BUMBLEFOOT AND YOUR BIRD
Copyright © 2005 By William Olkowski, DVM, DABVP
Written for NCS,
Published in the July/August 2005 issue of the NCS Journal
(All Rights Reserved)
Bumblefoot is a common term used to describe a sometimes complex disease
process involving the scales, skin, and deeper tissues of the foot. A
medical term often used to describe the condition is pododermatitis.
“Bumblefoot” is often used to describe a severe case of pododermatitis.
However, many times the two terms are used interchangeably.
In raptors, (hawks, falcons, etc.,), Bumblefoot describes the severe form of
the disease, as it is often a debilitative condition in these birds that
often have systemic signs.
In our pet bird species, this condition is most commonly observed in
cockatiels, budgies, and Amazons, although any specie is susceptible.
Many of the birds affected are heavy-bodied birds or inactive birds.
The most common abnormality that will be observed by the breeder or the pet
owner will be a different appearance to the plantar (bottom) surface of the
foot or feet. In other cases, if the bird is not handled or examined
frequently, the first outward sign of a problem might be a degree of
lameness, limping, or decrease in grasping ability with the affected foot.
If both feet are affected concurrently, the owner may notice more inactivity
since it may hurt to walk on the with the lesion on both feet.
There is usually a bacterial component to the disease process, however the
initiating cause is often linked to bruising, injury, or other trauma to the
bottom of the foot. This can be caused by improper perches or poor
perching surfaces. Other contributing factors can be a poor diet,
(ie.hypovitaminosis A), or obesity or inactivity. If Bumblefoot is
suspected in a bird, an avian veterinarian can help assess the extent of the
problem and the severity of the lesion.
The lesions often start as a thickening or callus formation on the bottom of
the foot. This can progress to redness, swelling and other signs of
inflammation. If cracks or other openings in the skin occur, this can
lead to an infection in the area with abscess formation.
The treatment of the disease should always be coordinated with your avian
veterinarian since the etiology is often multi-factorial. Reviewing
husbandry conditions such as nutrition, cages and perches, as well as
examining the bird’s general physical and medical condition will help your
veterinarian recommend the appropriate treatment for
the severity of the condition.
Treatment can include topical therapy along with a moist bandaging, or if
severe enough, surgical debridement of the area may be needed before medical
therapy initiated. Culture and sensitivity of the wound will help
determine the most appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Perches are
often wrapped in a soft covering like Vet Wrap or similar material.
Any secondary medical conditions also need to be addressed and treated
appropriately. Radiographs of the foot may also be indicated if the
veterinarian feels there may be deeper involvement of bone tissue.
Most cases of Bumblefoot in cockatiels can be treated successfully if the
breeder/owner is alert enough to the early signs of the disease, and can
address the multifactorial nature of the disease itself. This often
takes more involvement than just a simple foot treatment, as the condition
may require several trips to the veterinarian to monitor progress, and make
appropriate alterations in the treatment as the condition warrants.
This will involve coordinating the treatment with re-exams of the foot, and
it also involves an investment of time in home care by the owner.
Dr. Olkowski is the owner and Chief Staff
Veterinarian at CEDARCREST, a full-service veterinary hospital in
Fishersville,VA. Dr. Olkowski has been practicing avian medicine for
22 years, and is a Board-Certified Specialist in Avian Practice through the
American Board of Veterinary Practitioners(ABVP). Dr. Olkowski has
lectured to various State Veterinary Associations as well as Associations
for Licensed Veterinary Technicians and Bird and Avicultural Societies.
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