Itchy Feet & Wellness Checks. How worried should I be?

PickleMeDickles

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May 17, 2015
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SassyByrd (DYH Amazon) JoJo (GCC) Betty (GCC) DEARLY LOVED fids lost to “Teflon Disaster� 12/17 RIP Pickles (GC),RIP Winston (Sun), RIP Lady PLEASE TAKE 5 MINUTES &TOSS OUT ALL YOUR TEFLON NOW!
Last week I noticed Sass chewing on her right foot. When I inspected it I saw redness and what looked like a small cut on the bottom of the fleshy protuberance under the main forward facing big toe (I'm sure there is a technical term for this area but I have no idea what it is!). It seemed a little better the next day.

Now she is back to chewing on her toes on the right again, and her band which is also on the right. I guess this is my fault for not inspecting her feet before, but there is a small red sore looking area and the bottom of her feet look darker than I remember. I would submit a picture but it doesn't photograph well at all.

My first reaction was a total major freak out. Fowl pox affected almost all my chickens a few weeks ago. I had 2 that nearly died (one went blind for 10 days with scabs all over her eyes and I had a roo that literally could not eat or drink for several days. I had to nurse both these birds to save them) and my first thought was Sassy contracted it. It is spread by mosquitoes and for some reason our house was infested with the hateful things 2 weeks ago. Fowl pox affects the non-feathered parts of the bird and often starts on the feet and legs. There is no actual "treatment" for fowl pox, just careful monitoring that the bird continues to eat and drink, and sometimes antibiotics are given to prevent a secondary infection.

The thing is, she still acts normal and is using both her feet without favoring either one. We are going to the doctor Saturday to have everything double checked and to have a wellness check. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this and what the other possible causes could be. Of course if ANY new symptom appears or if anything worsens, were packing up and heading for the ER.

Oh, and the vet said they are having some huge special on bird wellness checks. They have a "package deal" where they culture and test for everything that is recommended and it's $230.00. That a fecal, blood work, and other cultures. Is this a good deal? Since this is her first Wellness Check is there a list of "stuff" that absolutely should be done? Is there anything not usually included that I should ask for? Is there anything specific to Amazons that the vet may not be aware of?
 

AmyMyBlueFront

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Apr 14, 2015
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Amy a Blue Front 'Zon
Jonesy a Goffins 'Too who had to be rehomed :-(

And a Normal Grey Cockatiel named BB who came home with me on 5/20/2016.
If Sassy hasn't had a wellness check since she has been with you its a good idea to have it done. The price seems "normal"..thats about what I pay for Amy and they "throw in" a "free" grooming :rolleyes: ( arms shortened if I ask and tootsies trimmed) I can't say whats up with her redness of her foot :confused: but from time to time I dab a little coconut oil on a Q-tip and message it into Amys' feets,seems to keep them from getting "scalely" and makes 'em smooth looking.


Jim
 

Laurasea

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Aug 2, 2018
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I think 230 for all that is a great deal at my vet would be 600 bucks
The foot could be bumble foot, once a little infection gets I to the feet it's hard to get them past that, it easily becomes chronic.
You can have the bird stand in dilute betadine and warm water , just a few drops of betadine, so its a light ice tea color. Or you can hold a wash cloth soaked in the solution on the foot. It really helps heal, need to do at least three times a day for ten minutes. But you will still need a vets care to get past this if that's what it is, and be prepared for it to take months to resolve.
Add soft extra large perches. Check all existing perches for abrasive spots. Have at least one perch that the toes barley curl on it. Hold you hand up I front of you and just bend the tips of your fingers, their toes should look like that on the big branch/ perch. This allows them to really rest their foot. Often medium and large parrots never really have a perch large enough to do this.
Keep us posted!
 
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SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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I think 230 for all that is a great deal at my vet would be 600 bucks
The foot could be bumble foot, once a little infection gets I to the feet it's hard to get them past that, it easily becomes chronic.
You can have the bird stand in dilute betadine and warm water , just a few drops of betadine, so its a light ice tea color. Or you can hold a wash cloth soaked in the solution on the foot. It really helps heal, need to do at least three times a day for ten minutes. But you will still need a vets care to get past this if that's what it is, and be prepared for it to take months to resolve.
Add soft extra large perches. Check all existing perches for abrasive spots. Have at least one perch that the toes barley curl on it. Hold you hand up I front of you and just bend the tips of your fingers, their toes should look like that on the big branch/ perch. This allows them to really rest their foot. Often medium and large parrots never really have a perch large enough to do this.
Keep us posted!


Yup, sounds like bumble foot and that in my World mounts to a quick trip to the Avian Professional!
 

Laurasea

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2018
12,593
10,702
USA
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Full house
I think 230 for all that is a great deal at my vet would be 600 bucks
The foot could be bumble foot, once a little infection gets I to the feet it's hard to get them past that, it easily becomes chronic.
You can have the bird stand in dilute betadine and warm water , just a few drops of betadine, so its a light ice tea color. Or you can hold a wash cloth soaked in the solution on the foot. It really helps heal, need to do at least three times a day for ten minutes. But you will still need a vets care to get past this if that's what it is, and be prepared for it to take months to resolve.
Add soft extra large perches. Check all existing perches for abrasive spots. Have at least one perch that the toes barley curl on it. Hold you hand up I front of you and just bend the tips of your fingers, their toes should look like that on the big branch/ perch. This allows them to really rest their foot. Often medium and large parrots never really have a perch large enough to do this.
Keep us posted!


Yup, sounds like bumble foot and that in my World mounts to a quick trip to the Avian Professional!
Yes needs professional help ( antibiotics)!to heal.
You can wrap a towel around one perch to make cushioned. Make sure doesn't chew maybe try a smoother beach towel type
Also betadine stains , so watch out clothes and furniture!
 
OP
PickleMeDickles

PickleMeDickles

New member
May 17, 2015
375
10
Southern California
Parrots
SassyByrd (DYH Amazon) JoJo (GCC) Betty (GCC) DEARLY LOVED fids lost to “Teflon Disaster� 12/17 RIP Pickles (GC),RIP Winston (Sun), RIP Lady PLEASE TAKE 5 MINUTES &TOSS OUT ALL YOUR TEFLON NOW!
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Yes, I think you guys have accurately diagnosed Sass. And now I am so distressed, to the point of an anxiety attack. I have natural perches of all different diameter, rope perches, swings, etc. Sass is out wandering around at least from 8-6 pm everyday. The spot on her foot is very small and seems to come and go. Is this thing 100% curable or is there a chance she will have to suffer a lifetime with this? I have ordered 3 flat ledge perches. I guess I should take out the one sandpaper type perch. What else can I do tonight? She doesn’t appear uncomfortable and I haven’t seen her bothering her foot today. What did I do to Sass? How is this prevented. Argghhhh....no a happy parront tonight.

Okay, good, the vet just called and they have a cancellation for tomorrow morning (the soonest appointment was on Saturday). At least I don’t have to wait an extra 2 days.
 

Laurasea

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Aug 2, 2018
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It's ok sweetie! Yes take out sandpaper perch for sure. Sometimes there is arthritis on the opposite side that causes them to more weight on the foot that gets the sore.. it might just be a cut...
You can put the warm dilute betadine compress on it, or even just a warm water compress, the first helps clean and promote healing, the second helps promote healing by increasing blood supply to the area. But if it's not bothering her right now wait to talk to you vet. You can always post a pic to help enlighten all of us..
 

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