What's wrong with my ducks foot?

[PertyGertie]

I noticed my duck limping and having a hard time getting on the steps on our dock. When I caught her this is what I found. Anybody have any idea what this could be? Her foot that is swollen feels warm. I can't see any bumble spots but again it's hard to see on her dark foot. Anyone know what it could be and how to treat it?

 

[PatrickRoo]

She has Staphylococcus infection, or more commonly known as Bumblefoot. However for ducks and geese, it's a swelling in the leg or foot that feels hot to the touch and causes the bird to limp. The tendon sheaths get infected and can take long to heal.

 

[PertyGertie]

There's no telltale bumblefoot scab on the foot.

Anything I can do speed healing?

 

[PatrickRoo]

Since it seems you've caught your duck early with the infection, you can try one pill per day of Bayrtil, 50-100 mg of clindamycin, doxycycline, lincomycen, or 250 mg of amoxicillin to try and cure the problem.

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.

 

[PatrickRoo]

Also, anytime you are giving antibiotics, it's also good to include probiotics during and after the use of antibiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that are required for proper digestion and health, antibiotics may kill these. Use yogurt.

 

[PertyGertie]

Ugh. I hate bumblefoot surgery. Have performed it a few times. I've never done it on a duck though. She's so unhappy inside in her dog crate that I know time is of the essence as well. Thank you for your advice