Hen is Limping with a swollen ankle

[Anonymous]

Hi, I have a limping hen with a swollen ankle. She limps quite heavily sometimes, but when i let them out the run or throw in treats she zips around as quickly as the rest. I Assumed she had taken a knock and it would go, but I have noticed she has quite a bit of swelling just above her ankle. I have held her and pushed my finger onto it, its rather soft and she didn't complain. Apart form the limp she's looks and acts healthily.

Any dvise please before I visit the vet? I don't mind the cost of the VET but as i am a self employed contractor it would mean taking a full day off work which is quite a cost if its not necessary.

Thanks,

Don

 

[foxy]

If the foot feels hot to the touch she probably a litte infection, likely through a small cut/splinter.
If she is limping that it is uncomfortable for her. I would think she would need a vet to have a look, she may need antibiotics. Leg problems specially infections do take a while to heal I have found.
Maybe phone around a lot of vets will see early evening. Do you have friend/family who could pop her along?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,it looks like it is possibly bumblefoot,I had a RIR that was very prone to this condition.Bumblefoot is actually an infection caused by a puncture wound,that then goes pussy.Older hens that are slower and not as agile are more prone to it,along with heavier breeds like LF orpington's.If it is bumblefoot,a course of antibiotics will clear it up.
My RIR had it first on the bottom of one of her feet,but,after it had cleared up it then came back at regular intervals and twice was higher up her leg,not really on her feet.At times she would have it in both feet at the same time.

 

[Tim]

Hi Don,

I would say she needs an antibiotic (probably Tylosin). Bumblefoot usually causes a swelling on the pad on the underside of the foot and infection but swelling of the hocks / joints can be Mycoplasma Synoviae If she is old, it could also be artheitis which can cause infection and joint swelling.

Finally, there's possible tendon inflamation or osteomylitis (inflamation of the bone). All of these would need Tylosin (Tylan being the most common product) but Spectinomycin or Lincomycin can also be prescribed from time to time.

Then, there's the possibility of a break... an Xray would certainly help.

A trip to the vet I'm afraid... hope you can get there on an evening or Saturday surgery...