Lame guinea - foot atrophy w black spots - photos attached - HELP?

[farmland5]

Hi,
We are building a bigger coop for our guineas but in the current coop size we have a male that is bullied. Today I noticed he is not putting weight on one leg. He holds that leg up and its shaking. The foot on that leg looks a little smaller than the other leg. I soaked it in an epsom salt bath, which he seemed to enjoy.
But now I don't know if I should put him back in the coop or separate him?

I'm new to poultry keeping. The injured foot is smaller than the healthy foot. On the underside of his injured foot, I see some black spots. But the foot is not red and swollen. Any idea of what is wrong with his leg? We did have temps drop into the single digits for a few days about 2 weeks ago. Its been below freezing most nights (20s).

PHOTOS
1st & 2nd - pics are underside of injured foot.
3rd - underside of healthy foot
4th - top of feet. Ft on left side of photo is the injured one.

 

[FowlProtector]

I’ve been doing some digging on Guinea fowl because I’m thinking of bringing one home. Based on what you said, it sounds like your male guinea might be having some leg troubles. Maybe he’s being bullied, or maybe it’s because the weather’s been too chilly. Or maybe it’s a bit of both.

The black spots on the bottom of his injured foot could be a sign of frostbite or cold damage. Since it’s been freezing lately, it’s possible that his foot got exposed to cold stress and caused some tissue damage.

I think it would be a good idea to keep him separate from the rest of the guinea fowl for a while, at least until he’s feeling better. This will help reduce his stress and prevent any more bullying. In the meantime, make sure he has a cozy, warm, and comfortable place to rest and recover.

It’s also quite possible it might stress her out and being separated, so that’s something you have to consider.

 

[FowlProtector]

Were there any other symptoms?

 

[farmland5]

He was shivering today (specifically his leg was really shaking) when I picked him up. He seemed pretty content in my lap getting an epsome salt foot bath. I don't think being separated in a warm place is going to stress him.

Yes, I am wondering if the black spots under his foot were frost bite. Would that cause the atrophy though?

 

[farmland5]

No other symptoms other than the limping. He holds his injured foot up.

 

[FowlProtector]

He was shivering today (specifically his leg was really shaking) when I picked him up. He seemed pretty content in my lap getting an epsome salt foot bath. I don't think being separated in a warm place is going to stress him.

Yes, I am wondering if the black spots under his foot were frost bite. Would that cause the atrophy though?

That’s wonderful to hear that he seemed relaxed during the foot bath! Keeping him in a warm place will definitely aid his recovery.

As for the black spots and frostbite, yes, it’s possible that frostbite could be the cause of the atrophy you’ve noticed. Frostbite can damage the tissues and blood vessels in the affected area, leading to a lack of blood flow and oxygen delivery. This can cause the tissues to shrink or atrophy, which might explain the smaller size of the injured foot.

However, it’s also possible that the atrophy could be related to disuse or reduced mobility due to pain or discomfort. If the guinea has been favoring the injured leg or not putting weight on it, this could lead to muscle wasting and atrophy.

 

[FowlProtector]

He was shivering today (specifically his leg was really shaking) when I picked him up.

To soothe the shivering and shaking leg of your guinea fowl, wrap him in a cozy towel. Make sure the area where he’s separated is warm, around 60-70°F. You can use a heat lamp or a heating pad for poultry, but be careful not to overheat him. Giving him warm water or an electrolyte solution can also help keep him hydrated and warm. Try to keep him calm and minimize handling and stress. Keep a close eye on him, and if the shivering doesn’t stop or gets worse, take him to the vet.

 

[FowlProtector]

He was shivering today (specifically his leg was really shaking) when I picked him up.

When you picked up the guinea fowl, its leg was shaking. It might be because it’s in pain or uncomfortable from the injury. The cold weather could also be making its muscles tense and shiver. And it might be stressed or anxious because it’s been handled or separated from its flock.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Today I noticed he is not putting weight on one leg. He holds that leg up and its shaking. The foot on that leg looks a little smaller than the other leg.

The injured foot is smaller than the healthy foot. On the underside of his injured foot, I see some black spots. But the foot is not red and swollen.

He was shivering today (specifically his leg was really shaking) when I picked him up. He seemed pretty content in my lap getting an epsome salt foot bath. I don't think being separated in a warm place is going to stress him.

Yes, I am wondering if the black spots under his foot were frost bite. Would that cause the atrophy though?

Exactly which foot is he holding up and it's shaking?

The Right foot looks to be a normal size, but the bottom of the foot looks to have some abrasions and perhaps the beginnings of Bumblefoot.

The Left foot looks puffy and swollen. Are there any signs of bruising or injury to that foot?

For the Right Foot, I'd clean it well. You can give it a soak in a warm epsom salts bath. Dry very well. Apply a very thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment on the scabs. Wrap the foot with vet wrap and keep him on clean dry bedding.

Do this daily for a few days, see if the scabs start healing or changing. Take photos daily so you can compare.