the first link, She did take Igor to the vet. Its a criss cross pattern with gauze bandage between the toes to cover the wound. followed up with a waterproof type bandage. Do you have a large dog crate to confine him to? Main thing is clean dry conditions, pack the wound with a antibiotic ointment without any type of "caine" additive.

 

[NathanZee]

I am actually reading through the first link, She did take Igor to the vet. Its a criss cross pattern with gauze bandage between the toes to cover the wound. followed up with a waterproof type bandage. Do you have a large dog crate to confine him to? Main thing is clean dry conditions, pack the wound with a antibiotic ointment without any type of "caine" additive.

I can keep him in a separated pen in the coop, plus I have a extra coop that isn't being used right now. Does coconut oil work as a good antibiotic? Also, when I cut the scab, should I just take off the black section, and then squeeze the rest out or what?

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: I can't say for sure on the oil or honey, but I know both are known for natural healing and immunity. From what I am reading, soaking and picking the scab away, then pressing out the pus is recommended. The issue there is pushing it further into the muscle instead of out! Pus in a bird may be more like a stringy or cottage cheese looking substance and may have white or yellow color to it. The thing is though, if the infection goes into the bones and joints it can be fatal to your bird. Feet have very little tissue, so this is a real serious situation. If he gets a staff infection in the bone he likely won't recover. Antibiotics won't correct pus, it has to be removed.
I know its very hard to find avian vets. Most won't specialize in it, frankly because of the birds "low value". That certainly doesn't help goose lovers like us seeking help. I am still reading those links too, but it looks like he may need antibiotics. Definitely remove that scab and drain the wound..keep it clean, packed with non caine antibiotic salve and bandaged. Please keep in mind I am not a vet, I can only tell you what info I am finding on his situation.

 

[chicken hawk 33]

So,I shouldn't spray the eggs

 

[NathanZee]

I can't say for sure on the oil or honey, but I know both are known for natural healing and immunity. From what I am reading, soaking and picking the scab away, then pressing out the pus is recommended. The issue there is pushing it further into the muscle instead of out! Pus in a bird may be more like a stringy or cottage cheese looking substance and may have white or yellow color to it. The thing is though, if the infection goes into the bones and joints it can be fatal to your bird. Feet have very little tissue, so this is a real serious situation. If he gets a staff infection in the bone he likely won't recover. Antibiotics won't correct pus, it has to be removed.
I know its very hard to find avian vets. Most won't specialize in it, frankly because of the birds "low value". That certainly doesn't help goose lovers like us seeking help. I am still reading those links too, but it looks like he may need antibiotics. Definitely remove that scab and drain the wound..keep it clean, packed with non caine antibiotic salve and bandaged. Please keep in mind I am not a vet, I can only tell you what info I am finding on his situation.

Kay, I will use them until I get something better. It's sad people think dogs and cats are better than pet poultry. So I should be really careful pushing the pus out right? Thank you SO much for helping me with this.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: Yes, work from outside the lowest point of swelling. Gently work away from the healthy tissue, towards the opening. If its not helping in a day or so please seek out a vet if you can, I really hope your gander improves. I would be so sick with worry. Although we are a working farm I adore my geese,they are my babies.