Noticed tonight that ome of my chickens has a swollen foot. She doesn't seem to be in any pain or favor it. Her behavior is still normal. I removed what seems like a small stone or dirt cloud from the bottom of her foot and cleaned it with hydrogen peroxide. Is there anything else I can do? If I have to, I will take her to the vet. However, I would prefer to treat her at home.
Thank You
It sounds as if it might be early "bumblefoot":
http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/poultry-health/bumblefoot.html
I'll take her to the vet tomorrow.
You may be able to get the antibiotic at a feed store...certainly on-line. But you might now want to wait that long.
Can it wait until tomorrow morning? Thats when I was planning on calling the vet.
Oh, yes. It can wait. The usual problem is that it becomes a chronic infection because it isn't noticed right away. If it is bumblefoot, you are catching it early.
Do you know what antibiotic is usually used to treat it? I have another hen that was put on Baytrill last year. Couldn't eat her eggs for almost 6 months and don't feel right giving them away even now. Don't really want to go through that with this hen. Is there an antibotic that is more localized and will be fully eliminated from her body in a month ot two.
I think most antibiotics are eliminated within six weeks. Eggs from hens treated with Baytril are safe after 28 days.
http://poultrykeeper.com/poultry-medication/poultry-medication/baytril-used-to-treat-respiratory-problems.html
The "firststate" article listed above gives these antibiotics and dosages...you would need to check them individually:
If you are treating with antibiotics and not doing surgery the antibiotics of choice would be the following: Lincomycin 50 to 100 mg per bird per day for 7 to 10 days,or Doxycycline 50 to 100 mg per bird per day for 7 to 10 days,or amoxicillin at the rate of 250 mg per bird per day for 10 to 14 days and in some cases 500 mg per bird per day may be necessary but give it twice per day for 10 to 14 days. Cephalexin capsules work well in soft tissue and should be given at the rate of one 250 mg capsule once or twice per day for 7 to 10 days. After successful treatment all birds should receive probiotic in the drinking water for 7 to 10 days or until droppings return to normal.
Thank you so much
I looked at some google images. Yes, she does have early stages of bumblefoot. Sigh!!!
I was just wondering how your girlie was feeling and if she was doing better.
She is feeling fine. I took her to the vet yesterday. They gave her a Baytril shot. She also has to take Baytril for 5 days and have a foot bath twice a day. Don't ask about the cost...ouch.
You have to give her props. She is being a very patient, sweet girl through this whole experience.
Thank you for asking.
Lucky chick, she gets a foot bath LOL Glad to hear she's feeling better!
