Ulcer on leg

[FrostyChick]

Help! I have a lovely hen that had an injury to the top spur on her leg….it didn’t heal properly, and now it looks swollen and infected. It doesn’t look like bumblefoot as it’s higher on her leg and doesn’t have a central scab. Should I try to drain the lump (ulcer?) by lancing it? I’ve been bathing it each night and putting polysporin on, but I think it needs more aggressive treatment.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Can you post a pic of the ulcer? Do you know how it started? How long has it been there and is it improving at all?

 

[FrostyChick]

Can you post a pic of the ulcer? Do you know how it started? How long has it been there and is it improving at all?

It started when she injured the base of her spur, about 4-5 weeks ago. The salt baths are helping to keep it clean and it’s not bleeding now, but the lump is still really sore and it’s also kind of smelly. Poor love.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

When you say salt bath do you mean like regular table salt, or Epsom salts?

 

[FrostyChick]

Regular salt - saline baths with warm salty water each evening

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Sounds good. I don't know what else to advise, excrpt to coat it with triple antibiotic ointment twice a day. Be sure it does NOT contain pain reliever, anything ending in -caine is toxic to chickens. Shall I tag some Educators, maybe they can help.
@Eggcessive
@azygous
@Wyorp Rock

 

[FrostyChick]

Thank you, and yes please to asking others for their advice! Much appreciated.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Thank you, and yes please to asking others for their advice! Much appreciated.

I did tag three of our best. Hopefully you'll hear fron them shortly. Do you rinse the salt water off and blot dry? I'd advise doing that, especially before putting the Neosporin (or generic equivalent) on.

 

[FrostyChick]

Thank you! Yes, I’m blotting it dry before applying the polysporin. Really appreciate your help.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You're welcome but so far I haven't done much. Hope the Educators have some ideas. Is she walking on it okay, or limping or what?