Goose Foot - Medical advice sought

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hello all - I recently added three adult African Grey (at least that's what they're purported to be) Geese to my barnyard. noisy little buggers but I like them. one of them has a limp that seems to have worsened. I wrangled her yesterday and inspected her foot. the outside nail was broken and dangling and the hole where it used to be was a black mess. I cut the nail away, applied peroxide, applied Neosporin liberally then wondered if I should or more to the point how I could bandage a goose foot and expect the dressing to stay. there was no obvious indication of swelling or pus and such but something is hurting in there. YICTDAF (yes I checked the durn archives first) :^} so here's some questions:

- is it appropriate to dress a goose foot or would air exposure be better? if it should be dressed suggestions for how-to?

- should I give her an antibiotic? would injection be the way to go? the water soluble drinking water method is complicated by many ducks and more chickens sharing the yard. caging her or isolating her would create major havoc judging from the reactions of the other two when I brought her in the house yesterday.

I'd like to give it a go at patching her up. if that doesn't work I see roast goose on the horizon. this is not a "take her to the vet" situation if you know what I mean. any tips or suggestions greatly appreciated. thanks!

-- B. Lackie - Zone3 (cwrench@hotmail.com), April 03, 2002

Answers

If there is something in there a epsom salt soak in warm water should help bring it to the surface. I have done this with ducks.Peroxide and vasoline are my favorite fixes for critter boo-boo's

-- JB (JBakerBosco@cs.com), April 03, 2002.

The way I've treated injuries to geese feet is to clean it very good, apply a salve called icthamol, and bandage. The bandage wont stay on, but if you have an old large dog kennel, or know someone you can borrow one from, put it near the other new geese and keep your patient in that. If the bandage comes off in the kennel, it won't be as dirty. The salve I mentioned can be found at most drug stores. It is also used in salves for boils as it draws out infection. I had told a carpenter friend about it and he used it to draw out glass shards from his hand, the stuff works great! At any rate, best of luck with your goose! I know I really love mine...all 10 of them! Toni

-- Toni (anothermother@hotmail.com), April 04, 2002.

belated thanks for responding JB and Toni. update for the record: the clipping and cleaning I did seems to have done the trick. that foot is still favored when at rest (habit?) but appears to be fine while on the move. I haven't remembered to look for icthanol when I go to town (yet) but am looking forward to trying it out. cheers.

-- B. Lackie - Zone3 (cwrench@hotmail.com), April 13, 2002.

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