5. PODODERMATITIS
•Septic foot > abscessation
•Infection penetrates due to integument impairment
•Trauma
•Malnutrition
•Improper environment
•Limb problems
6. CHARACTERISTICS
•Skin in this area adheres to
bone
•Restricted inflammatory
response
•Tracks along tendon
sheaths
•Fibroplasia
•Abscess
•Caseous
•Serosanguinous
12. THANK YOU
•South Florida Wildlife Center
•Dr Amanda Grant
•Dr Renata Schneider
•Dr Hilary Hu
•Dr Bianca Zaffarano
13. REFERENCES
"Black Swan Videos, Photos and Facts." ARKive. Wildscreen Arkive, n.d. Web. 14
Nov. 2016. <http://www.arkive.org/black-swan/cygnus-atratus/>.
Blair, Jennifer, DVM. "Bumblefoot: A Comparison of Clinical Presentation and
Treatment of Pododermatitis in Rabbits, Rodents, and Birds." Veterinary Clinics
of North America: Exotic Animal Practice 16.3 (2013): 715-35. Web.
Coles, Brian H. Essentials of Avian Medicine & Surgery. 3rd ed. Oxford, UK:
Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2007.
Hoppes, Sharman, DVM, ABVP (Avian). "Miscellaneous Diseases of Pet Birds." The
Merck Veterinary Manual. Ed. Susan E. Aiello and Michael A. Moses. 11th ed.
Rahway, NJ: Merck, 2016.
Loomis, Michael R., DVM, MA, DACZM. "Common Disorders and Procedures of
Zoo Animals." The Merck Veterinary Manual. Ed. Susan E. Aiello and Michael A.
Moses. 11th ed. Rahway, NJ: Merck, 2016.
Shreve, Ali, DVM. “Classification and Treatment of Avian Bumblefoot
(Pododermatitis).” Wildlife Care Center Standard Operating Procedures. Fort
Lauderdale, FL. 15 Feb 2005.
“New out-of-state owners”
Became welfare case – animal control got the swans
Actually means a “swan attired in black”
Mature swan, not sexed
Presented for limping from golf course -
CBC specifically bile acids
C&S from removed scab
*should be no tension when moved under anesthesia > otherwise reveals tendon swelling
**Other differentials: neoplasia, foreign body --- unlikely --- pattern recognition led to this dx
***from plantar surface Also known as avascular necrosis
Dryness / abrasions
Trauma
Puncture via overgrown claw esp falcons
Unhygienic conditions
Unilateral limb issues – esp orthopedic
Uneven footing
Gout
Malnutrition:
vitamin A deficiency
Obesity
Improper env
Perches same size
Cages
Lack of sunlight
Lack of activity
*fibroplasia exacerbated by low oxygen from swelling & inactivity > retards penetration of antibodies to infected area “vicious cycle”
Staph & E coli – raptors
S. aureus – psittacines
Also tenosynovitis
However – pododermatitis can also be caused by osteoarthritis (why vicious cycle)
Even more advanced polyarthritis & vegetative endocarditis
Grade II – skin translucent but NO ulceration --- excellent px
III – good px
IV – mild lameness / pain ----- fair px
V – cellulitis may extend into digits or foot -----Poor if wild grade V – poor to fair for captive
VI – necrotic tendons may rupture
If recovers >> digits will ankylose & become non-functional
------euth for wild – poor to grave px for captive birds
VII – dx via rads
-----euth all wild – amputation would be only option for captive
Jill 3/7
SMZ-TMP & Meloxicam – also dewormers
Jack 4/7
SMZ-TMP & butorphanal / midazolam / meloxicam / tramadol
*DMSO can help penetration
also abx-impregnated beads
Enrichment – swimming essential for waterfowl
Honey for wound healing
Therapeutic laser
Ball bandages / changing regularly etc.
**A for skin
Debridement – removing caseous / necrotic material
Place tourniquet – release periodically (profuse bleeding w/ granulation tissue common)
Investigate sinuses w/ blunt probe
Irrigation w/ chymotrypsin solution**
Mattress sutures / non-abs / bandage x 2-3 weeks
Hydrocolloid dressings changing SID
Cast (Remple 1993)
Thin sheet polyurethane (from DIY upholstery stores)
Cast made of Hexcelite / dental acrylic / Technovit
Cut hole centrally & smooth edges to take pressure off central metatarsal pad
Meloxicam / tramadol
“We use sheets, towels, and then bubblewrap for bedding in the cages. Then usually sand or inca matting for the outdoor enclosures.”
The black swan was treated with Ceftiofur long acting antibiotic, daily swimming, soft bedding, NSAIDS and skin shield.
Jack died Tuesday Oct 18, after being cared for over 2 months at ISU – they had moved to rehab facility
Renal disease with resultant metabolic derangement and visceral gout is considered the probable cause of death.
Gout
High uric acid level in blood leads to precipitation in joints & soft tissue
Uric acid is the major end product of protein breakdown in birds. It is produced and secreted primarily in the kidneys and liver and eliminated by tubular secretion.
Visceral gout is rarely diagnosed antemortem and is typically found at necropsy. Acute death is often the only clinical sign.
Excessively high dietary protein has the potential to cause renal insufficiency and gout in birds with preexisting renal impairment or a genetic predisposition to gout.
Isn’t truly “captive only” – but proper care can help prevent / alleviate
Multifactorial – multimodal approach necessary
Still a lot to learn
Tx must include long term goals / PT / rehab for best successes – may or may not be feasible depending upon species & its final destination
