Bumblefoot
Bumble foot is an ulcer found on the bottom of birds feet , the first sign after lameness is a small red shiny sore which can often be found on both feet.Budgerigars are suscepitical to bumble foot which can be caused by a deficienty of vitamin A but the biggest cause of Bumble foot must be plastic perches,concrete perches,sandpaper covered perches,concrete perches and sandpaper cage floor coverings.
The
signs of bumble foot
may not be easily recognised by some owners but lameness is usually the first sign . Look for a staining above the cere as this is a sign of discharge from the nostril which is the most obvious sign of vitamin A deficiency.
Prevention; Only use natural perches and supply Vitamin A.
Vitamin A can be supplied in a supplement or dark leafy greens,carrots or red peppers
The cure; Contact a avian vet who will prescribe antibiotic cream,this must be applied daily and only after cleaning the sore.
Remove all perches and have a soft towel on the cagefloor during healing.
In more severe cases, there can be as ulcer formation on the pads of the feet, chronic abscessation, and infection of the bones of the feet. Once infection spreads to the bones and joints, birds become severely lame, and surgery is required if there is to be any chance of recovery.
While very mild cases can clear up within a few days, severe cases of bumble
foot can take weeks to months to heal and the bird may be left with permanent
damage to its feet.
Image courtesy of Tacey