Will doxycycline help cure this foot problem?

[bridgetchicken]

My pet pigeon has a swollen right ankle where the bottom leg meets the toes. Will giving her doxycycline help relieve the swelling? I think she has bumblefoot.

In the photo below her right foot is larger than her left one. She sometimes stands on only her left foot also.

Will this medication help?

 

[janiedoe]

I can't help you with this, but these members may be able to
@Eggcessive @azygous @Wyorp Rock

 

[azygous]

If this is an infection from Bumblefoot, there should be a laceration obvious among the swollen tissue as the entry point for the staph bacteria. Look for a scab. If you see that, then an oral antibiotic might help, but I would recommend Cephalexin since it's a warrior against staph in particular.

On the other hand, if no wound is apparent, the swelling may be one symptom of a particular respiratory disease, and the doxy might help.

It's a matter for you, being there in 3-D to examine the bird carefully and decide which one is more likely.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you show a picture of the bottom of the foot pad? A swollen ankle could be a sprain or fracture if there is no bumblefoot scab. Doxycyline is in the tetracycline family of antibiotics, and can treat a variety of bacteria. Bumblefoot does not always require an antibiotic. Most people look for a scab, and will soak the feet with warm soapy water in a tub for 30 minutes to soften the scab. Then try to remove it, and squeeze out the solid cheesy core of infection. Pack the wound with Neospirin and dress the wound for several days. There are several different ways of treating bumblefoot.