Bumblefoot in parrots
Other names: Swollen leg، Pododermatitis
Symptoms
- Redness and shininess of the sole of the foot
- Ulceration and scab
- Swelling and limping
- Refusal to stand on one foot
How it spreads
Not contagious; results from smooth perches of uniform thickness (plastic/polished wood), obesity, vitamin A deficiency, wire floors.
Diagnosis
Foot examination, culture and sensitivity, radiographs if the bone is affected.
Treatment
Correct the perches, weight reduction, a protective wrap/bandage, antibiotic per culture. [Update 3] Merck: Staph is often isolated from pododermatitis; vitamin A deficiency is often the cause in recurring cases, and obesity causes lameness and foot inflammation; use rope and varied perches.
Prevention
Natural perches of different diameters (tree branches), avoid sandpaper covers on perches, weight loss, a balanced diet.
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.
Other diseases
- Chlamydiosis (parrot fever)
- Avian tuberculosis (mycobacteria)
- Gram-negative bacterial infection (E. coli/Klebsiella/Pseudomonas)
- Salmonella
- Chronic sinusitis (mycoplasma)
- Clostridial infection