update! Question RE: bumblefoot surgery-Bleh!!

[MontanaMomma]

Saw that my older Leghorn's foot is swollen today. Looks red between the toes and swollen all over, except the toes. Looks red, inflamed and is tender. Doesn't feel mushy. Any advice?

 

[nurse_turtle]

Looks like Bumblefoot.

 

[klmclain1]

I can't see the photo very well, but I'm guessing Bumblefoot! You'll need to treat right away. Here are some helpful videos/pictures and information. You can use them to first diagnose, then to treat. I've done it and all went very well.

http://successwithpoultry.blogspot.com/2009/09/bumblefoot-chicken.html\
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bumblefoot-how-to-treat-your-chickens-with-surgery-graphic-pics

Oh, and please keep in mind...if it IS bumblefoot, it's caused by a staph infection. When you're treating it, you need to wear gloves. Also, if you don't treat it...the staph will become systemic and your bird will die.

 

[piper2009]

I agree with the above it looks like Bumblefoot. I would also treat it as soon as you can because it only gets worse.

 

[MontanaMomma]

okay... so yes, yes and yes. i've got myself my very first case of bumblefoot! me and the hub laid her down and cut away. and let me tell you. it was disgusting!! stuff squirting all over the kitchen etc etc. not a lot of runny puss but lots of hard yellow stuff. but i have a question: we cut, carved and squeezed and it is much smaller and skin is looser but still puffier than normal. how do we know when we got it all out?? should we try again tomorrow after an epson soak (on the chicken, although it does sound nice...)?

 

[jtotherow]

Help! I am in the same boat- After cutting the scab off like I was told to and getting the stuff out, how does it not get infected again. Where does she heal and how long? Can any body give me sound good advise! I must be the most ignorant person on earth! This is my first. I have had chickens since 2008.

 

[jtotherow]

Found way to do the surgery and I am going to attempt tonight!

 

[MontanaMomma]

good luck and brace yourself. i opted for a round of penicilin in addition to being separated from flock and wrapped. i am soaking her foot in epson salt right now. her prognosis isn't great since the ball has hardened considerably, but it is worth a try... i've got to remember to check my chickies from head to foot more often

 

[Habibs Hens]

the infection can be killed pretty quick with meds once you remove the gunk

the only thing that will take time is the swelling

that usually takes ages to go away

 

[MontanaMomma]

Gave my first intramusclular injection last night! She hasn't keeled over, so I guess I did it right? FYI, I got a big bottle of it from the vet and syringes for $16, without taking chicken in. I called the local feed store and quickly decided they were a bunch of morons and called the vet, who assumed I had called with no knowledge of what bumblefoot is, what medication I wanted and how much to give a chicken, so I ended up talking to him on the phone longer than I do with my mom! But, I'm thankful he was so willing to help me help my chicken (without any rude, pointless comments that are handed out like candy at the feed store). Good luck with your bumblefoot!!