Bumblefoot (infection)

Bumblefoot (ulcerative pododermatitis) is a bacterial infection and inflammatory reaction on the feet of birds and rodents. This infection is much more likely to occur in captive animals than in those in the wild.

Bumblefoot on birds of prey

Bumblefoot is, perhaps, the largest cause of referral of birds of prey to a veterinary surgeon. Bumblefoot on birds of prey can be put into three broad types of the infection;

In the first type, a small reddened area, or sometimes a small shiny patch, can be seen on the foot. This is mostly caused by inappropriate perching (or perching for too long), or, less likely, by badly fitted furniture, such as jesses that are too small. To treat this type, one must change the fault in the husbandry, fly the bird regularly, and apply hemorrhoid cream to the affected foot.

The second type is more serious, where some penetration has occurred. While treatment for the first type will help, it is likely that the bird will require antibiotics as well.

The third type involves the bird having severe distortion of the contours of the foot and/or the toes, resulting from the Bumblefoot causing considerable damage in the foot.

Bumblefoot in rodents

Bumblefoot in rodents is not necessarily associated with wire-floor cages, the only exeption is in guinea pigs where the infection is caused by exposure to wire mesh floors, in other rodents it is commonly associated with genetic factors, and/or an unsanitary living environment, [cite web | author= Merck Veterinary Manual| title=Foot Abscess (Infective bulbar necrosis, Heel abscess, Bumblefoot)| work= | url= http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/90902.htm&word=bumblefoot| accessdate= June 16 | accessyear= 2007 ] although no conclusive evidence yet exists that would directly link this infection to these factors. Bumblefoot is so named because of the characteristic "bumbles" or lesions as well as swelling of the foot pad symptomatic of an infection. Topical antiseptics such as Blue-Kote in addition to oral or injected antibiotics may be used to combat the infection, which if left untreated may be fatal. [cite web | author=rmca.org| title=rmca article on bumblefoot.| work= | url= http://www.rmca.org/Articles/bumblefoot.htm| accessdate= July 29| accessyear= 2006 ]

References

Notes

Resources

* Ford, Emma. "Falconry; Art and Practice". Cassell & Co 1992. Page 39/40.