Bacteria, including staphylococcus spp. have been identified in some rare cases of bumblefoot, if the wound has not been noticed and treated before it becomes acute. Typically antibiotics, such as erythromycin or penicillin, are prescribed by the vet, if the infection is serious enough.
Causes of Bumblefoot
Splinters from wooden roosting bars, an injury from jumping down from a high spot, or abrasions from walking on rough surfaces can all cause minor trauma to the foot. Normally, these injuries can heal with little to no intervention on the chicken keeper's part.
“Rinse out the resulting hole with saline wound wash. Then, pack it with an antibacterial ointment, such as Neosporin,” she explains. “To keep the foot clean while it heals, fill in the hole with gauze packing, then wrap the foot in a gauze pad secured with first-aid tape or vet wrap.
Chlorhexadine 2% solution spray is then applied to kill bacteria remaining on the surface of the foot. Very mild cases of bumblefoot may then be treated by excising the scab with a scalpel, applying chlorhexadine or Vetericyn to the abscess, covering with non-stick gauze and wrapping the foot with Vetrap.
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.
Hold the chicken so that its feet can soak in the warm water for at least 10 minutes. The Epsom salts help relieve any swelling and the warm water softens the skin on the foot pad. Step 4: Once the skin on the foot pad is soft, you can see if the scab will lift off.
Ulcers form on the soles of the feet with calluses forming around the edges of the lesions. Some pain and mild lameness are present.
Soak the foot for 10-15 minutes in water and Epsom salt mix to soften up the area. Clean the area well with alcohol. Have someone help you hold the chicken still while laying on its back. Use the scalpel to remove the scab.
Bumble- foot is a chronic disease that if left untreated can result in a 50 percent mortality rate.
Bumblefoot normally starts out with a small hard black spot or raised rough patch on the bottom of the foot. In extreme cases all the toes and even the lower part of the leg can blow up like a balloon.
Bumblefoot exists on a scale of 1-5 with stage 1 being mild and barely undetectable where stage 5 is severe and grossly affects the chicken's wellbeing.
For example, people that have very dry skin should avoid overdoing foot soaks because the salt can dry out the skin leaving the feet more prone to cracks. Foot soaks of any type are not safe for people who have diabetes due to the increased risk of infection.
Rubbing a small amount of organic, cold-pressed coconut oil onto their footpad is a non-toxic option that can help moisturize skin and provide relief to your pet. As with many other aspects of health, prevention is the best medicine!
Soaking your feet and toes in a bath containing Epsom salts can help dry out fungal infections by killing fungal spores. Add 1–2 cups of Epsom salt to a footbath of warm water and soak for 30 minutes.
While humans can't get bumblefoot per se, Staphylococcus aureus, which is the most common organism that causes bumblefoot, can infect humans—yet another good reason to handle your birds, sick or not, with care.
Oral antibiotics and antibiotic ointment will control the infection. Cleaning and bandaging may be recommended in order to reduce the opportunity for pathogens to enter the wounds. In more severe cases, surgery (including debridement of abscesses) will help to save the feet, and life, of the bird.
Oral antibiotics and antibiotic ointments will control the infection. Bandaging may be recommended in order to reduce the opportunity for pathogens to enter the wounds. In more severe cases, surgery (including debridement of abscesses) will help to save the feet, and life, of the bird.
Epsom salt is generally safe for most adults and children. However, certain people should avoid drinking Epsom salt solutions. Consuming Epsom salt can lead to side effects, including diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and muscle weakness. Epsom salt is available to purchase in stores and online.
Saline solutions made with table salt can provide some superficial cleaning benefits, but it isn't a powerful infection fighter. By contrast, you can expose the same cut or scrape to a warm Epsom salt soak to reduce pain and fight back against the invading bacteria.
An Epsom salt bath may relieve pain and discomfort, relax the muscles, and provide stress relief. All you need to do is dissolve about 300 to 600 grams of Epsom salt in the bathtub and sit in it for around 10 to 20 minutes. Make sure to rinse afterward to get rid of excess salt on the skin.
If left untreated Bumble foot can spread up the chicken's leg and cause permanent lameness and even death.
Limping or Hopping
In the case of bumblefoot, by the time your chicken is limping, the bumblefoot has already become severe case. Limping is caused by pain, and the pain of bumblefoot becomes overwhelming once infection sets in. If your chicken is limping, it's time to start acting quickly and call your poultry vet.
While bumblefoot begins on the surface, it can quickly spread to muscle and bone tissue, and if left untreated, the infection can lead to death.