Whats wrong with my ducks foot and what can I do to help it?

[Popovichjess]

I posted a picture of my ducks foot and leg. Its been swollen for 2 months and I just thought it was a sprain but now it has these squishy bubbles on it? Is it bumblefoot? and what can I do now that it is so bad?

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

sadly that looks like a very severe case of bumble foot. You can search here on BYC as there are good step by step how to treat. I would urge you take the duck to a Vet since it has been this way for two months, it may need medical care beyond home treatment. In the future anytime a bird has any swelling or limping, catch them and inspect their foot top and bottom.

 

[70%cocoa]

Yes, I completely agree with CelticOaksFarm. That is bad bumblefoot that has become very infected. A course of antibiotic injections from the vet is probably going to be necessary, and possibly some minor surgery as well. I'd say that that bird is well beyond successful home treatment, unfortunately, and I too would very strongly urge you to take this duck to the vet.

 

[ChristineR]

Yikes! Poor thing. If you can't afford to take her to the vet, at least try giving her antibiotics yourself. This really is something that you should take to the vet, though.

From Metzer Farms website:

Bumblefoot


Bumblefoot is an infection in the pad of your bird’s foot. A very minor cut or abrasion in the pad or toes can lead to this condition. The best way to prevent it is to not have any sharp rocks, sticks, nails, lumber or metal in your duck’s pen. If you do, they will find it.

Unless the duck is able to fight off the infection, it often leads to a large, swollen, bulbous growth on the bottom of their foot. It is obviously painful and cumbersome for the bird. If you catch it early, you can often provide antibiotics and heal it. However, blood flow to the feet of a duck is not great and getting adequate amounts of antibiotic to the infected spot is difficult.

Different types of antibiotic have been used to cure the problem: one pill (22.7mg) per day of Baytril, 50-100 mg of clindamycin, doxycycline, lincomycen or doxycycline per day, or 250 mg of amoxicillin per day. Of course it is best to consult with a veterinarian first.

If antibiotics alone to do not cure the problem, you or your vet will need to lance and remove all the infected pus in the center of the growth. Wash and disinfect the foot with a diluted iodine solution. Make an incision with a sharp scalpel and press out all the pus. Then you must flush out all the remaining pus with your diluted iodine solution. Put a pad over the incision, and then try to keep pressure off the incision with a “cast” or a cut up tennis ball over the foot. Keep the bird out of swimming water until it is healed. Continue the antibiotics until the wound is completely healed.

Any time you are administering antibiotics, it is good to also administer probiotics during and after the antibiotic use. Probiotics are good bacteria that are required for proper digestion and health. As the antibiotics may kill these, it is good to replace them. Check at your local feed store or use yogurt, which is full of probiotics.

http://www.metzerfarms.com/Bumblefoot.cfm?CustID=20772